ICC World T20 2016: 5 players from associate nations that grabbed attention

The ICC World T20 2016 is past us and we have a new champion. The participating teams put their foot forward and displayed tremendous application and provided entertainment for the crowds.

The pitches used too have to be given credit for their varying nature that forced teams to formulate strategies accordingly and the teams that read the conditions did better than the others.

Many players too bolstered their reputation along the way. While there were usual suspects in the form of Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Martin Guptill among others, there were players from the associate nations that in many ways grabbed the attention of the audience. These players gave a solid account of themselves and were not in any way hassled by the reputation of the ‘bigger’ teams, and hence their play and performance will linger for a longer time.

Here are 5 players that demanded more opportunities for their teams, and it can only be good for cricket in general.

1.) Mohammmad Shahzad (Afghanistan)

Much has been said and written about the spirit of Afghanistan and their wicket keeper and opening batsman Mohammad Shahzad typifies that very spirit. He plays his game in a very unfiltered manner and displays raw emotions on the field. He takes the attack to the opposition and is not flustered even if he looks ugly during his shot making. He acquired cult status and became a definite crowd favourite. He laughed and jeered at opposition players but hen after the match would be the first to go and laugh it all off. He is cocky, natural and bold and his naturally gifted to entertain.

The audience would never mind getting more of Shahzad anytime, everytime. He is bulky and pants after every double, but then he is what our game wants, a person who competes and enjoys the competition.

2.) Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)

The young leg-spinner is one to watch out for

The young leg spinner has befuddled opposition batsman with his guile. Of course he is not a finished product but the young prodigy has impressed one and all with his control and variations. He is a genuine wicket-taker and being 17 has a very long to way, but he has shown ebough promise for people to now track his growth very closely.

He was the vital cog in the victory against the West Indies, and if he keeps improving and working on his game, can be the next big thing in cricket.

3.) Stephan Myburgh (Netherlands)

Stephan Myburgh has been brilliant all the way for Netherlands

Stephan Myburgh opens the batting for the Netherlands and ever since his debut in 2012 has been a dominant force for the orange brigade.

He is a hard hitting left-hander who goes for the full monty right from ball one is especially strong on the leg side. He is the highest scorer for the Dutch in this version, and people love to watch him tee off from ball one with unbridled freedom.

No wonder he was the fan’s favourites when it came down to picking up fantasy teams during the qualifying stages.

4.) Kevin O’Brien (Ireland)

Kevin O’Brien has been instrumental with both bat and ball for Ireland

The burly all-rounder shot into prominence into world cricket when he smashed a 50-ball century against England in the 2011 Cricket World Cup in Bangalore. He has gone from strength to strength and has been a pivotal player for Ireland.

He is without a doubt a poster boy for Ireland, and rightly so has been a great performer for them. Fans all round the tournament have always looked towards him for a match-winning performance. He is handy with the ball as well and is mighty effective in the field as well.

He has made his way into English counties and has also ventured in the Carribean Premier League, the Bangladesh Premier League with great success. A certain fan favourite.

5.) Mark Chapman (Hong Kong)

The 21-year old has a very bright future ahead

The 21-year-old already had established a name for himself when he made vital contributions of 30 and 40 in World T20 Qualifier wins over Ireland and Afghanistan.

He was useful in the tournament too with his more than handy left-arm spin and agile fielding. He has already been earmarked for great success in the future and his journey has only just started.

Domestically he applies his trade for Auckland and people are already giving him great raps. A certain fan favourite and a vital cog for in the near future.