The 2020 u.19 Cricket World Cup has been a brilliant showcase of future stars plying their trade in South Africa this past month. Centuries have been scored, wickets have tumbled and now only 3 teams remain in contention for the grand prize.
India has already qualified for the final and New Zealand and Bangladesh are looking to stake their claim for a spot in the final today (6 February) at the JB Marks Oval in Potch.
Potchefstroom Herald caught up with u.19 2020 Cricket World Cup ambassador and Proteas fast bowling legend, Makhaya Ntini, for his thoughts on the tournament, SA u.19’s struggles, his pick of the top players as well as the upcoming final on Sunday, 9 February.
“The Cricket World Cup has been fantastic in my opinion. Tickets are free and this has made it more available for any one to come and watch. Kids have enjoyed themselves at the grounds and it’s a great atmosphere. Fans from Bloemfontein, Potchefstroom, Kimberley and Benoni, could watch the top players. I think the host cities have done a great job. The feedback has been really positive,” stated Ntini.
South Africa’s performances were not up to standard in the World Cup as they were knocked out at the quarter-final stage against Bangladesh. Their struggle against spin is something that Ntini also mentioned in his review of their performances.
“There were times that the SA youngsters showed character, such as when captain, Bryce Parsons, scored a match winning century against Canada. Overall, their struggles against spin cost them at crucial times. SA needs to go back to the drawing board and develop players at a young age, and identify them at 15 as future Proteas. Development has to start earlier than the u.19 Khaya Majola Week for instance,” emphasised Ntini.
“India is really developing their players from a young age and they get that exposure much quicker to play at a high level with all the pressure. Some players already have IPL contracts. In India they nurse their talent well and it is something SA cricket can learn from,” he added.
The Proteas fast bowling legend mentions that he tipped West Indies as one of the favourites to progress to semi-finals, but unfortunately things did not go their way.
“The West Indians really impressed me in the group stages but they were unlucky against New Zealand. Kirk McKenzie and Jayden Seales of West Indies have played superbly. India has also been brilliant and played their best game against rivals Pakistan in the semi-final. They will be the team to beat in the final against either Bangladesh or New Zealand,” he said.
This Sunday will be the ultimate highlight of the Cricket World Cup show and it promises to end with a bang. Ntini urged supporters to come in their numbers to watch the world future stars in action.
“As a host nation we must support any team and demonstrate that we love the game of cricket. Entrance is free and the vibe will definitely be fantastic,” added Ntini.
The final will take place at the JB Marks Oval on Sunday, 9 February at 10:00.
