Under 19 Cricket World Cup: Did South Africa find its next pace hero in Kwena Maphaka?

Under 19 Cricket World Cup: South Africa's Kwena Maphaka, a fiery pace sensation, has been crowned as the 'Player of the Tournament' at the recently concluded ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2024. The sensational bowler claimed the title by outshining formidable talents like Ubaid Shah, Saumy Pandey, Musheer Khan, Jewel Andrew, Hugh Weibgen, Uday Saharan, and even his compatriot Steve Stolk.

Several records tumble in U19 Cricket World Cup

Maphaka's fiery bowling mastery was undeniable throughout the tournament. Although he fell just one wicket short of the record set by Bangladesh's Enamul Haque Jr. in 2014, Maphaka recorded his name in history by becoming the first player to claim three five-wicket hauls in a single edition of the U19 World Cup. He scalped 21 wickets in the tournament. 

The incredible performance throughout the tournament adds Maphaka to the distinguished list of previous recipients, alongside South African young sensation Dewald Brevis. With this recognition, Maphaka has firmly established himself as a player to watch, destined for greatness in the cricketing world.

Australia clinches fourth U19 Cricket World Cup title

Earlier, Australia defeated India by 79 runs in the ICC Under 19 World Cup 2024 finals to clinch their fourth title. Opting to bat first, Australia posted 253/7 in 50 Overs. Chasing the target, India lost wickets in regular intervals and crumbled to 174/10. Australia's Mahli Beardman won the Player of the Match award. 

Watch the highlights of the ICC Under 19 World Cup 2024 finals here:

Here's the full list of players who won the prestigious 'Player of the Tournament' in U19 Cricket World Cup:

     Year          Player of the Tournament

• 1988         Not awarded
• 1998         Not awarded
• 2000        Yuvraj Singh
• 2002        Tatenda Taibu
• 2004        Shikhar Dhawan
• 2006        Cheteshwar Pujara
• 2008        Tim Southee
• 2010         Dominic Hendricks
• 2012         Will Bosisto
• 2014         Aiden Markram
• 2016         Mehedi Hasan
• 2018         Shubman Gill
• 2020        Yashasvi Jaiswal
• 2022        Dewald Brevis
• 2024        Kwena Maphaka