Cricketers have a chance to forever etch their names in the annals of history
12 May, 2019
PHOTO: AFP
The best batsman can handle the pressure of the big stage and meet the expectations of the fans.
There are many good batsmen that will feature in the 2019 ICC World Cup but only one will stand atop the mountain as the leading run-scorer — a distinction that would forever etch the name of the particular batsman in the annals of history.
Let’s take a look at the batsmen with the highest chance of top scoring in cricket’s biggest event.
Virat Kohli (India)
Starting with the most obvious option, Indian skipper Virat Kohli can be considered the odds on favourite to end up as the highest scoring batsman of the 2019 World Cup.
The captain of the Indian team has played 227 ODI matches and scored more than 10,000 runs at an average of 59.57. His phenomenal record is even more daunting when we look at his career strike-rate of 92.96.
Kohli has a habit of making regular hundreds and has made 41 hundreds so far. A number which will only increase as time rolls on.
The right-handed batsman will be the player to look out for as he looks ready to take this tournament by storm.
Joe Root (England)
Joe Root, the England team batsman is another heavy favourite to bag the title of the leading run-scorer.
He has had a prolific career so far and has helped elevate the England team to the number one spot in the ODI rankings.
He has played 129 matches and scored 5137 runs at an average of 50.36 with a strike rate of 86.61 and a high score of 133. He has made 14 centuries and 29 half-centuries.
Root is consistent with a water tight technique and elegance that is unmatched. He has a knack for rotating the strike and provides the perfect balance to a team that is filled with power hitters.
His anchor role is perfect for him to play longer innings and make tons of runs. If all goes well, we will probably see Root at the top of the table by the end of the tournament.
Kane Williamson (New Zealand)
The Kiwi captain is considered one of the best batsmen in the world today. His great technique along with the ability to rotate the strike helps New Zealand make big scores without the fear of a batting collapse.
The New Zealand batsman can take chances knowing Williamson will have their back. In doing so, Williamson scores a lot of runs as he keeps the scoreboard ticking along.
Kane Williamson has featured in 139 matches and has scored more than 5000 runs at an average of 45.90 and a strike rate of 82.61. He has 11 hundreds and 37 fifties. His best score is 145 not out.
Aaron Finch (Australia)
The Australian captain is also on the list due to his scintillating recent form. In the month of March alone, Finch has made scores of 93 against India and 116, 153, 90, 53 against Pakistan.
He will have the chance to dominate the opposition in the World Cup with his attacking batting at the top of the order.
What sets Finch apart from the other aggressive batsmen in the world is his ability to bat according to the situation. He can slow his game down in tough situations and can be lethal when he goes hard.
This balance will be the key for Finch and Australia as they look to defend their title in this edition of the World Cup.
Babar Azam (Pakistan)
Babar Azam has been one of the most consistent performers in the Pakistan line up. His inexperience has not come in the way of him becoming the most vital cog in Pakistan team’s combination.
He has hunger for scoring runs and is great at rotating the strike.
The right-handed batsman has scored more than 2500 runs at an average of 50.58 and a strike rate of 84.86. His conversion rate is probably the best in the world with eight hundreds and 11 fifties. If Babar gets going he makes the big scores.
His ability to anchor an otherwise fragile line up makes him stand out. The stage is set for Azam to put his name in the circle of the greats by being the highest scorer in the World Cup.
