Under-15 Final likely to provide emotional climax

Notwithstanding the odd disappointing match (and the slightly meaningless edge to one or two of the preliminary fixtures), it is fair to say that the Under-15 Costcutter World Challenge has been a remarkably successful showcase of youth cricket. On that basis, it would be entirely fitting if today's Final - between Pakistan and West Indies at Lord's - proved to be a match of high quality. There are many reasons to assume that it will be.

Flair and unrestrained talent have long been the hallmarks of Pakistan teams in the international arena and, in this junior version, there is very little difference. Although they only finished second in their group to South Africa, the Pakistanis have devoted themselves to the cause of playing entertaining and high caliber cricket all the way through this event. From their ambidextrous spinner Mohammed Naeem down, they have exhibited great skill (not to mention wholehearted enthusiasm) and have been quick to gain a devoted legion of fans across each of the cities they have visited.

Likewise, the West Indians - under the coaching of no less a figure than Gus Logie - have caught and maintained the eye strongly. While their position in the Final is considered more of a surprise than that of their opponents, it is no less a tribute to their determination or the quality of their performances. In fact, the youngsters from the Caribbean have been very much at the heart of the tournament's success: their thrilling last over semi-final win over South Africa and, before that, their extraordinary tie with pre-tournament favourites, India, undoubtedly the two marquee games of the tournament. Watch for the thrilling Lendl Simmons (the nephew of former international, Phil) with the bat in this one.

Stating which side will win is as fraught with danger as making predictions about which among the members of the two teams will develop into successful first class (and ultimately maybe even international) cricketers in the future. Having said that, though, not all predictions are futile - for it is almost certain that, with a crowd of several thousand to witness it at the home of cricket, this should be a charged and emotional climax to a very enjoyable tournament