World Cup 2019: Top 5 tournament debutants to watch out for

#4 Babar Azam

Pakistan v New Zealand - 3rd One Day International

Touted in the media as Pakistan's Virat Kohli, this 24-year old Lahore batsman certainly is one of the promising ones. Seems like the land of fast bowlers has managed to produce a batting prodigy.

Currently the No. 5 ODI batsman in the ICC rankings, Babar Azam has scored 2462 runs in 59 ODI appearances at an impressive average of 51.29. Since making his debut he has been instrumental in Pakistan's victories. On 29 occasions Pakistan has won with Azam in the side, his average bumps up to 85.94. Whereas in 28 losing occasions, he averages just 28.10.

Pakistan is a team which can never be written off no matter their form before the tournament. They surprised everyone by clinching the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017. And if they were to surprise us again, Azam will be relied upon to score big.

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#5 Rashid Khan

BBL - Strikers v Heat

When the World Cup 2019 will begin, Rashid Khan will not have turned 21. But, there's hardly anyone who is not already excited for this prodigious wrist spinner to spread his brilliance in the World Cup.

Rashid sits at No. 3 in the ICC ODI Bowling Rankings and No. 1 in the All-rounder Rankings. In 57 ODI appearances, he has picked up 123 wickets at an astonishing average of 15, an economy of 3.90, and a strike-rate of 23.

Afghanistan qualifying for the World Cup ahead of Zimbabwe and Ireland is a proof of the country's cricketing passion. And while it looks a long shot for the team to reach the knockouts, it doesn't feel unrealistic for Rashid to feature among the top 5 wicket-takers of the tournament. Such is the charisma of this player!

Let us know in the comments which World Cup debutant you'll be watching out for.