World T20 Team of the tournament

Barnaby Read 16:04 04/04/2016

After the West Indies’ thrilling victory over England in the World T20 final on Sunday, we select our best players from the tournament in India.

Have we missed out on any star performers? Let us know your thoughts by using #360fans across social media or commenting below.

TAMIM IQBAL (Bangladesh)

Based purely on his brilliance in the opening qualifying rounds, Iqbal features as the tournament’s overall highest run scorer with 295. More measured and still able to clear the ropes and take up an onslaught from the off, this was one of the most consistent outings of Iqbal’s career. In the Sport360 Team of the Tournament, he would have a licence to attack from ball one, making the most of the powerplay.

MOHAMMAD SHAHZAD (Afghanistan)

This is sure to cause debate with the omission of the likes of Chris Gayle, Jason Roy and Martin Guptil a tough one to justify but who would not want Shahzad in their side? He was superb throughout the tournament, making Shahzad-ites out of anyone watching him swing the willow with such ferocity, constantly beaming as he did so. Go out and give it a whack Shahz!

VIRAT KOHLI (India) – Captain                                                                  

Kohli came so close to leading his side to glory and his performances in this tournament were simply outstanding. He may not captain the India side but you can argue a very strong case for why he should and we’re more than happy to have him lead this team. His sheer weight of runs has been incredible on home soil and against the West Indies he showed we could even chuck him the ball.

JOE ROOT (England)

There are few better options at three and four than Kohli and Root. Like his Indian counterpart, Root has been exceptional, his efforts a key cog in England’s run to the final. Powerful and classical all in one, Root will also serve as vice-captain.

JOS BUTTLER (England) – Wicket-keeper

Buttler is a prime example of the current England outfit’s new-look approach to one-day cricket. Devastating with the bat, Buttler provides power and innovation. He will also take on wicket-keeping duties but if Shahzad’s fielding leaves a little to be desired then Buttler can easily perform without the gloves.

MARLON SAMUELS (West Indies)

As long as the others in the team perform then Samuels can be excused from contributing until the final. A man for the big occasion and on the back of his exploits in the final there is no way we couldn’t include him. He helps make this a powerful middle-order.

DAVID WILLEY (England)

Like Russell, Willey has been superb for England and his late hitting and use of the new ball make him a central component to this team. He will also be tasked with some big blows and hopefully he can find swing up front. Adds a nice bit of variety in a team that aims to be adaptable and bats very deep.

CARLOS BRATHWAITE (West Indies)

A late addition but Brathwaite’s brilliance in the final showed the class that oozes out of the 27-year-old. More than handy with the ball he is a second seaming all-rounder in the team. His devastating display in the final shows just how important his late hitting can be.

MITCHELL SANTNER (New Zealand)

An absolute revelation in India, Santner took to conditions like a proverbial duck to water. He can also hit a long ball and provides yet more depth in this batting line-up. It will be with the ball that he really adds value and showed he is capable at impacting a game during powerplays, the middle of the innings and at the death.

ISH SODHI (New Zealand)

Just as Santner impressed, so did Sodhi as New Zealand came to India with spinners of great variety and immense skill. A leggie is always needed in T20 cricket and Sodhi edged out finalists Samuel Badree and Adil Rashid for a spot in the team. A fearless man with the ball Sodhi’s attacking mindset is a hallmark of the brand of cricket this side would play.

MUSTAFIZUR RAHMAN (Bangladesh)

Injured in the early stages of the tournament, Rahman came in with a bang despite Bangladesh crashing out in the Super 10s. The left-arm quick bowls searing Yorkers and has one of the best slower balls in international cricket. A real wicket-taking threat whenever needed, Rahman is a must have.

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