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The ODI World Cup is not just a tournament; it’s a stage where cricketing legends etch their names into the annals of history. As the ODI World Cup 2023 unfolds, several seasoned campaigners are donning their national colors for the last time in this prestigious event.
Let’s take a look at one player from each participating team bidding adieu to the World Cup stage:
Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)
Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh’s cricketing stalwart, has been a consistent performer for the Tigers over the years. The World Cup 2023 marks the end of an era for Shakib, who has been a key figure in Bangladesh’s rise in international cricket. Shakib bagged 9 wickets in 7 matches at an economy rate of 5.26 with 3/30 being his best performance.
Ravichandran Ashwin (India)
India’s spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin has been a cornerstone in India’s bowling lineup. With his crafty spin and guile, Ashwin has played a pivotal role in many Indian victories. In the ongoing event, Ashwin has played only one game so far where he took a single wicket. As he bids farewell to the World Cup, Ashwin’s legacy in Indian cricket remains indelible.
Quinton de Kock (South Africa)
Quinton de Kock, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter from South Africa, is set to make his final World Cup appearance. De Kock had already announced that after the current World Cup he will bid farewell to the ODI format. Known for his aggressive style at the crease, De Kock is the second highest run-scorer with 591 runs in 9 games, including 4 centuries.
David Warner (Australia)
David Warner, Australia’s explosive opener, has been a nightmare for opposition bowlers. Known for his aggressive stroke play and exceptional fielding, Warner had also declared the ongoing World Cup as his last. The left-handed batter has so far scored 499 runs in ODI World Cup 2023 from 9 games, including 2 hundreds and as many fifties.
David Willey (England)
David Willey, the English all-rounder, has been a valuable asset to the team. With both bat and ball, Willey has contributed crucially to England’s success. Willey, too, had announced retirement during the midway of ODI World Cup. Willey bagged 11 scalps in 6 games with 3/45 being his best figure.
Tim Southee (New Zealand)
Tim Southee, New Zealand’s swing king, has been a consistent performer in all formats of the game. Renowned for his ability to swing the ball both ways, Southee has been a linchpin in New Zealand’s bowling attack. Southee has played only 3 games so far and picked up 4 wickets with 2/77 being his best.
Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan)
Mohammad Nabi, Afghanistan’s cricketing pioneer, has been a trailblazer for his nation in the cricketing world. He is likely to step onto the World Cup stage for the last time, Nabi’s contributions to Afghan cricket are celebrated widely. In 9 World Cup games, Nabi bagged 8 wickets with 3/28 being his best.
Also READ: Fans slam Cricket Australia for ignoring Rohit Sharma in their team of ODI World Cup 2023
Iftikhar Ahmed (Pakistan)
Iftikhar Ahmed, the versatile Pakistani cricketer, is most likely to not continue till the next World Cup. Whether with the bat or ball, Iftikhar has showcased his all-round skills on numerous occasions, leaving a lasting impact on the Pakistani cricketing landscape. In 9 games at World Cup 2023, Ahmed scored 142 runs from 9 matches.
Angelo Mathews (Sri Lanka)
Angelo Mathews, the experienced campaigner from Sri Lanka, has been a key player in the Sri Lankan middle order. Mathews joined Sri Lanka midway in this World Cup and its most likely his last event. In 5 matches, the senior cricketer scored 51 runs and bagged 6 wickets with 2/14 being his best.
Roelof van der Merwe (Netherlands)
Roelof van der Merwe, the Dutch cricket veteran, has been a stalwart for Netherlands cricket. It is most likely that he prepares for his last World Cup appearance and Van der Merwe’s contributions shall be acknowledged with gratitude. In 8 matches at ODI World Cup 2023, Van der Merwe picked up 6 wickets with 2/34 being his best performance.
