The 2017 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy has boiled down to the final clash between India and Pakistan. The journey to the summit clash has witnessed some of the most riveting cricket one could ever expect to see.
Before the start of such a big event, all eyes are always on a few select players who are expected to do well for their sides. This tournament has been no different. There have been some outstanding performances from the best players in the world.
Also read: ICC Champions Trophy: 5 best performances from Pakistan's Road to the Final that don't fade away
On that note, let’s take a look at the players who matched expectations.
#1 Virat Kohli
India’s skipper came into the tournament on the back of a mediocre IPL. But he put all that behind him and made an immediate impact. Kohli played a wonderful knock of 81* off 68 balls in the first match against arch-rivals Pakistan.
Although he got out for a duck against Sri Lanka, that is the only occasion so far that he has been dismissed. He made a terrific comeback and scored 76 against South Africa and 96 against Bangladesh in the semi-final.
His tally thus far reads 253 runs in four innings at a strike rate of 100.4. As he has been dismissed only once, he has a monstrous average of 253.
#2 Joe Root
A lot was expected of the modern great from England and he did live up to the expectations. Root began with a superb 133 off 129 balls against Bangladesh that helped his side chase down a total of 305.
He came good against New Zealand as well, making 64. Root’s only failure came against Australia where got out for just 15. In the semi-final against Pakistan where it mattered the most, he scored 46 but was dismissed after a great start which ultimately meant England crashed out of the tournament.
In total, he accounted for 258 runs from four innings at an average of 86 and a strike rate of 97.73.
#3 Kane Williamson
The Kiwi skipper made a magnificent century against Australia in the first game but luck didn’t favour his side as rain forced an abandonment.
In the next match against England, Williamson scored 87 in the pursuit of 311 but post his dismissal, the team collapsed, resulting in defeat. He was amongst the runs once again in the next game, scoring 57 against Bangladesh, but his side lost the encounter and were knocked out.
Williamson finished with 244 runs from three innings at an astonishing average of 81.33 and a strike rate of 92.42.
#4 Tamim Iqbal
The veteran left-hander turned out to be Bangladesh's best batsman. Tamim started off with a steady 128 off 142 balls against England but his team ended up losing.
Next, versus Australia, he scored 95 and his only failure came against New Zealand where he got out for 0.
Once more, in the semis against India, he scored a decent 70 but post his dismissal, the side lost momentum and failed to set a big target ultimately resulting in their elimination.
The 28-year-old was the leading run-scorer in the competition until Shikhar Dhawan took over. Tamim managed 293 runs in four innings at an average of 73.25 and a strike rate of 86.18.
#5 Ben Stokes
The million dollar man of IPL 2017 was once again the centre of attention. In the first game against Bangladesh, he didn’t get to bat but managed to bag one wicket. He then followed it up with 48 runs and a wicket against New Zealand
His best performance came against Australia where he first picked up a wicket and then scored a match-winning 102 off 109 balls that helped England chase 280 even after being reduced to 35/3.
In the semi-final against Pakistan, Stokes was forced to bat with the tail and managed 34 off 64 balls without hitting a single boundary against a quality bowling attack.
Stokes amassed 184 runs from three innings at an average of 92 and a strike rate of 81.42 to go with three wickets with the ball.
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