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Phew ! So finally the group stages of the world cup is over. Its been great watching some exiting and close matches. Group B of the world cup turned out to be a real cliffhanger and only when Bangladesh bowed out to South Africa , the quarter-finalists from the group became clear. However cricket is more of an individual game and some individuals shone in these group stages more than the others. Its time to acknowledge their contribution. Here is the world cup team of the tournament for the group stages.
SHANE WATSON ( Australia ) :
Coming at the top of the order is Shane Watson , who has given some great starts to the Australian team at this world cup. He might not have scored a century yet , missing out closely in the match against Canada , but has been consistent and solid at the top of the order. His bowling skills have also come in handy in a few matches.
Matches – 6 , Runs – 265 , Average – 53.00ANDREW STRAUSS ( England ) :
Has been the batting spearhead of the English team along with Jonathon Trott. Count not do as well as he had done in the initial stages of the competition but has been good enough to get into this team. His form ahead will be critical if English want to make it into the further stages of the competition.
Matches -6 , Runs – 329 , Average – 54.83
KUMARA SANGAKARRA ( Sri Lanka ) :
Has been the leading run-getter in the world cup group stages. Has performed admirably in almost all the matches of the world cup and has scored one hundred and two fifties in the process. His hundred against New Zealand was a gem of an innings. The stylish captain of the Srilankan team will need to continue along to ensure Sri Lanka keep on posting competitive totals.
Matches -6 , Runs – 363 , Average – 121.00
JONATHAN TROTT ( England ) :
Joins his compatriot Strauss in the team on account of some consistent performances in this world cup. The subcontinent pitches have been to his liking and he has scored four fifties in the process , the maximum scored by any player in the group stages. He seems to be in the form of his life and will have a greater role going into the knockouts.
Matches -6 , Runs – 336, Average – 56.00
YUVRAJ SINGH ( India ) :
Another new entry in the team. Seems to have found his lost touch as the tournament has progressed. He has been the player of the tournament so far with one hundred , three fifties and nine wickets. He has played both spin and fast bowling with aplomb and has taken crucial wickets when the team needed it. With him in supreme form , India have a great chance going into the quarterfinals.
Matches – 7 , Runs – 284 , Average – 94.66
Wickets – 9 , Economy – 5.04
AB DI VILLIARS ( South Africa ):
Keeps his place due to the sheer impact he has caused for his team in this world cup. Looked in supreme form before missing out for the last two matches because of an injury. With two hundreds and a fifty in four matches , he looks to be a star of this world cup. South Africa needs him to be fit in the quarterfinals to get past New Zealand.
Matches – 6, Runs -318 , Average – 106
SHAHID AFRIDI ( Pakistan ):
The leading wicket taker in the group stages of the world cup. Leading from the front he has single handedly win matches for the Pakistan team. Hasn’t done as well with the bat while getting out to a few irresponsible strokes. If he can continue his form, Pakistan can look forward to go a long way in the tournament.
Matches – 6 , Wickets -17 , Economy – 3.54
ROBIN PETERSON ( South Africa ):
Has been a revelation with the ball and is the leading wicket taker for South Africa in this world cup. In a tournament where spinners were expected to do well , his performances have helped his team top the group ahead of India , England and West Indies. Has done well with the bat too , most notably playing a valiant cameo against India at Nagpur.
Matches – 6 , Wickets -14 , Economy – 4.02
UMAR GUL ( Pakistan ) :
Has played a vital part along with his captain in keeping the opposition in check. Has opened the bowling in the last couple of matches for Pakistan very successfully. A bowler who can reverse swing the ball very well, Gul has been really consistent in this world cup. Can bowl the yorkers at his will during the death overs.
Matches – 6 , Wickets -13 , Economy – 4.17
ZAHEER KHAN ( India ) :
Zaheer has been the best fast bowler in the world cup so far. His bowling has been the only positive spot in the Indian bowling. No wonder the Indian team yearns him to bowl 20 overs in every match. Every time India needed him , he has delivered. He has been largely injury free and India will be hoping for him to remain so for a long time.
Matches – 6 , Wickets -15 , Economy – 4.31
KEMAR ROACH ( West Indies ):
Another bowler who has kept his place in the side. Credited with the first hattrick of the tournament .The Barbadian has bowled some really mean spells to keep his ticking in the tournament. Couldnt play the last match of the Group stages because of an injury. If West Indies are to defeat the rampaging Pakistan side , he has to play a big part in the match.
Matches – 5 , Wickets -13 , Economy – 3.88
HONOURABLE MENTIONS :
Virendra Sehwag ( India )
Sachin Tendulkar ( India )
Ryan Doeschate ( Netherlands )
Tim Southee ( New Zealand )
HS Baidwan ( Canada )
Imran Tahir ( South Africa )
