ICC World Cup 2019: Ranking the openers of each team

#6 West Indies

Chris Gayle and Shai Hope.

Opening Choices- Chris Gayle, Shai Hope, and Evin Lewis

West Indies are one team which revolves around their opening batsmen, and these heavyweight opening batsmen must fire. Chris Gayle will undoubtedly be looked upon as the aggressor and the 'universe boss' will look to carry on his great IPL form to the WC. He has seen a huge change in fortunes in the ODI format since the series against England and can really tear the opposition apart.

Shai Hope, meanwhile has been a revelation for West Indies and has shined in all formats for the side and has scored runs at will. He’ll be the one to play a sheet anchor role and carry the innings forward. Evin Lewis is an able backup for these two and has a decent ODI record.

All in all, the Windies have a strong opening pair who can, however, succumb due to the team’s dependency on them.

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#5 South Africa

Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla

Opening Choices- Quinton De Kock, Hashim Amla, Rassie Van Der Dussen, and Aiden Markram

South Africa are strong contenders for the World Cup even without AB de Villiers and their opening pair is one of their biggest strengths this time.

Quinton de Kock is in the form of his life when it comes to ODIs and his swashbuckling style of batting combined with his resolve to protect his wicket makes him a real gem of a player up top. Hashim Amla too will be an important player and his classy, patient innings will be the kind which South Africa will want.

They also have able backups in Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen.

All in all, South Africa have a very strong top order, most of which is from their openers.

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