World Cup 2019: 3 youngsters who have impressed in this tournament

The league stage of the 2019 World Cup is almost over and we have virtually arrived at the four semi-finalists as well. There were some ups and downs for some teams but the top four teams, which were predicted mid-way will remain the same.

In most probability, Australia will take on New Zealand in the first semi-final while India will take on England in the second knockout clash. However, this can change if Australia lose their last league game and India win their game on Saturday against Sri Lanka.

In the leadup to the knockouts, we saw some really close encounter in the league stages. After a decent start to their campaign, England were forced to win their last two games in order to book a place in the semi-finals. Pakistan were almost in with a chance but the net run-rate and a few other results didn’t go their way.

Bangladesh were really good against most oppositions and fought until the end. India and Australia were clinical whereas New Zealand lost their winning momentum in their last few games.

There were many young players who did not have a lot of game time prior to the World Cup but have still enjoyed some top form in the ongoing competition.

Here, we have a look at three such youngsters who have been in good form for the respective teams.

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#3 Mohammad Saifuddin (Bangladesh)

Mohammad Saifuddin (L) is the third highest-wicket taker for Bangladesh

Mohammad Saifuddin first came to the limelight when he played in the 2016 U-19 World Cup. He was brilliant in that tournament as he picked up 13 wickets in six games. After some good performances for the junior teams, he was picked for the senior side. The 22-year-old seam bowling all-rounder featured in just 13 ODIs before earning a spot in the World Cup side for Bangladesh.

He has been really good with the ball this World Cup as he has picked up ten wickets in six games and is the third highest wicket-taker for Bangladesh after Mustafizur Rahman and Shakib Al Hasan.

Hitting the right line and length, Saifuddin has been used up front in the powerplay overs, in the death overs and in the middle overs as well. His ability to execute the yorkers has also been key.

Even with the bat, he has made some meaningful contributions. Against India, he scored a fifty and was fighting a lone battle at the end. Saifuddin has struck the ball at a strike rate of 122.54 and is certainly one to watch out for in the future.

#2 Babar Azam (Pakistan)

Babar Azam has been in stunning form for Pakistan

Babar Azam is Pakistan's leading run-scorer in the ongoing World Cup 2019 with 378 runs in seven innings at an average of 63. Following him is Mohammad Hafeez, who has 226 runs from seven games. One of his best knocks is when he scored a phenomenal hundred against New Zealand in a run-chase which was a tricky ask for his side.

Whenever Babar has scored 40+ in this World Cup, Pakistan has won the game. In short, Babar Azam's proficiency with the bat in hand has dictated each game's outcome. Having scored the only century in Pakistan's campaign thus far, Azam has two fifties but will be keen on converting his start against Bangladesh.

Azam made an 80-ball 69 against South Africa, a 66-ball 63 against England and could be a key feature of Pakistan's final league stage game against Bangladesh.

#1 Jofra Archer (England)

Jofra Archer is the second highest wicket-taker in the tournament

Prior to the commencement of the World Cup, there was a lot of talk about whether Jofra Archer would be in the England squad or not. He was not picked in the preliminary squad as well. However, based on some fantastic performances in leagues, Archer was drafted into the side.

The move has worked wonders for England as the pacer has jolted the opposition batting with some serious pace and bounce. Operating with the new ball and later in the death overs, Archer's consistency has been a shining point in the hosts' campaign in this World Cup.

Under pressure, Archer has picked up 17 wickets in just nine games and is the second highest wicket-taker in the tournament. England’s bowling became even more dangerous with the addition of Archer and they have certainly found a star for the future.