Pathirana narrowly misses out on Player of the Tournament award

Although it was the India team that lifted the ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup after the thrilling final in Kinrara Oval, there was consolation for the side India beat in the semi-final, New Zealand, as its opening bowler Tim Southee was named as the Player of the Tournament for his remarkable overall performance.

Southee saw off stiff competition from Sri Lanka’s talented batsman Sachith Pathirana, who ended with nine points. Another point further back was Nepal’s inspirational captain Paras Khadka and Virat Kohli of India.

Southee has been the stand-out bowler of the event with his consistent line and length, coupled with good pace and a real competitive edge. The Northland man finished on 11 points, two ahead of his nearest rival, despite having played one game fewer than some of his rivals.

The points were allocated by the ICC umpires at each match with those officials awarding three points for their choice as man of the match, second choice getting two points and the third pick receiving one.

Those points were then added up to produce the Player of the Tournament. All matches, including those in the Super League play-offs and final as well as the Plate Championship, were included in the process.

In the five U/19 CWC 2008 matches he played, Southee took 17 wickets at a remarkable average of just 6.64 and an almost as impressive economy rate of 2.52 runs per over. He took 5-11 in one game against Zimbabwe at Johor Cricket Academy.

Final Player of the Tournament points standings

ELEVEN
Tim Southee (NZ) 2, 2, 2, 3, 2
NINE
Sachith Pathirana (SL) 2, 3, 2, 2
EIGHT
Paras Khadka (Nep) 2, 3, 3
Virat Kohli (Ind) 2, 3, 3