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The excitement is building up as the 13th edition of the ODI World Cup is all set to kick off on October 5, 2023, in India. This cricketing extravaganza promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent and fierce competition, featuring 10 elite teams vying for the coveted trophy.
As the anticipation reaches a crescendo, fans and pundits alike eagerly await the performances of the world’s top-notch cricketers. Among them, a single batter from each participating team stands out, poised to leave an indelible mark on the tournament. These batters, with their unique styles, remarkable consistency, and penchant for match-winning innings, promise to be the defining stars in the upcoming ODI World Cup.
On that note, let’s have a look at one batter from each team to watch out for in ODI World Cup 2023:
Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan)
Ibrahim Zadran, Afghanistan’s rising star, is set to make waves in the ODI World Cup 2023. The left-handed batter has garnered attention with his remarkable consistency in One Day Internationals. Known for his elegant strokeplay and sound technique, Zadran is Afghanistan’s leading run-scorer in 2023, amassing 478 runs in just 11 matches.
His impressive average of 47.80 includes a stunning century and four well-crafted half-centuries, making him a formidable presence at the crease. With his ability to build innings and find the gaps, Zadran has the potential to be a game-changer for Afghanistan on the world stage.
Mitchell Marsh (Australia)
Australia’s Mitchell Marsh is gearing up to be a key player in the ODI World Cup 2023. Despite grappling with injuries at times, Marsh’s unwavering commitment and versatility have made him an invaluable asset in Australian cricket. In 2023, he showcased his prowess with the bat, accumulating 417 runs in just 10 ODIs at an impressive average of 46.33.
What stands out is his explosive strike rate of 121.57, which is a testament to his ability to accelerate the scoring in the middle overs. As a dynamic all-rounder, Marsh’s contributions with both bat and ball could prove crucial to Australia’s campaign in their quest for another World Cup title.
Najmul Hossain Shanto (Bangladesh)
Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh’s prolific top-order batsman, is poised to be a standout performer in the ODI World Cup 2023. His elegant style and composure under pressure have set him apart as a player to watch. 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, he has consistently provided stability to Bangladesh’s batting lineup. Shanto’s ability to anchor innings and adapt to various match situations make him a pivotal asset for his team’s World Cup aspirations.
Jos Buttler (England)
England’s skipper Jos Buttler is gearing up to lead his team’s title defense in the ODI World Cup 2023. His vast experience, especially in Indian conditions, makes him a player of immense importance. Buttler’s batting prowess was evident in 2023 as he amassed 548 runs in just 10 matches at a remarkable average of 60.88.
This included a century and three half-centuries, showcasing his ability to play match-winning innings. As a dynamic and explosive batsman, Buttler’s leadership and batting prowess will be crucial in England’s quest to repeat their 2019 heroics and secure another World Cup triumph.
Shubman Gill (India)
While India boast a star-studded lineup, the young opener Shubman Gill has emerged as a standout player in 2023. His solid technique and elegant strokeplay have captured the cricketing world’s attention. Gill’s sensational form this year has been nothing short of remarkable. With an astonishing 1230 runs in just 20 games, he leads the run charts with an average of 72.35.
His five centuries and an equal number of fifties underline his consistency and ability to convert starts into big scores. At just 24 years old, Gill is considered one of the brightest talents in Indian cricket, and his performance in the World Cup could define the tournament for India.
Also READ: South Africa veteran Dale Steyn predicts the leading run-scorer of ODI World Cup 2023
Vikramjit Singh (Netherlands)
Netherlands, the only Associate nation in the tournament, will heavily rely on left-handed batter Vikramjit Singh. Vikramjit played a pivotal role in the Dutch side’s World Cup qualification. In 2023, he scored 441 runs in 13 ODIs at an average of 33.92.
Notably, his century and a fifty showcased his ability to anchor the innings and provide stability to the batting lineup. As the underdogs, Vikramjit’s contributions will be critical in the Netherlands’ efforts to make an impact on the world stage and defy the odds.
Devon Conway (New Zealand)
New Zealand’s Devon Conway, known for his elegant left-handed batting style, is a force to be reckoned with in the ODI format. In 2023, Conway accumulated 449 runs in just 10 matches, boasting an impressive average of 49.88. His standout performance included three centuries, highlighting his ability to take control of an innings and build partnerships.
Conway’s consistent run-scoring ability makes him a vital asset for New Zealand, and his contributions will be key to their World Cup campaign as they seek to clinch the coveted trophy.
Babar Azam (Pakistan)
The No.1 ranked ODI batter and Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, is a player of exceptional skill and finesse. His elegant strokeplay, impeccable timing, and ability to anchor innings have earned him comparisons to cricketing greats.
Babar’s consistency with the bat in 2023 is evident with 745 runs from 16 games, featuring two centuries and six half-centuries. As the leader of the Pakistan side, the expectations are high, and Babar is poised to lead from the front and make a significant impact on Pakistan’s World Cup journey.
Heinrich Klaasen (South Africa)
South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen has gained recognition for his aggressive batting style and match-finishing abilities. His excellent form in the home ODI series against Australia in 2023 showcased his prowess with the bat.
With 527 runs in 10 matches at a remarkable average of 58.55, including two centuries, Klaasen’s ability to accelerate the scoring in the final overs makes him a player to watch out for. In high-pressure situations, Klaasen’s power-hitting could be a game-changer for South Africa in the ODI World Cup.
Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka)
Emerging Sri Lankan batter Pathum Nissanka is a player known for his solid technique and ability to adapt to different formats. In 2023, he proved his mettle by accumulating 819 runs in 24 matches at an impressive average of 45.50.
Nissanka’s ability to construct innings and switch gears when needed has made him a key player for Sri Lanka. With a couple of centuries and five half-centuries, Nissanka’s consistency in the ODI format will be vital for Sri Lanka as they aim to make their mark in the ODI World Cup 2023.
