Hyderabad: This Wednesday (Oct. 25) marks the 20th day of this ICC ODI World Cup. Well into this tournament, there is sufficient data to start picking up on trends. Moreover, the data can be used to make early-predictions on which teams are likely to qualify for the semi-finals. So, here are the top performers of the 2023 cricket world cup. Top run scorers/best batters:
1. Q de Kock: 407 runs
The South African wicket-keeper batsman has been a cut above the rest this tournament. Easily the most assured at the crease and the most productive. In the tournament, he has scored three centuries at an impressive strike rate of 114.97 and at an average of 81.The stylish southpaw will retire from ODI cricket after this world cup, a loss to the game!
2.Virat Kohli: 354 runs
Virat, or King Kohli as he is called by fans, is India’s best batter in this tournament. As of now, he is averaging 118, with a 90+ strike rate.
3.Rohit Sharma: 311 runs
The Indian team skipper is third on this list. Rohit has shown intent from the very first ball of his innings, taking on the new ball irrespective of the bowler or conditions. India has comfortably chased totals because of brisk starts from Rohit. He has recorded a strike rate of 133.47 so far. He hit a century against Afghanistan.
Most wickets taken/Best bowlers
1. MJ Santner: 12 wickets
The Kiwi has taken the most wickets and has proved to be very miserly. Santner is among a handful of spinners who effectively use change of pace and variations inflight and lines. Santner is the reason why the team's bowling is looking so well-rounded, a country which over the years has produced some of the world’s best fast bowlers.
2. Jasprit Bumrah: 11 wickets
The Mumbai Indians speed merchant was the answer to Indian prayers for a fierce pacer in the limited overs formats of cricket. He has excelled in this tournament. Taking wicket at the beginning, in the middle overs and at the very end of the innings.
3. D. Madushanka: 11 wickets
The new ball has done a fair bit in this world cup. Madushanka has been particularly good with the new ball. The leftie has been one of the rare bright spots for Sri Lanka in this world cup.
ANALYSIS
India is the only unbeaten team in this world cup and that shows in the above two lists. However, the other takeaway is that the mighty Indians may just be over-reliant on Virat and Rohit for runs. Indian fans would love to see the likes of Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer get more runs.
The lists also feature South African and New Zealand names. Unsurprisingly, South Africa and New Zealand are at the top of the points table, along with India. The bowling list also tells us that even if Indian pitches are aiding spinners, it is not all doom and gloom for the pacers. Skillful fast bowling is bringing in the rewards. The batting list indicates that the top three batsmen of the teams are scoring majority of the runs.
