TOPIC:

I know there has been comments on other threads about this, particularly given Lloyd Popes performance the other day, but I I thought I might start a separate discussion given that the tournament is reaching its pointy end. I was absolutely staggered to see that the hosts New Zealand were humiliated to the tune of 202 runs by Afghanistan in todays Quarter final. It is just amazing how fast their cricket is developing, particularly given the challenges their players have had to go through coming from a war torn country. Players such as Rashid Khan have made a big impact in the BBL this year. I can see them becoming a powerhouse of the game over the next 10 years given their recent progress and the barriers they have faced.
Australia will need to be at their very best to beat them in the semi final of this tournament.

Yes Mike...and good on them too. When the Afghani's say the wicket was a mine field they literally mean it.

Mikeh I watched the Afghans beat the Pakiscin game 1 mate, they had no probs beating them. Think the Aussies will win, not because of Pope either....Aust fast boys will trouble the Afghan batters.....plus Sangha found some crucial runs v Eng and will hopefully show his class in the big games as will Sutherland. Also Max Bryant from Qld is due a score too...watch out for him.

Come end of the day India should win....their opening bat and skipper Shaw is an absolute gun and will be touring Aust this summer with Kohli et al

Pretty comprehensive win by the Indians, Aust bowlers had nothing and India took wickets at regular intervals which Aust failed to do. Some very soft dismissals from the Aust batsmen, but kudos to India for their win.....in some respect pleased Pope got knocked around, hopefully takes some heat off the guy, long way to go in his development.... hopefully that 8/35 is a precursor to loftier achievements in years to come. Aust big guns in Bryant, Sangha and Sutherland failed to fire.....pity Green didn't play from WA....good bowler and pity injury has curtailed his bowling this year.

Our spinners were not helped by the rain during the Indian innings which made it difficult to grip the ball (Pope seemed reluctant to bowl his wrongun) but we were outclassed twice by India during the tournament who have some pretty exciting young batsmen like Manjot, Gill, Shaw & co.
Looking at some of the highlights from previous U/19 World Cups a lot have gone on to be current stars in world cricket but wondering what ever happened to the Indian opener Chand from the 2012 WC who smashed an unbeaten century vs Aust he seemed to have every shot in the book but hasnt seemed to kick on into International cricket as would have been expected?