5 players who could spring a surprise in the T20 World Cup

Evin Lewis is an exciting prospect for West Indies cricket

The latest edition of the T20 World Cup is underway and we have already witnessed some riveting cricket action. With the qualifiers nearing an end and the Super 10 stage due to commence, it is time to shift focus towards the business end of the tournament.All teams have picked up the strongest possible squads with each having its own strengths and weaknesses. Apart from the seasoned campaigners, there are also a few fresh faces in most teams who have little or no experience of international cricket.While it is expected of the big guns to fire in an event of such magnitude, some of the less known names may also use this platform to show what they are made of. Here are 5 players who could spring a surprise in the 2016 T20 World Cup:

#5 Evin Lewis - West Indies

Evin Lewis is an exciting prospect for West Indies cricket

Uncapped West Indies southpaw Evin Lewis may well turn out to be one of the true surprise performers in the 2016 T20 World Cup. Lewis' inclusion in the West Indian squad for the marquee event of T20 cricket was purely a stroke of luck as he replaced an injured Lendl Simmons.

The left-handed batsman has been doing quite well in domestic T20 cricket and has already scored more than 1000 runs at an average of slightly below 32. He enjoys a healthy strike rate of 126.69 and is efficient at playing the big shots with consummate ease.

The fact that the West Indies team is missing some of its key players may work in favour of Evin Lewis and earn him ample opportunities to prove his talent at the T20 World Cup.

#4 Imad Wasim - Pakistan

Imad Wasim could be a useful all-rounder for Pakistan at the T20 World Cup

Left-arm spinner Imad Wasim has had a brief career with the Pakistan team so far and has performed quite decently. However, the T20 World Cup may just be the platform which he can use to surprise everyone with his cricketing abilities.

Wasim possesses all-round skills and has a more than decent track record in T20 cricket. In 55 matches, the 27-year old has scored 676 runs and picked up 47 wickets. He has a healthy strike rate of 124.72 with the bat and an impressive economy of 6.59 when bowling.

With Shahid Afridi struggling and not too many good spinners in the Pakistani team, Imad Wasim has a golden opportunity to cement his place in the team. It may serve him well if he can make a contribution towards reviving his nation's dwindling cricketing fortunes.

#3 James Vince - England

Vince has looked promising in his few international appearances

England batsman James Vince has all the makings of a future cricketing star for his country. Having played just 3 T20Is for the English team, Vince could surely be one of the surprise packages at the T20 World Cup.

The right-handed batsman boasts of an impressive record in the T20 format as he has scored more than 2000 runs at an average of 29.68 and a strike rate of just under 130. Vince's batting style has often been compared to former England skipper Michael Vaughan. The youngster would do himself a favour if he can emulate Vaughan's mental toughness as well.

Recently, former England player Kevin Pietersen had questioned James Vince's inclusion in the team for the T20I World Cup. Proving a point to his senior pro may just be the right motivation for the 24-year old to perform well in the 2016 T20 World Cup.

#2 Adam Zampa - Australia

Zampa’s brilliant run in the BBL earned him an Australia cap

Australia's young leg-spinner Adam Zampa has managed to make quite a splash with his tremendous performance in the Big Bash League. The best bit for Zampa was that the national selectors took note of this and were quick to draft him into the Australian limited-over squads.

The 23-year old has only played 2 ODIs and 2 T20Is in his career so far. The T20 World Cup may turn out to be a wonderful opportunity for Zampa to prove his mettle. He will be helped by the fact that there is not much competition in Australia's spin department and he could seal a long-term berth in the T20I side at least.

Adam Zampa's abilities with the ball make him one of the players who could take everyone by surprise at the 2016 T20 World Cup.

#1 Pawan Negi - India

Negi’s all-round skills made him a big buy at the 2016 IPL auction

The year 2016 has been a dream one for Indian all-rounder Pawan Negi. First, he bagged a million-dollar contract with the Delhi Daredevils franchise for the 2016 IPL season. An even bigger thing followed for Negi as he earned his maiden call-up to the Indian cricket team and made his debut in the Asia Cup.

The left-arm spinner gained prominence while playing for the Chennai Super Kings, where skipper MS Dhoni utilised him as an all-rounder to good effect. Provided he gets ample opportunity, Pawan Negi could turn out to be a real surprise package in the T20 World Cup. His ability to hit the long ball may also come handy for India at the back end of their innings.

With Ravindra Jadeja not being able to deliver to his potential in the limited-overs game, there is a chance that Negi may not have to warm the benches for too long.

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Edited by Staff Editor