Battle of Nerves & Finishing Touch

Despite scoring more than 300 runs Scotland team remained winless and was defeated in a significant match by Bangladesh, however, opener Kyle Coetzer’ 156 runs was a stand-out performance in that match. India’ dashing hitter Shikhar Dhawan appears again in the Team of the Group Round to pair with the Scot after smashing 100 runs against Ireland.   

Kumar Sangakkara with 104 runs hit his third ton of the event, a World Cup record, but Sri Lanka failed to chase against Australia. On the other hand Irish Ed Joyce 112 and Bangladesh batsman Mahmudullah 103 were vital in their teams’ triumphs against Zimbabwe and England.

All rounder Glenn Maxwell blasted 102 runs on just 53 deliveries for Australia and was Man of the Match against Sri Lanka. Zimbabwean S C Williams is included second time in the Team of the Group Round after scoring 96 runs and getting 3 wickets against Ireland.

Pakistan’ wicket keeper Sarfraz Ahmed was Man of the Match in his World Cup debut match against South Africa. Playing as an opener not only he scored 49 runs but equaled the World Cup record by netting 7 catches behind the stumps.

Veteran kiwi magician Daniel Vettori was pivotal in win against Afghanistan match in which he got 4 Afghans out.

In fast bowling department there some significant performances, like pace trio Wahab Riaz, Rahat Ali, Muhammad Irfan and Dale Styen picking 3 wickets each in match between Pakistan vs. South Africa, Kiwi Trent Boult and Aussie James Fulkner also 3 wicket each. But Irish Alex Cusack and Bangladesh seamer Rubel Hossain were more productive in their teams’ victories against Zimbabwe and England, netting 4 scalps each to get space in that team.

Again in the absence of any regular skipper, experienced Kumar Sangakkara is handed over the responsibility to lead the team.