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The ICC World Cup 2019 is about to reach the halfway mark, and the tournament has had its share of ups and downs. From some enticing encounters to some rain-hit ones, the tournament has kept us all interested. A plethora of runs have been scored so far as the modern day style has transformed the World Cup into a run fest.
Many sides have breached the 300-run mark and it is fair to say that the number isn't threatening anymore. The teams have looked focused and the fans have been delighted to witness the festival of cricket. The quadrennial tournament is undoubtedly the biggest prize in the world of cricket and both players and fans have indulged in this carnival whole-heartedly.
While many batsmen have registered huge scores, there have been some in-form bowlers as well who have been lethal with the ball. With almost half the tournament done, it is time to look at the best players of the tournament so far.
Here, we list down the best XI who are having a brilliant campaign so far.
Openers: Rohit Sharma and Aaron Finch
The 'Hitman' Rohit Sharma has been in stunning form in England this summer. The opener has scored two centuries so far and looks in the form of his life, which is great news for Indian cricket devotees
Rohit's ability to switch gears makes him a potent top order batsman. The Men in Blue will feel confident of their chances at lifting the cup now that Rohit is in such sensational form.
Rohit has scored 319 runs in 3 matches at an impressive strike rate of 97.55.
Rohit is partnered by Aaron Finch at the top as the Victorian has undoubtedly been Australia's ace card this summer. Finch has looked stable at the crease and his presence at the top has been a real blessing for the Australian side.
Finch has scored runs at a good strike rate and with 343 runs to his name, he is also one of the top scorers of the tournament so far.
Finch has played 5 matches so far and holds an average of 68.60 at ICC World Cup 2019.
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Middle Order: Joe Root, Shakib Al Hasan, Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler
Joe Root has been England's anchorman this World Cup and his runs have been crucial to the hosts' dominant victories. The Englishman has been stupendous with the bat and the Barmy Army has been all smiles thanks to his success.
England possess a swashbuckling lineup and Root's form in the ongoing tournament has been like icing on the cake for them.
Root has managed to score 367 runs at a healthy strike rate of 99.72, which places him among the top performers of the tournament.
Shakib Al Hasan is the leading run scorer of ICC World Cup 2019. The Bangladeshi all-rounder has managed to score 384 runs so far which includes two brilliant centuries against England and West Indies.
Shakib has kept Bangladesh in the hunt, and the recent victory over West Indies will give the Asian side a lot of confidence.
The Bangladeshi talisman has slammed 43 fours which is the highest number of 4s recorded by a single player at ICC World Cup 2019.
England's skipper takes the number 5 spot courtesy of his masterclass against Afghanistan. Eoin Morgan scored all around the park in his record-breaking innings of 148 which comprised of 17 sixes. Morgan's presence in the middle is what makes the English side genuine favourites for the trophy.
His blistering knock against Afghanistan helped propel him to the top run scorers' list as he has now scored 249 runs in the ongoing edition.
Jos Buttler completes the English trio in the middle as he too has been in sweet form ever since England's disastrous 2015 World Cup campaign. Buttler's skills behind the stumps have been terrific but the greatest part of his game lies in his explosive batting style which has made fans fall in love with him.
Buttler is like the sharp sword that comes at the end to finish off the opponent in spectacular fashion. He has so far hit one century in the tournament. which came against Pakistan in England's only loss of the tournament.
In total, Buttler has scored 187 runs at a strike rate of 135.51, which expresses his attacking playing style to perfection.
Lower middle order: Hardik Pandya and Lockie Ferguson
Hardik Pandya has been in top form this summer and his exploits with the bat as well as the ball have given India an edge over their opponents. Pandya's ability to hit the ball cleanly has been appreciated by the cricket enthusiasts time and time again.
The Mumbai Indians man played an entertaining knock against Australia where he scored 48 off just 27 balls to help India put on a massive total.
The dynamic all-rounder was also helpful in India's victory over Pakistan as he scored some quick runs along with getting a couple of wickets to his name.
Kane Williamsons' men are unbeaten so far and are looking set to go all way in the tournament. New Zealand have looked one of the most stable units, which is why they've performed better than most other teams.
One exciting aspect of this New Zealand side has been their bowling, which consists of a certain Lockie Ferguson who has been on a roll this summer.
The pacer has been in scintillating form and has caused the batsmen a lot of problems with his accuracy. So far Ferguson has taken 11 wickets in 4 matches, which is a brilliant return for a bowler in his debut World Cup campaign.
Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Mohammad Amir and Jofra Archer
Mitchell Starc has been ruthless with his pace, and his ability to strike at the end has helped Australia win 4 out of 5 matches at this World Cup. The Australian has struck at important times to drag his side back in the game, which is why many consider him one of the greatest fast bowlers of recent times.
With 13 wickets to his name, Starc is amongst the top wicket-takers of the tournament.
Mohammad Amir is often reckoned as one of the fiercest bowlers around and the left-arm pacer has been quite sensational this summer in England. Batsmen have failed to attack him and have often fallen prey to his devastating pace.
Amir has been Pakistan's only bright ray in an otherwise dull campaign so far. His tally of 13 wickets makes him the top wicket-taker of the tournament alongside Starc.
Has there been a more impactful player than Jofra Archer at ICC World Cup 2019? The Barbadian has proved to be a brilliant addition to the English side as his pace is something which makes the hosts complete.
Not many former England bowlers have been known to possess devastating pace but Archer is determined to change the trend. He is stamping his authority on the international scene by displaying some sensational bowling at the ongoing World Cup.
Archer has 12 wickets to his name and looking at his current form, there might be many more to come.
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