- Jonny Bairstow (England):
- Stats: 9 Matches, 215 Runs, High Score 59, Average 23.88, Strike Rate 88.47.
- Context: Bairstow, celebrated for his 2019 World Cup heroics, failed to replicate that performance. He consistently reached double figures but couldn’t convert these into big scores. This raised questions about England’s selection strategy, especially the decision not to include Jason Roy despite his back spasms.
- Temba Bavuma (South Africa):
- Stats: 8 Matches, 145 Runs, High Score 35, Average 18.12, Strike Rate 73.60.
- Context: Bavuma, with an impressive yearly average including centuries against top teams, couldn’t carry that form into the tournament. His decision to play while hampered by a hamstring injury, especially in critical matches like the semi-final, was questionable. Despite these issues, he led the team capably, placing him as the captain of this unfortunate lineup.
- Kusal Perera (Sri Lanka):
- Stats: 7 Matches, 149 Runs, High Score 78, Average 21.28, Strike Rate 101.36.
- Context: Perera’s performance was a classic case of inconsistency. His two fifties, especially the fastest fifty of the tournament, were highlights. However, his failure to score in double digits in other matches showed a feast-or-famine pattern, often leaving him on the losing side.
- Harry Brook (England):
- Stats: 6 Matches, 169 Runs, High Score 66, Average 28.16, Strike Rate 112.66.
- Context: Brook, who had an electrifying start in international cricket, struggled significantly in his first ODI tournament. His selection raised eyebrows, given his limited experience in List A matches, leading to discussions about the potential waste of a valuable selection spot.
- Tom Latham (New Zealand):
- Stats: 10 Matches, 155 Runs, High Score 68, Average 25.83, Strike Rate 91.17.
- Context: A Test opener renowned for his ODI middle-order batting, Latham managed a modest total over 10 matches. However, he captained New Zealand effectively in Williamson’s absence, contributing to the team’s semi-final berth. His fielding was commendable, but his batting was notably subpar.
- Jos Buttler (England):
- Stats: 9 Matches, 138 Runs, High Score 43, Average 15.33, Strike Rate 97.18.
- Context: Buttler’s performance was far from his usual standards, both as a skipper and a batter. His low average and total runs were not reflective of his status as an ODI legend. Despite the disappointing World Cup campaign, he expressed intentions to continue leading, a decision that may have been influenced by his previous success in T20 leadership.
- Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh):
- Stats: 7 Matches, 186 Runs, High Score 82, Average 26.57, Strike Rate 82.30; Bowling: 9 Wickets, Best Bowling 3/30, Average 36.55, Economy 5.26.
- Context: Shakib, known for his all-round abilities, fell short of expectations. The star of the 2019 World Cup fell short of his previous highs this year. His batting and bowling lacked the impact seen in previous tournaments. Additionally, his involvement in a dispute with former captain Tamim Iqbal may have affected the team’s dynamics.
- Shadab Khan (Pakistan):
- Stats: 6 Matches, 2 Wickets, Best Bowling 1/45, Average 118.50, Economy 6.23.
- Context: Shadab’s performance was a major disappointment, evident from his high bowling average and economy rate. His early exit from the tournament due to a concussion added to Pakistan’s challenges, underlining his below-par performance compared to previous outings.
- Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh):
- Stats: 8 Matches, 5 Wickets, Best Bowling 2/36, Average 79.60, Economy 6.06.
- Context: Mustafizur, often regarded as a key white-ball bowler, lacked effectiveness this tournament. His inability to take wickets regularly was a significant factor in Bangladesh’s struggles, contrasting sharply with his 20-wicket haul in the 2019 edition.
- Haris Rauf (Pakistan):
- Stats: 9 Matches, 16 Wickets, Best Bowling 3/43, Average 33.31, Economy 6.74.
- Context: Despite taking 16 wickets, Rauf’s expensive bowling was a liability. His lack of variation was exploited by batsmen, leading to the most runs conceded in a single edition. This undermined Pakistan’s campaign and highlighted his ineffectiveness in crucial situations.
- Trent Boult (New Zealand):
- Stats: 10 Matches, 14 Wickets, Best Bowling 3/37, Average 36.00, Economy 5.53.
- Context: Boult, carrying high expectations due to his past performances, failed to deliver. His figures, though not dismal, were not impactful, especially against top teams. He averaged 45 against the other semi-final teams. His decision to pursue T20 leagues over a central contract added to the scrutiny of his World Cup performance.
World Cup Flop XI
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