The T20 World Cup 2024 has wrapped up, leaving cricket fans across the globe in awe of the stunning performances and nail-biting matches. Among all the excitement, India emerged victorious, lifting the trophy for the second time. While the Indian team’s brilliance was evident, several players from different countries showcased exceptional skills. Here, we look at the best playing XI of the tournament, highlighting the standout performers.

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Take a look at best playing of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024

This best playing XI, featuring a mix of experienced stalwarts and emerging stars, exemplifies the spirit and excitement of T20 cricket. Each player brought something unique to the table, contributing to memorable performances and unforgettable matches. As we celebrate India’s victory, let’s also appreciate the remarkable efforts of these individuals who made the tournament a spectacular event.

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG)

Rahmanullah Gurbaz was a key figure in Afghanistan’s impressive run in the tournament. The Afghan opener’s stats speak volumes: 8 matches, 281 runs, an average of 35.12, and a strike rate of 124.33.

Gurbaz’s role as the steady opener ensured that Afghanistan often had a solid start. His ability to build an innings and set a foundation for a competitive total made him an invaluable asset.

2. Rohit Sharma (IND) (C)

Rohit Sharma, India’s skipper, had a fantastic tournament with the bat. Scoring 257 runs in 8 matches with an average of 36.71 and a strike rate of 156.70, Rohit led by example.

His captaincy was a masterclass in strategy. Utilizing four spinners effectively and adapting to match situations, Rohit showcased why he is considered one of the best captains in modern cricket.

3. Andries Gous (USA) (wk)

The USA’s wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous made a significant impact. With 219 runs in 6 matches at an average of 43.80 and a strike rate of 151.03, Gous was a pillar for the USA team.

Gous’s ability to handle pressure and perform in tricky conditions earned him a spot as the keeper-batter in this elite XI.

4. Suryakumar Yadav (IND)

Suryakumar Yadav continued to shine in the T20 format, scoring 199 runs in 8 matches with an average of 28.42 and a strike rate of 135.37.

His knack for adapting to different playing conditions and match situations made him a crucial player for India. Star India batter Suryakumar Yadav took a sensational catch on the boundary to dismiss David Miller and help India win the T20 World Cup 2024.

5. Marcus Stoinis (AUS)

Marcus Stoinis lived up to his ‘Hulk’ nickname with powerful performances. In 7 matches, he scored 169 runs at a strike rate of 164.07 and took 10 wickets.

His dual capabilities as a hard-hitting batter and reliable bowler made him indispensable to the Australian squad. In the match against Namibia, Stoinis scored 59 runs in just 29 balls, with nine fours and two sixes. His runs came at a strike rate of 203.44.

6. Hardik Pandya (IND

Hardik Pandya bounced back from a tough IPL season with a stellar World Cup performance. He scored 144 runs and took 11 wickets, showcasing his all-round prowess.

Pandya was particularly effective in the US leg of the tournament, where he emerged as a top wicket-taker for India. Hardik defended 16 runs in the final over to ensure a famous win for his team.

7. Axar Patel (IND)

Axar Patel demonstrated his all-round abilities with both bat and ball. He took 9 wickets and scored 92 runs, contributing significantly in all departments.

Axar’s presence added depth to the Indian lineup, providing both offensive and defensive options. Axar Patel’s 47 off 31 balls crucial knock should not be overlooked. Following the loss of three wickets for 34 runs in final match against South Africa, Axar was promoted up the order as a circuit-breaker.

8. Rashid Khan (AFG)

Rashid Khan led Afghanistan with distinction. His 14 wickets in 8 matches, with an economy rate of 6.17, underlined his importance.

Rashid’s best performances came in high-pressure matches, where he delivered critical breakthroughs. He made history in a match against Bangladesh, becoming the first spinner to surpass 150 wickets in T20I cricket and the fourth bowler to record three four-wicket hauls in the tournament.

9. Anrich Nortje (SA)

Anrich Nortje marked his return to international cricket with a bang. He took 13 wickets in 8 matches, with an average of 13.46 and a best of 4-7.

Nortje’s lethal bowling in the powerplay and death overs made him a standout performer for South Africa. The speedster made the most of spicy wickets in USA, kickstarting his campaign with a 4-7 against Sri Lanka.

He’s also been effective in the West Indies, bowling a brilliant final over to secure a close win against England and getting 2-7 in the semi-final against Afghanistan.

10. Jasprit Bumrah (IND)

Jasprit Bumrah was the tournament’s best bowler, with 15 wickets in 8 matches and an economy rate of 4.17. His average of 8.26 reflects his dominance.

As if making up for the fact that he missed the last edition of the tournament due to an injury, Jasprit Bumrah has shown peak form in the tournament.Bumrah’s ability to take wickets in all phases of the game was instrumental in India’s success.

This was most visible against Pakistan in New York, where the irrepressible pacer bamboozled the opposition in each of his short spells, and guided India to a six-run win with his 3-14.

11. Fazalhaq Farooqi (AFG)

Fazalhaq Farooqi was a revelation for Afghanistan. With 17 wickets in 9 matches and an economy rate of 6.31, he was a consistent threat to opposition batters.

Fazalhaq Farooqi led Afghanistan’s charge in the group stages with his scintillating new ball display, picking 12 wickets from his first three games, including a career-best 5-9 versus Uganda and 4-17 in his side’s historic win over New Zealand. Farooqi’s impressive performance earned him a well-deserved place in this best XI.

12th Man: Saurabh Netravlakar (USA)

Saurabh Netravalkar’s journey in the T20 World Cup 2024 was nothing short of inspirational. He played a crucial role in USA’s surprising run to the Super Eights.

His ability to bowl effectively in both powerplays and death overs, including a memorable Super Over against Pakistan, highlighted his skill and composure.

In a dominant display of cricket, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clinched their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title with a resounding eight-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in a one-sided final on Sunday. The victory was marked by a clinical performance from KKR’s bowlers and an equally impressive chase by their batsmen.

Having lost the toss, KKR were put into the field by SRH, who opted to bat first. The decision backfired spectacularly as SRH’s batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of the final. SRH managed to post only 113 runs, which became the lowest-ever total in an IPL final.

KKR’s bowlers dominate as SRH crumble to lowest-ever IPL final total

The innings started disastrously for SRH. They lost their first wicket in the very first over when Abhishek Sharma was bowled by Mitchell Starc. Starc delivered a peach of a delivery that opened up the left-hander before hitting the top of the off stump. This early breakthrough set the tone for KKR’s bowling dominance.

SRH’s woes deepened when Travis Head was dismissed for a first-ball duck, caught behind off a beautiful outswinger. With just six runs on the board, SRH were reeling at 6/2. Starc continued his impressive spell, taking the wicket of Rahul Tripathi, who could only manage 9 runs before being caught behind. At this point, SRH were struggling at 21/3 in the fifth over.

Harshit Rana, coming in as the first change bowler, maintained the pressure by dismissing Nitish Reddy for 13. Andre Russell then joined the party, claiming the crucial wicket of SRH captain Aiden Markram, who was out for 20. This left SRH tottering at 62/5 in the 11th over.

The middle and lower order of SRH offered little resistance. Shahbaz Nadeem was dismissed for 8 by Varun Chakravarthy, while Abdul Samad could only score 4 before falling to Russell. SRH’s innings continued to collapse as Harshit Rana returned to take the wicket of Heinrich Klaasen, who scored 16. Jaydev Unadkat was trapped LBW by Sunil Narine for 4, and Pat Cummins was the last man out, leaving SRH all out for a paltry 113.

Venkatesh Iyer’s blistering knock seals emphatic victory for Kolkata Knight Riders

In response, KKR started their chase confidently. Sunil Narine, opening the innings, hit a six off the very first over bowled by Pat Cummins but was soon dismissed for 6. However, Venkatesh Iyer, in a scintillating form, took charge of the chase. He punished Bhuvneshwar Kumar, scoring 20 runs in an over, showcasing his aggressive intent.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz supported Iyer well, contributing a brisk 39 before being dismissed by Shahbaz Nadeem. By then, KKR were already in a commanding position. Iyer continued his assault on the SRH bowlers, completing his fifty off just 24 balls.

With Iyer remaining unbeaten on 52 off 26 balls, KKR comfortably chased down the target of 114 with 57 balls to spare, sealing an emphatic eight-wicket win. This victory marked a historic moment for KKR as they lifted their third IPL trophy, adding to their previous titles and solidifying their status as one of the premier franchises in the league.

See Also: IPL 2024 final: KKR win their third title, beat SRH by 8 wickets

The match highlighted KKR’s strength in both bowling and batting. Mitchell Starc, Andre Russell, and Harshit Rana were the standout performers with the ball, while Venkatesh Iyer’s explosive innings ensured a smooth chase. SRH, on the other hand, failed to rise to the occasion, struggling both with the bat and the ball in a match that they will look back on with disappointment.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has reached its climax as the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) prepare to battle it out in the final on Sunday, May 26. The grand showdown will take place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, a venue known for its electrifying atmosphere and passionate cricket fans.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

KKR has had a remarkable season, showcasing a blend of experience and young talent. Under Shreyas Iyer’s leadership, KKR has emerged as a formidable force. Key players like Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and the young Afghan sensation Rahmanullah Gurbaz have played pivotal roles in their journey to the final.

KKR’s Road to the Final

KKR’s journey to the final has been nothing short of spectacular. They secured a direct entry to the final by defeating SRH in Qualifier 1. Their performance was highlighted by Mitchell Starc’s brilliant bowling and Gurbaz’s impactful return to the team.

See Also: Fans applaud ‘lone warrior’ Dhruv Jurel against SRH in Qualifier 2

3 Players to be in focus from KKR

The IPL 2024 Final is upon us, and all eyes are on the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as they prepare to face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Among the many stars in the KKR lineup, three players stand out as key to their success: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shreyas Iyer, and Varun Chakravarthy.

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the talented Afghan cricketer, has faced significant personal challenges this season. Mid-tournament, he returned to Afghanistan to be with his ailing mother. However, the Kolkata Knight Riders needed him back urgently after their primary keeper-batter, Phil Salt, left for national duties.

Gurbaz’s return to the team was nothing short of dramatic. In Qualifier 1 against SRH, he played a pivotal role. His quick 23-run knock off just 14 balls, including two fours and two sixes, set a blistering pace in KKR’s 160-run chase.

As KKR heads into the final, Gurbaz’s role will be crucial. His ability to provide a blistering start can put the opposition under pressure right from the beginning. Fans and teammates alike will be looking for him to replicate his explosive performance and set the tone for the match.

2. Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer’s journey to this final has been a rollercoaster. Despite a fine run in the ODI World Cup, he faced a tough period afterward. He lost his Test place in the home series against England, overshadowed by emerging youngsters. He also missed out on the T20 World Cup squad and, to add to his woes lost his BCCI central contract due to unavailability for domestic first-class games.

Despite these setbacks, Iyer has shown resilience and strong leadership. Gautam Gambhir’s influence on the team has been significant, but Iyer’s personal growth as a captain has also been evident. His previous success with Delhi Capitals, where he led them to their maiden IPL final in 2020, speaks volumes about his capabilities.

In IPL 2024, Iyer has had a decent run with the bat. Scoring 345 runs at a strike rate of 146.19 in 13 innings, he has largely batted in the middle order, capitalizing on the strong starts provided by the top order. As KKR’s captain, his strategic insight and batting prowess will be critical in the final against SRH.

Varun Chakravarthy

Varun Chakravarthy has been a standout performer for KKR this season. With 20 wickets to his name, he ranks among the top wicket-takers of IPL 2024. His mystery spin continues to baffle batters, making him a vital cog in KKR’s bowling attack.

In the crucial Qualifier 1 against SRH, Chakravarthy’s spin was instrumental. He took two important wickets, helping KKR to stifle the SRH batting lineup and secure their place in the final. His ability to perform under pressure highlights his importance to the team.

The final at Chepauk, known for its spin-friendly conditions, is the perfect stage for Chakravarthy to weave his magic. His performance will be crucial in breaking through SRH’s batting order and keeping the runs in check. If he can continue his form, KKR will have a significant advantage.

In a surprising turn of events, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has introduced a new spinner from Afghanistan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Gurbaz, known primarily as a wicketkeeper-batter, was spotted practicing his spin bowling skills in the nets. Despite not getting a chance in KKR’s playing XI yet, Gurbaz’s all-round abilities might earn him a spot in the upcoming matches.

KKR has been performing well in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), winning five out of their seven matches so far. The team’s official social media handle shared a video showcasing Gurbaz bowling spin deliveries during practice. In an impressive display, Gurbaz managed to hit the stumps with his very first delivery, celebrating with arms raised in triumph.

“Another Afghani mystery spinner in our ranks”

Afghanistan has a history of producing talented mystery spinners, and the IPL has provided a platform for many Afghan players to showcase their skills. Players like Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Mohammad Nabi have made their mark in the league. Gurbaz, with his potential as both a batter and a spinner, could be the latest addition to this list.

Gurbaz, who joined Gujarat Titans (GT) in 2023, showcased his batting prowess by scoring 227 runs in seven matches for the franchise. He was later traded to KKR ahead of IPL 2024. However, despite his impressive performances, Gurbaz has yet to feature in KKR’s playing XI.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz is ready for his IPL debut

One reason for Gurbaz’s absence could be the excellent form of England’s Phil Salt, who has been providing explosive starts for KKR as an opener.

Salt’s exceptional batting and wicketkeeping skills have been crucial for the team, contributing significantly to their victories. Additionally, with Sunil Narine already serving as a mystery spinner for KKR, Gurbaz may need to wait for his opportunity to shine in a new role.

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KKR is scheduled to face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their next match on April 26, Friday, at the Eden Gardens Stadium. It remains to be seen if Gurbaz will make his debut and how KKR will utilize his talents in the upcoming games.