5 youngest players to play the ODI World Cup

The ODI World Cup is arguably the biggest competition of the sport across formats and the forthcoming edition will be played in India in October-November in India. While the host nation will have their chance to obtain a core team as they will play the Asia Cup in September, it remains to be seen if they can clinch another ODI title at home after nearly a decade.

In any case, team India will look to put their best foot forward once the event commences and top the World Cup points Table. Though the teams usually prefer banking on their seasoned players, there have been occasions when young players have donned the national outfit in the ODI World Cup. With this, we take a look at the three youngest players to have played the ODI World Cup-

5. Malachi Jones | 17y 266d | Bermuda

Malachi Jones became one of the youngest players to feature in a World Cup match when he played against team India in the 2007 ICC World Cup. At 17 years and 266 days, Jones became the fifth youngest player to attain an impressive record. Speaking about his performance, Jones proved to be quite expensive as he leaked 74 runs in his seven overs at a dismal economy of 10.57. However, a claimed the solitary wicket of opener Robin Uthappa.

4. Thomas Odoyo | 17y 282d | Kenya

In the 1996 World Cup in Cuttack, India, Thomas Odoyo marked his first appearance in a World Cup match against India. At 17 years and 282 days, he became Kenya's youngest cricketer to feature in a WC match and also became the fourth player overall to do so. In his three overs against the home side, Odoyo gave 22 runs at an economy of 7.33 and also added eight runs to his account off 18 balls.

3. Sudath Pasqual | 17y 237d | Sri Lanka

In the second match of the World Cup in 1979 against New Zealand, Sri Lanka decided to play Sudath Pasqual, who eventually went on to become one of the youngest players to feature in a ODI World Cup match. At 17 years and 237 days, the young pacer returned impressive bowling figures, as he gave just 20 runs in his 4.4 overs at an economy of 4.28.

2. Alexei Kervezee | 17y 186d | Netherlands

Netherlands' Alexei Kervezee at 17 years and 186 days surpassed Pasqual's record of being the youngest player to make an appearance in a World Cup game against South Africa in the 2007 event. Coming in at no. 3, Kervezee failed to create any impact as he could only manage to get 17 runs off 52 balls during his stay at the crease. Netherlands eventually lost the contest by 221 runs.

1. Talha Jubair | 17y 70d | Bangladesh

In the 2003 World Cup, Bangladesh's Talha Jubair became the youngest player to play in the history of the ODI World Cup. Jubair was only 17 years and 70 days old when he played against the West Indies. The match yielded no result as rain lashed down at the venue. He is also the youngest player to play in the ICC Champions Trophy.