Moment of the Year
India win their fourth U19 Cricket World Cup title
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Prithvi Shaw ended 2018 having claimed a maiden Test century for India, but prior to his run-fest against the West Indies in October, he captained India to glory in the ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand at the start of the year. It was the champions' fourth title, anchored primarily by the runs of Shubman Gill. Australia were the opponents in the final, swept away by another brilliant young Indian side, a comfortable eight-wicket win taking them to the top of the world.
Ireland and Afghanistan make their men's Test debuts
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After attaining full-member status in 2017, 2018 saw Ireland and Afghanistan make their Test debuts. For Afghanistan, an innings defeat at the hands of India will offer them lessons for the future, while Ireland offered a stern test to Pakistan in May, as Kevin O'Brien lit up Malahide with his country's first ever hundred in the format. It was another step forward for two nations who have made giant leaps forward in international cricket over the last decade.
Afghanistan come back from the brink to qualify for CWC19
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A horrendous showing in the group stages of the 2018 ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier threatened to derail Afghanistan's chances of reaching the 2019 tournament. A sole victory over Nepal ensured passage to the Super Sixes where they showed their true colours, a famous last-over win against Ireland sealing a spot at their second 50-over World Cup. Victory over West Indies in the final was the cherry on top of the cake, a seven-wicket win inspired by Mohammad Shahzad seeing Afghanistan end their time in Zimbabwe in style.
Australia cruise to ICC Women's World T20 title in the Caribbean
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Two weeks in the Caribbean, ten teams and at the end it was the Southern Stars who triumphed once again, champions of the ICC Women's World T20 for the fourth time. Despite a minor blip in the group stages – a 48-run loss to India – Australia's run to the final was comfortable, where they faced their old foes, England. On the most crucial stage, the competition's most successful team were unfazed, Ashleigh Gardner's all-round Player of the Match performance sealing a famous eight-wicket win.