Under 15 'World Cup' in the West Indies

I thought I'd keep you all updated on individual performances in this Under 15 tournament involving West Indies, Pakistan, Kenya, Malaysia, Ireland, Holland, Bangladesh and the International Cricket Council Americas team.

England, India, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Australia are not taking part for some reason.

The first round started today with West Indies taking on Malaysia and Bangladesh taking on Holland.

14 year old Barbadian Kraigg Braithwaite, a right handed middle order batsman, scored his 27th century in 40 games at Under 15 level with 121 not out. He is the most prolific under 15 batsman in the history of West Indian cricket. He has been described as a young Rahul Dravid with a massive appetite for runs and a habit of keeping the ball on the ground.

Good to hear of talented young WI players.

The thing is, more recently a few big WI names have been stating that youth WI cricket is strong and dismissing the "basketball exodus" theory.

It seems that something goes awry between the age of 19 and development through the first-class set-up and then entry into international cricket. I am sure it is to do with the lack of infra-structure and anything co-ordinated out there.

WIFAN wrote:I thought I'd keep you all updated on individual performances in this Under 15 tournament involving West Indies, Pakistan, Kenya, Malaysia, Ireland, Holland, Bangladesh and the International Cricket Council Americas team.

England, India, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Australia are not taking part for some reason.

The first round started today with West Indies taking on Malaysia and Bangladesh taking on Holland.

14 year old Barbadian Kraigg Braithwaite, a right handed middle order batsman, scored his 27th century in 40 games at Under 15 level with 121 not out. He is the most prolific under 15 batsman in the history of West Indian cricket. He has been described as a young Rahul Dravid with a massive appetite for runs and a habit of keeping the ball on the ground.

So a WI vs Pakistan final expected, WIFAN, why're the other nations not participating?

Not sure why the other nations are not participating. Its a massive shame though.

Here are some short highlights of the Windies win over Malaysia:

Highlights

Maybe coz they won't let their U/15 players take a few weeks out of the middle of the scool year? Education might come first

Looks some good talent there WIFAN

It must have been awesome for the youngsters to play at the Kensington Oval. It's a pity that the bowling wasn't recorded, as one of our young pacers is supposed to have some pretty raw pace for a 14 year old.

It seems that something goes awry between the age of 19 and development through the first-class set-up and then entry into international cricket.

Two words- Girls, alcohol.

Henry wrote:

It seems that something goes awry between the age of 19 and development through the first-class set-up and then entry into international cricket.

Two words- Girls, alcohol.

Or so Henry's heard . . .

Indeed. I preferred mature, experienced mid 30's women and a good solid line of cocaine when I was that age.....

Well the tournament is now over.

Pakistan won the knockout tournament by 2 runs in a tense game. The spin twins, including Qadir's son won them that match.

The Windies then thrashed all the teams in the group tournament. They thrashed Pakistan in the final by 90 runs.

Kraigg Braithwaite was the MVP of both tournaments with 6 scores of 50 and above in 8 innings. His scores were 122 not out, 65 not out, 77, 5, 98, 37 not out, 52 and 82.

General observations were that the Windies were easily the best batting team with one potential superstar in Braithwaite and several other excellent prospects. The Pakistani spinners were the most threatening bowlers, with Windies not far behind. Unfortunately no pacers stood out for any of the teams.

How did Afridi go? ...or was he too young for this tournament?