ICC CWC 2019: 5 batsmen most likely to be the highest individual run scorer in the tournament

The ICC World Cup 2019 is scheduled to be hosted by England and Wales from 30th May to 14th July 2019. All the teams contending in the competition look amazingly eager to lift the coveted trophy. Judging by the quality and the balance of each squad, it is going to be an evenly matched competition.

Generally, batsmen play a decisive role in the triumph of their individual teams. High scoring batters ensure that a particular team stay ahead of their opponents. Doubtlessly, we can anticipate some great batting all through the competition.

The current period in cricket is arguably dominated by batsmen. The rise of T20 leagues around the world contributes to this. Thus, limited overs cricket featuring top teams has got action-packed these days, with high totals becoming increasingly common.

While bowlers are sure to have their moments by putting forth a strong effort and grabbing wickets, batsmen would try to give their absolute best to handle them and save their team from a landslide. This article looks at the five batsmen who are capable of registering the highest individual score at the 2019 World Cup.

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#5 Martin Guptill

Martin Guptill

Martin Guptill scored consistently during the previous World Cup. The fearless opening batsman scored the most runs in the tournament with 547 runs in nine matches which contributed to New Zealand reaching the final.

Guptill also scored a double century in the 2015 tournament and became the highest individual run scorer. The feat also made him the first New Zealander to score an ODI double hundred. The 32-year-old's recent form also looks good.

Out of the 10 ODI matches he played so far in 2019, Guptill has notched three centuries. The team would have a lot of hope on him to deliver at this World Cup. Thus, there are heavy chances of the Blackcaps opener repeating his 2015 feat all over again.

#4 Fakhar Zaman

Fakhar Zaman

Fakhar Zaman is the first ODI double centurion from Pakistan. Although he achieved the feat against Zimbabwe, it came as a result of a splendid batting display. Zaman is also the fastest batsman to score 1000 ODI runs.

As far as his current form is concerned, the 29-year-old notched a century in Pakistan's recent tour of England. Therefore, expectations are high on the southpaw to become the highest individual run scorer of this year's World Cup.

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#3 Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle is set to make a record fifth World Cup appearance this year. Though the 39-year-old has considerably slowed down, still he remains a powerful striker of the cricket ball. Recently, he amassed 424 runs from just four ODI matches in Windies' tour of England.

The Universe Boss is also the first ODI double centurion from West Indies. Gayle achieved the feat in the previous World Cup. Considering his recent form and World Cup accomplishments, the Jamaican legend looks likely to get the highest individual score.

#2 Jonny Bairstow

Jonny Bairstow

The stage is set for Jonny Bairstow to make an impact. The hard-hitter has been in tremendous form as of late. In a recent ODI match against Pakistan at Bristol, Bairstow scored 128 runs in 93 balls, the highest individual score by an England player in the series.

Playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, Bairstow notched the highest individual score of the 2019 IPL with 114 runs from just 56 balls at a strike rate of 203.57. The familiar conditions at England would ensure an enjoyable batting experience for Bairstow.

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#1 Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma is without a doubt the most unique cricketer ever and has the maximum probability of setting a record score in the 2019 World Cup. Having three double centuries to his name in ODI cricket looks like an unimaginable achievement.

Rohit's IPL form was not great this year. However, an ODI century against Australia in early 2019 at Sydney shows that his ODI form is unblemished. India's middle order conundrum might motivate the opener to get the highest individual score in the tournament.