The World Cup T20 XI

The World T20 came to an end yesterday and put to rest some allegations about West Indian cricket. However, Gangnam style and World Cup trophy apart, let’s take a look at the World T20 dream squad for 2012:

1. Shane Watson - 249 runs at an average of 49.8, three half-centuries, strike rate of 150 — 11 wickets at 16, strike rate – 13

A no-brainer really. He is one of the best all-rounders plying their trade these days and was on top of his game in the World Cup. Man of the series, 4 M.O.M, most runs scored, second highest wicket taker – I rest my case.

2. Chris Gayle – 222 runs at an average of 44.4, three half-centuries, strike rate of 150, 16 sixes.

The Calypso king enjoyed a successful return to international cricket. He silenced anyone who doubted his commitment to the nation with a breathtaking knock against Australia and propelled his team to the finals.

3. Virat Kohli – 185 runs at an average of 46.25, two half-centuries

He was the lone bright spot for the Indian team in a rather disappointing overall campaign. He continued his incredible recent form in the World Cup as well and scored 2 sparkling half centuries against Afghanistan and Pakistan.

4. Mahela Jayawardene – 243 runs at an average of 40.5,1 half century

The Sri Lankan captain led from the front and was instrumental in getting his side to the finals. His elegant batting was a joy to watch and the crucial innings of 42 in the semifinal showed he was able to adapt even in the difficult conditions.

5. Marlon Samuels – 230 runs at an average of 38.33, three half-centuries – three wickets

Considering the immense pressure, his innings of 78 in the final was one of best ever seen in T-20 cricket. On a pitch where everyone struggled, he was carting sixes at will and was instrumental in setting up the win.

6. Ross Taylor – 147 runs at an average of 49, strike rate of 145.54

In an event dominated by top order batsmen, Ross Taylor was the only decent finisher on the show. He lit up New Zealand’s innings with his well timed cameos down the order and it would have been a different story had they not lost the two superovers.

7. Brendon McCullum – 212 runs at an average of 42.4, one century

The highest run scorer in the T20 format had started the tournament with a brilliant 123 against Bangladesh. Even though his performance declined after that he was the highest run scorer among wicket keepers.

8. Ajantha Mendis – 15 wickets at an average of 9.8, economy rate 6.12, strike rate 9.6

The mystery wrist spinner silenced his doubters with a brilliant performance in the World Cup. Bamboozling batsmen through out the tournament, he finished as the highest wicket taker and got the best figures of 6-8 in a T20 match.

9. Sunil Narine – Nine wickets at an average of 15.44, economy rate 5.64, strike rate 16.4

Sunil Narine cemented his reputation as one of the best T20 bowlers in the world with an assured performance. He was almost impossible to get away even in the death overs and chipped in with crucial wickets when his team needed them.

10. Dale Steyn – Six wickets at an average of 13.66, economy rate 4.82, strike rate 17

Though South Africa were woeful in the tournament, Steyn bowled his heart out. The world’s premier fast bowler’s potent combo of swing, pace and accuracy saw him going at a miserly 4.82 runs an over, which is incredible in shortest form of the game.

11.Mitchell Starc – 10 wickets at an average of 16.4, economy 6.83, strike rate 14.4

Mitchell Starc was a revelation in the tournament. The left arm seamer from Australia was really impressive throughout and troubled all the batsmen with his pace and swing, specially in his first spell, and it was difficult to hit him out of the park.

12th man - Saeed Ajmal – 9 wickets at 18.11, economy rate 6.79