The T20 World Cup might have fallen short in providing the entertainment level that everyone expected.
But, It ended in an unprecedented way with Australia emerging as the champions even after being written off by the experts at the start of the tournament.
It was a tournament that defied all the logic. Firstly, The nature of the pitches made it difficult for the teams that largely depend on their batting unit. West Indies would rue the conditions since they could not live up to their strength.
India's failure to book a place in the semi-finals might come down to the spin fiasco. In short, teams that performed in crucial stages of a game lived their dream.
More importantly, the unlikeliest event yielded some unlikely stars who rocked the stage when it mattered the most.
Thus, picking the Team of the Tournament became tricky. The Financial Express picks up the following XI as the Team of the Tournament.
1. David Warner
The Player of the Tournament, David Warner is an indisputable choice.
Before the start of the tournament, everyone doubted his abilities and thought his form could harm the team's progress.
However, the warrior in him resisted and carried the Australian batting unit on his shoulder. He scored two fifties in the first round. The highest score of 89 against West Indies was crucial to secure a healthy net run-rate for Australia.
Against Srilanka, he was instrumental as well, scoring a brutal 65 off 42 balls.
Perhaps, he deserves it more for knockout performances. A historical partnership with Mitchell Marsh in the semi-final game against Pakistan set the tone for the World Cup win which will be remembered from time to time, perhaps because it seemed very difficult at one point.
2. Mohammad Rizwan
The Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman is the 2nd opener in our XI. Rizwan averaged roughly 70 in a World Cup that boasted quite rough pitches. While his experience in UAE has played a part here, his excellence in picking the right shots and his never-give-up mentality garnered rightful appreciation from all across the world.
He was an integral part of Pakistan's brutal dominance in this World Cup that miserably ended to a Wade Storm.
3. Babar Azam (c)
Babar Azam is the number three for our World Cup team. The Pakistan captain scored the most runs in the World Cup at an average of more than 60.
His incredible consistency makes him stand out. However, his strike rate still remains a concern and might have probably cost Pakistan the World Cup.
Babar's eye-catching leadership instinct has earned him the captaincy role for our team. It was admirable how he managed an in-form spirited team.
4. Jos Buttler (wk)
Jos Buttler was seemingly the only player going against the flow. The bitterness of the wicket in the World Cup couldn't stop him from scoring at a strike rate above 150 against quality bowling sides.
His clinical hitting culminated in the innings of 71 off just 32 balls against the Aussies. He is also the only centurion in this edition's World Cup.
5. Mitchell Marsh
Just two years ago, Mitchell Marsh was the most hated athlete in Australia, whose repeated chances in the squad were attributed to the prominence of his father.
He has now won Australia the trophy they long craved for.
Marsh was left out of the XI against England after an ordinary outing against South Africa. However, Australia lost the game against England poorly and Marsh was brought back.
He scored a quickfire fifty against the Windies which helped Australia secure a semi-final spot. But his winning knock in the final makes him a part of our best XI.
6. David Wiese
Although many wouldn’t fancy including him in their elevens with excellent performers like Charith Asalanka or Aiden Markram in the list, we keep the inspiring David Wiese for his contribution to Namibia's inspiring first-ever T20 World Cup campaign.
He was adjudged man of the match in both Namibia's historic wins against Ireland and the Netherlands.
7. Moeen Ali
Moeen Ali bowled with an economy rate of 5.50 per over and averaged 46 with the bat. His spin came in handy for England in the powerplay and laid out the foundation for a disciplined display of bowling from England in the group stages.
8. Wanindu Hasaranga
Wanindu Hasaranga took the most wickets in the T20 World Cup with an astounding economy rate of 5.20 per over. He has also played a match-winning knock of 71 against Ireland. His inclusion provides the XI with an excellent all-rounder.
9. Adam Zampa
Adam Zampa was the tournament's 2nd highest wicket-taker and a master of middle overs. With an economy lower than 6.00, he helped the Aussies restrict the opponent run flow during the middle overs. He also has a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh.
10. Trent Boult
Although proved expensive on a few occasions, Trent Boult was New Zealand's premier bowler in the World Cup picking up 13 wickets to help New Zealand secure the final. He was the best bowler for the Kiwis in the final game as well, but his efforts couldn’t restrict a spirited Australian side.
11. Anrich Nortje
The Speedster from South Africa was one of the top bowlers in the World Cup. His ability to bowl consistently at an impressive speed and hit the right line and length is simply admirable. He has shown much promise being the best prospect for the Proteas with 9 wickets to his name.
12. Charith Asalanka (12th man)
231 runs at an average of 46 and strike rate over 147, Charith Asalanka is easy picking for the Team of the Tournament. However, Mitchell Marsh’s knockout performances stand out. We pick Asalanka as the 12th player.
