After Nepal's shock defeat of South Africa on Thursday, Andrew McGlashan explores other Under-19 upsets in the tournament's history
Bangladesh v West Indies, 1997-98
West Indies had a strong team, with the likes of Chris Gayle, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Marlon Samuels among the players who would go on to have Test careers. But they had messed up the selection, naming seven players over the age limit and failed to qualify for the Super League. The consolation of the Plate was on the cards after Gayle smashed an unbeaten 141 in the final with the West Indies reaching 243. But Bangladesh made mincemeat of the run chase, cantering home with 19 balls to spare. Al Sahariar Rokon guided the team home with 90 after Mehrab Hossain struck 60.
Nepal v Pakistan, 2001-02
A Pakistan side that included Salman Butt and Umar Gul became Nepal's first Under-19 World Cup victim. Normal service appeared to be in operation as Pakistan restricted Nepal to 151 and the run chase looked like a formality. Then, however, the underdogs surged through as the Pakistan batting imploded. Shakti Gauchan grabbed three vital wickets as did Sanjam Regmi. In the end, the margin was a relatively convincing 30 runs, but Pakistan still made it through to the Super League. Nepal, though, had sent out a warning to other teams in the future.
Bangladesh v India, 2001-02
Perhaps not the biggest upset, Bangladesh were becoming a regular force at Under-19 level, but it was an extraordinary match. A pitch that was two-paced and produced some testing lift from a good length resulted in misery for all batsmen. India, who included Partiv Patel, were skittled for 77 in 32.4 overs, losing Paul Valthaty when a ball got through his visor and he needed a trip to hospital. But India gave it their all to try and defend the tiny target and at 64 for 8 they had almost got away with it. But Ali Aram held firm with an unbeaten 12, while the No. 10, Ashiqur Rahman, faced 26 balls for his unbeaten 0.
Australia v Zimbabwe, 2003-04
Australia were cruising at 37 without loss, in the eighth over, before Zimbabwe caused a shock. Theo Doropoulos was bowled by Tinashe Panyangara - of Champions Trophy fame when he bowled a 13-ball over against England in 2004 - who then ran through the line-up in stunning fashion. He ended with 6 for 31, the second-best figures in the tournament's history. Eleven overs later Australia were all out for a paltry 73 as Elton Chigumbura chipped in with 4 for 17. In reply, Zimbabwe slipped to 5 for 2 but Sean Williams made an unbeaten 37 to guide the team home and push Australia into the Plate Championship - where they then lost to Bangladesh.
Nepal v South Africa, 2003-04
South Africa probably realised they were in trouble when the draw of the 2006 World Cup led them to meet Nepal. And the teams have a history. Their clash in this tournament was another thriller, going down to the final over as Nepal squeezed home with two balls, and one wicket, to spare. South Africa were in tatters at 62 for 7, before Keagan Africa rescued the side with an unbeaten 52. Manjeet Shrestha was the chief destroyer with 4 for 15, then Nepal's chase was anchored by a battling half-century from the captain, Shakti Gauchan, who withstood the efforts of Africa and Chris Alexander to rescue South Africa.
