“Six Indian T20 World Cup Stars Featured in Team of the Tournament”
T20 World Cup Stars Shine: Top Performers of the Tournament
Rohit Sharma set the stage alight with his aggressive batting at the top of the order. Amassing 257 runs at an average of 36.71 and an impressive strike-rate of 156.7, Sharma consistently provided strong starts for India. His three fifties in eight games showcased his consistency, with his standout performances being a blistering 92 off 41 balls against Australia and a crucial 57 off 39 balls in the semi-final. As captain, he admirably led India to their first T20 World Cup title in 17 years.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz of Afghanistan emerged as a key player, forming a formidable opening partnership with Ibrahim Zadran. Gurbaz accumulated 281 runs at an average of 35.12 and a strike-rate of 124.33. His notable innings included scores of 76 against Uganda, 80 against New Zealand, 60 against Australia, and 43 against Bangladesh, finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer and spearheading Afghanistan’s journey to the semi-finals.
Nicholas Pooran reinforced his reputation as one of the best T20 batters with 228 runs at an average of 38.0 and a strike-rate of 146.15. Despite his high-risk batting style, Pooran’s consistency shone through, particularly with a remarkable 98 against Afghanistan, the highest individual score in the tournament. His efforts were critical in guiding the West Indies through the competition.
Suryakumar Yadav contributed significantly from the middle order for India, scoring 199 runs at an average of 28.42 and a strike-rate of 135.37. His two half-centuries and vital 47 in the semi-final against England highlighted his ability to perform under pressure. Additionally, Yadav’s fielding brilliance, including a spectacular catch in the final, made him an invaluable asset.
Marcus Stoinis of Australia proved to be a versatile player, scoring 169 runs at a strike-rate of 164.07 and taking 10 wickets with an economy of 8.88. His standout performances came against Oman and Scotland, showcasing his ability to deliver in crucial moments. Despite Australia’s early exit, Stoinis’s all-around contributions were noteworthy.
Hardik Pandya played a pivotal role in India’s success, scoring 144 runs at a strike-rate of 151.57 and taking 11 wickets with an economy of 7.64. His impactful cameos with the bat and crucial breakthroughs with the ball, especially in the final against South Africa, were instrumental in India’s title win. Pandya’s consistency in scoring over 20 runs in four successive matches and his decisive slower ball in the final underscored his importance to the team.
Axar Patel showcased his all-round abilities with 92 runs at a strike-rate of 139.39 and nine wickets with an economy of 7.86. His adaptability in different roles and impactful performances, including a crucial 47 in the final and a match-winning 3/23 in the semi-final, highlighted his value to India’s championship run.
Rashid Khan led Afghanistan with distinction, taking 14 wickets at an average of 12.78 and an economy of 6.17. His standout performances included 4/23 against Bangladesh and 4/17 against New Zealand, which were crucial in Afghanistan’s historic semi-final entry. Rashid’s leadership and clutch performances solidified his status as a top T20 bowler.
Jasprit Bumrah was India’s trump card, taking 15 wickets at an average of 8.26 and an economy of 4.17, the best ever in a single edition of the men’s T20 World Cup. His ability to restrict the scoring rate made him the Player of the Tournament and a key figure in India’s title win.
Arshdeep Singh matched Bumrah’s wicket tally with 17 wickets at an average of 12.64 and an economy of 7.16. His early Powerplay spells and critical contributions, including a vital wicket and a brilliant penultimate over in the final, were pivotal in India’s success.
Fazalhaq Farooqi of Afghanistan also took 17 wickets, with an impressive average of 9.41 and an economy of 6.31. His standout 5/9 against Uganda and four-wicket haul against New Zealand were key in Afghanistan’s semi-final run. Farooqi’s ability to make early inroads into the opposition batting line-ups made him a standout performer.
As the 12th man, Anrich Nortje from South Africa delivered with 15 wickets at an average of 13.4 and an economy of 5.74. His remarkable 4/7 against Sri Lanka and consistent wicket-taking ability made him a valuable player, especially in the final where he recorded figures of 2/26.
These players, with their exceptional performances, were rightfully named in the Team of the Tournament, highlighting their significant contributions to their respective teams in the T20 World Cup.
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Author:- Apoorva Arora