After the final match between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands on Sunday in Harare, the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifier Team of the Tournament was unveiled.
Three players from each of Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands have received lavish rewards for their outstanding efforts throughout the competition; two players from Scotland also made the cut.
Pathum Nissanka – Sri Lanka
The tournament’s tournament opener for Sri Lanka was in commanding form and gave his team some explosive starts. Nissanka scored 417 runs at an average of 69 in eight games, including two brilliant hundreds and two fifty-plus scores.
With the help of his two centuries against Zimbabwe and the West Indies, Sri Lanka was able to secure a spot in India for the World Cup at the end of the year.
Vikramjit Singh – Netherlands
For Netherlands, the young Vikramjit Singh not only contributed with the bat but also took some useful wickets. Vikramjit scored 326 runs at a 40.75 average in eight games, including one century and one half-century.
Given that it was his first century in international ODIs, his century against Oman was particularly noteworthy. Additionally, he claimed six wickets for 21.50.
Brandon McMullen – Scotland
The young 23-year-old all-rounder, whose variety of bat strokes and accuracy with the ball were a crucial asset for the Scots, was one of the most impressive performers throughout the tournament.
McMullen amassed 13 wickets at an average of 17.53 in seven games, including a five-wicket haul. He was even more impressive with the bat, scoring 364 runs at 52, including two hundred and one fifty.
Sean Williams – Zimbabwe
The seasoned Zimbabwean star was arguably the tournament’s most impressive player, going on a successful run with the bat while also playing tightly with the ball.
Williams amassed 600 runs in seven games, averaging 100 runs per game, with three centuries and two half-centuries, making him the tournament’s leading run-scorer. Particularly impressive was his knock of 174 against the USA.
Williams picked up three wickets in the middle overs and generally kept it tight, which was a useful contribution.
Bas de Leede – Netherlands
Although Bas de Leede was an important player for the Netherlands throughout the competition, his contribution in their pivotal match against Scotland will be remembered for a long time.
As the Netherlands defeated Scotland to advance to the World Cup in India, the all-rounder joined a select group of players by picking up a five-wicket haul and scoring a century in the same match. Bas de Leede amassed 285 runs—including a century—in seven games while also taking 15 significant wickets.
Sikandar Raza – Zimbabwe
Throughout the competition, the legendary Zimbabwe all-rounder was once more at the top of his game, making contributions with both bat and ball. In seven games, Raza amassed 325 runs with the bat, including the quickest ODI century by a Zimbabwean player.
With one century and one half-century, his runs were 65 average, on average. Additionally, he contributed nine useful wickets, with his best total being 4/55.
Scott Edwards (c and wk) – Netherlands
Throughout the competition, the captain of the Netherlands set the example by being a steady presence both with the bat and behind the stumps.
In order to help the Netherlands qualify for the Cricket World Cup in India later this year, he was also a cunning tactician. In eight games, Edwards had 12 dismissals, 314 runs, and four half-centuries.
Wanindu Hasaranga – Sri Lanka
Wanindu Hasaranga, the tournament’s top wicket-taker, used a spell against the majority of batters he faced. His mix of variations was too difficult for the batters to handle; they frequently found themselves confused.
He picked up three consecutive five-wicket hauls early in the tournament, matching the legendary Waqar Younis in dominance. With a best performance of 6/24, Hasaranga finished the tournament with 22 wickets in seven games.
Maheesh Theekshana – Sri Lanka
The Sri Lankan spin duo, along with Hasaranga, caused havoc throughout the competition. Theekshana was just as impressive as his spin bowling partner, stepping up in the tournament’s closing rounds, particularly during the Super Six stage.
Theekshana won the competition with 21 victories in eight games, a staggering average of 12.23, and a meager economy of 4.02.
Chris Sole – Scotland
One of the tournament’s fastest bowlers, Scotland quick frequently recorded speeds over 145 kmph and rattled the batters with his pace. Sole had great pace, but he also had excellent control, as he was frugal throughout the competition despite being a strike bowler.
Sole took 11 wickets in seven games, with an average of 25 and an economy of 4.67. Despite barely missing out on Cricket World Cup qualification, Scotland has a real asset in Sole.
Richard Ngarava – Zimbabwe
For Zimbabwe, the left-arm quick was tremendous and frequently scored when his team needed it most. Ngarava consistently delivered for Zimbabwe, whether it was with the new ball, the middle overs, or the death overs.
During the tournament, the pacer led Zimbabwe in wickets taken with 14 in seven games and an average of 19.28.
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