The UAE will be playing host to some of the most talented young cricketers from across the globe in the coming weeks as the ICC U19 World Cup kicks-off on Friday 14 February.
With 16 teams competing to lift the coveted trophy, you can be assured of some top class cricket as the future stars of the game attempt to catch the eye in this exciting 50-over tournament.
The 2012 edition saw Ashton Agar impress for Australia and Quinton de Kock excel for South Africa, with both players going on to respresent their countries at senior level.
So just who should you look out for this year? Sport360° decided to make things easy with our guide to the best five players on show.
Vijay Zol – Batsman – India
One of only two survivors from India’s winning squad of 2012, Zol was the man-of-the-match in the 2013 Asia Cup final thanks to a supreme century. If he is able to produce his best form with the bat in the upcoming games then Indian have a great chance of defending their title.
Ryan Higgins – Batsman – England
If England want to advance in this tournament then they will need this explosive batsman to fire on all cyclinders. Singled out by coaching staff at Middlesex as a future star, Higgins will be looking to repeat his heroics in the UAE where he scored consistently throughout the tri-series tournament last year.
Sami Aslam – Batsman – Pakistan
The aggressive batsman opens the innings and on his day can destroy the bowlers with his powerful and accurate stroke play. Aslam impressed with some big scores on his last outing in the UAE in last year’s Asia Cup – hitting two centuries – and it’s only a matter of time before he graduates to the senior squad.
Anuk Fernando – All Rounder – Sri Lanka
Earlier this year, Fernando took four wickets and scored a vital 25 not out to guide Sri Lanka Under-19s to a two-wicket win over Australia, giving them a 3-0 series win. Sri Lanka will be looking to build their bowling performance around Fernando as he continues his good form stepping into the tournament.
Ben McDermott – Wicketkeeper – Australia
The son of Australian fast bowler Craig McDermott, Ben is a skilful stroke-maker and is assured behind the stumps thanks to his excellent glove work. His efforts with the bat at the Under-19 National Championships grabbed the attention of state selectors, with McDermott belting a memorable 169.
