World Cup 2023: While the ODI World Cup 2023 unfolds in India, the host nation is leaving no stone unturned in their performance. Securing a top position on the points table, India’s Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah are already making headlines. However, the competition has an unsung hero emerging from Pakistan, who might just take the title of ‘Man of the Tournament.’
Indian Brilliance and A Pakistani Star:
The Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, is lighting up the home grounds with stellar victories in three consecutive matches. Yet, as the spotlight shines brightly on the Indian stars, Pakistani wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan is quietly and steadily carving a niche for himself.
Rizwan’s Stellar Performance:
World Cup 2023: Out of the 14 matches played so far, teams have mostly had their three turns. Among all the standout performances, Rizwan tops the chart of highest run-scorers. Accumulating 248 runs in just three matches, he boasts an impressive average of 124, a figure that’s hard to match in such a high-stakes tournament.
Key Innings that Made a Difference:
Rizwan’s exceptional prowess was on full display when he scored a robust 131 against Sri Lanka. His steady hand was evident even against the formidable Indian bowling attack, though a fine delivery from Bumrah stopped him just short of a half-century.
The Top Five Run-Scorers:
World Cup 2023: While Rizwan leads the pack, he’s closely followed by New Zealand’s Devon Conway. Conway, having scored a magnificent 152 against England, has amassed 229 runs in his three outings. Trailing him is India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, whose performance, despite a hiccup against Australia, was remarkable with scores of 131 against Afghanistan and 83 against Pakistan.
The Proteas and the Islanders:
Quinton de Kock, the fiery South African opener, occupies the fourth position. Having played three matches, he has notched up centuries in two of them. Sri Lanka’s wicketkeeper-batsman Kusal Mendis rounds off the top five with a commendable 207 runs at an average of 69.
World Cup 2023: As the ODI World Cup progresses, predicting the ‘Man of the Tournament’ becomes even more challenging. While the likes of Sharma and Kohli are ever-present threats, it’s heartening to see players like Mohammad Rizwan rising to the occasion, ensuring a nail-biting competition for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
Image Credit – indianexpress