(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2025: Teams Outside the Super Round Still Shine
The WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2025 presented by RAXUS delivered thrilling action, featuring 50 high-quality games that highlighted the very best in youth baseball. Team USA claimed the championship in a highly competitive edition where no team went unbeaten.
While the spotlight is often on the top six teams, those finishing from 7th to 12th place also had plenty to celebrate:
Cuba – 7th Place
Cuba may not dominate as it once did, but their 5-3 record shows promise. Despite struggling to score against powerhouses like Japan, Puerto Rico, and Korea, their pitching was outstanding. With a collective 1.06 ERA and opponents batting just .192, Cuba’s strength on the mound remains their biggest asset.
Australia – 8th Place
Australia fell just short of the Super Round for the third consecutive tournament. Their batting lineup shined, boasting the best batting average in the event, but pitching troubles cost them key games. With such strong hitting, the Aussies will be a team to watch in the future.
Italy – 9th Place
Italy’s pitching (3.90 ERA) left room for improvement, but their memorable showdown against host nation Japan stood out. Playing in a packed stadium against the defending champions, Italy impressed with sharp pitching and tight defense — a performance that suggests they can compete with the world’s best.
Germany – 10th Place
Germany’s journey was one of the best stories of the tournament. They narrowly missed the Super Round after a tough matchup against bronze medalists Chinese Taipei. The Europeans displayed balance, resilience, and the ability to handle pressure, proving themselves as serious contenders in years to come.
China – 11th Place
As the next U-18 World Cup hosts, China left Japan with valuable experience and a morale-boosting win over South Africa. Their close contest with Italy also showed how much their baseball program is improving. The future looks promising for Chinese baseball.
South Africa – 12th Place
South Africa ended their campaign on a positive note, defeating Germany in their final game. Their competitive outings against Italy and Germany highlighted progress and determination — encouraging signs for a growing baseball nation.
The U-18 Baseball World Cup 2025 proved that even teams outside the top spots delivered inspiring performances. From Cuba’s pitching strength to South Africa’s resilient finish, the tournament showcased the depth of global baseball talent and set the stage for even more exciting competitions ahead.
