Team of the Group Round: Match # 4

Hashim Amla with 159 runs and David Warner with 178 have finally met to the expectations, as both dashing batsmen were pivotal in South Africa and Australia’ big-margin win over Ireland and Afghanistan respectively.  Compared to other openers’ performances they were head and shoulder above and can be suited as the opening pair of the Team of the Group Round; Match # 4.

While another opener Lahiru Thirimanne of Sri Lanka can be accommodated in this team at the one down position after his big knock of 139 runs against England. The other top order batsmen South Africa’ Faf du Plessis (109), England’ Joe Root (121) and experienced Kumar Sangakkara (117) complete and consolidate the middle order line-up. Mentioning specially the former Sri Lankan skipper, who hit his second ton in the event and his seniority can let him the responsibility of keeping the wickets and leading the team.

Pakistan Wahab Riaz had a great week when he emerged as a dependable all rounder against Zimbabwe after delivering Man of the Match Performance of scoring 54 runs besides notching 4 wickets. And, in the next match against UAE he picked up again a brace of Emirates’ scalps.     

Indian spin prodigy Ravichandaran Ashwin is selected in the Team of the Group Round second time after picking 4 wickets off just 25 runs against UAE.

Specialist fast bowlers finally look to get form and rhythm in Australia, as in a nerve-reckoning but low scoring contest between New Zealand and Australia, the way Trent Boult and Mitchell Starc ripped apart each other batting line-up, picking 5 and 6 wickets respectively, was a scintillating cricket delight to watch. South Africa’ Kyle Abbott was also not behind them who also managed to get 4 wickets after conceding just 21 runs.