The ICC Under-19 World Cup that concluded in Dubai on 1 March showcased some of the most exciting young talent in world cricket. 

South Africa were crowned champions thanks an incredible team effort but throughout the tournament there have been a number of players who have caught the eye with their sensational performances. 

Therefore, Sport360° decided it was time to pick five youngsters who have the potential to become superstars in the game. 

Aidan Markram: South Africa (pictured above)

Age: 19 years
Right-hand batsman & Captain 
Runs: 370
Average: 123.33

Was a surprise choice for captaincy, but the opener justified it by leading the side admirably. Equally impressive was the calm and composed manner in which he scored his runs, including two centuries, which saw him emerge as the top run-getter for his team. 

Imam-ul Haq (Pakistan)

Age: 18 years
Left-hand batsman
Runs: 382 
Average: 63.66

Before the U19 World Cup began he made news as Inzamam-ul Haq’s nephew, but by the time the tournament ended, Imam’s batting skills became the talking point. The bespectacled opener hit a century and two fifties and was the second highest run-getter in the tournament. His ability to tackle pace and spin with ease was another highlight.

Nicholas Pooran: West Indies

Age: 18 years
Left-hand bat and wicketkeeper
Runs: 303 
Average: 60.60

The Trinidadian, who idolises MS Dhoni, played the most spectacular innings of the U19 World Cup in the quarter-final against Australia, smashing 143 off 160 balls after the West Indies were down 70- 8. He has an amazing ability to clear the field, and did it 14 times in the tournament, drawing comparisons with Chris Gayle.

Kuldeep Yadav: India

Age: 19 years
Left-arm chinaman
Wickets: 14 
Average: 16.42

He was the odd man in the tournament as the only chinaman bowler. And he didn’t disappoint by claiming the only hat-trick of the tournament, which incidentally was also the country’s and his first. Such spinners are a rarity in international cricket but Yadav has the bag of tricks to carve a niche for himself in the future.

Kagiso Rabada: South Africa

Age: 18 years
Right-arm fast bowler
Wickets: 14 
Average: 10.28

The tall and well-built Johannesburg-born pacer rattled all batsmen with his raw speed and regularly clocked 140kmph. Ask the Australians who felt it the most as Rabada claimed 6-25 in the semi-final. The teenager is a huge fan of Dale Steyn and looks good to step into his idol’s shoes soon.