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The wrapping up of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in a thrilling final between Australia and India at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium left cricket enthusiasts on the edge of their seats. As the world witnessed Australia clinch their 6th ODI World Cup trophy, the Indian team continued their quest for ICC silverware since 2013.
Throughout the tournament, a myriad of players showcased exceptional skills and delivered stellar performances, catching the eyes of fans and experts alike. In recognition of their outstanding contributions, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the perfect playing XI team of the tournament.
World Cup 2023 Perfect Playing XI
Let’s recognize their performances:
1) Quinton de Kock: Masterful South African Opener
Quinton de Kock emerged as a standout performer, amassing a staggering 594 runs at a formidable strike rate of 107.02. His key performance against Bangladesh, where he scored a spectacular 174, highlighted his prowess. De Kock notched up a total of four centuries in the tournament, finishing as the third-highest run-scorer and the highest from South Africa. His consistency at the top of the order played a pivotal role in South Africa’s campaign.
2) Rohit Sharma: Indian Skipper’s Prowess at the Top
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma made his mark with a commendable 597 runs at a striking rate of 125.94. Placing second in the tournament’s run-scoring charts, Sharma’s leadership and batting prowess were crucial for India. His stellar performances, along with that of his compatriot Virat Kohli, propelled India to the final.
3) Virat Kohli: Record-breaking Run Machine
Virat Kohli, the leading run-scorer of the tournament, etched his name in the record books by accumulating a phenomenal 765 runs at an average of 96.62. Kohli’s remarkable achievement included three centuries, and he surpassed the record for amassing the most runs in a single edition of the World Cup. Additionally, Kohli’s fifty ODI tons milestone surpassed the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record.
4) Daryl Mitchell: New Zealand’s Batting Stalwart
New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell showcased his batting prowess, accumulating 552 runs in nine innings at an impressive average of 69 and a strike rate of 111.06. Mitchell’s remarkable innings of 134 against India in the semifinal, though in a losing cause, left a lasting impact on the tournament.
5) KL Rahul: Consistent Indian Middle-order Batsman
KL Rahul’s consistent performance in the middle-order bolstered India’s batting line-up. Scoring 452 runs with a highest of 103 against the Netherlands, Rahul’s average of 75.33 was the third-best in the tournament.
6) Glenn Maxwell: Australia’s Dynamic All-rounder
Australia’s Glenn Maxwell exhibited his dynamic prowess as an all-rounder, amassing 400 runs with a standout innings of 201* against Afghanistan. Maxwell’s heroics, including a 40-ball century, played a pivotal role in Australia’s remarkable comeback from a precarious position against the Netherlands.
7) Ravindra Jadeja: India’s All-round Star
Ravindra Jadeja played a crucial role as an all-rounder, contributing with both bat and ball. With 120 runs and 16 wickets, Jadeja’s impact was significant. His economy rate of 4.25 was the fifth-best in the tournament.
8) Jasprit Bumrah: India’s Spearhead with the Ball
Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional bowling performance earned him a spot in the team of the tournament. With 20 wickets and the second-best economy rate of 4.06, Bumrah played a crucial role with the new ball for India.
9) Dilshan Madhushanka: Left-arm Pacer from Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s left-arm pacer, Dilshan Madhushanka, emerged as the third-leading wicket-taker with 21 scalps. His best performance of 5/80 against India showcased his ability to trouble even the best of batting line-ups.
10) Adam Zampa: Australia’s Spin Sensation
Australia’s Adam Zampa emerged as a spin sensation, finishing as the team’s leading wicket-taker and the second overall in the tournament with an impressive tally of 23 wickets. Zampa’s consistent and impactful performances played a crucial role in Australia’s success, contributing to their triumphant campaign in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
11) Mohammad Shami: Tournament’s Leading Wicket-taker
Despite sitting out the first four games, Mohammad Shami emerged as the leading wicket-taker of the tournament, showcasing his prowess with the ball. Shami’s remarkable tally of 24 wickets and his ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs made him a vital cog in India’s bowling attack. His impactful performances played a significant role in India’s journey to the final making him worthy to add in Perfect Playing XI.
12th player: Gerald Coetzee: South Africa’s Rising Star
As the 12th player, South Africa’s Gerald Coetzee made a mark as the leading wicket-taker for his side, amassing 20 wickets from eight games. His performances highlighted his potential as a rising star in South African cricket.
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World Cup 2023 final: Panauti trends on Twitter as Modi laughs on India’s defeat
