From Babar to Shanto: Five batters to watch at World Cup

|| CF DESK ||

The most significant event in the world of cricket the ‘Cricket World Cup’, is just hours away from the commencement of the 13th edition.

Therefore, ahead of the World cup, Cricfrenzy lists the top-five batters to watch out for in the upcoming tournament.

Najmul Hossain Shanto:

The young Bangladesh batsman Najmul Hossain Shanto will play a key role in the team’s batting line-up. With the veteran opener Tamim Iqbal out of the squad, Shanto, a left-handed batsman, will carry huge responsibilities on his shoulders as they take on top cricketing nations in India.

Shanto’s impressive form in 2023 has seen him amass 698 runs in 15 matches at an exceptional average of 49.85. With two centuries and five half-centuries to his name.

Shanto’s ability to anchor innings and adapt to various match situations make him a pivotal asset for his team’s World Cup aspirations.

Shubman Gill:

India’s Shubhman Gill made his mark as an outstanding batsman with a record of scoring 1230 runs in 20 matches with a brilliant average of 70.13 and an impressive strike rate of 104 including five centuries in 2023.

He is also the first batter to score five hundred in a calendar year. In the recently concluded Asia Cup, he was the highest run-scorer, amassing 302 runs in six matches, including one century.

Babar Azam:

Pakistan captain Babar Azam is undoubtedly will play a pivotal role in the upcoming 50-over tournament. He recently became the fastest batter in terms of innings to complete 5000 ODI runs and has already accumulated 19 centuries in the format from just 105 innings.

Babar was the leading run-scorer for the team in the previous edition, with 474 runs. With the World Cup taking place in the subcontinent, we can expect Babar to excel once again.

David Warner:

Australia’s elite David Warner is set to play his final World Cup tournament this year. Warner has been in good form as evident from the recent tours of South Africa and India. He would want to continue the same form in their quest for a sixth World title.

The left-handed batter has scored 992 runs in 18 World Cup matches with four centuries and three fifties with a highest score of 178 against Afghanistan.

The 37-year-old has gained vast experience and familiarity with the venues in India by playing IPL which will boost the Aussies.

Virat Kohli:

The batsmen list can’t scrape Virat Kohli out, India’s veteran will enter the tournament as the most experienced batter of the tournament.

He recently became only the fifth batter in ODI history to cross the 13000 run mark. He achieved the feat in 267 innings at an incredible average of 57.38 with a whopping 47 centuries to his name.