After a month of enthralling action, Sport360 looks back at the biggest letdowns of the Cricket World Cup 2015 group stages.
– GALLERY: Best bowlers in #CWC15 group stages
– GALLERY: Best batsmen in #CWC15 group stages
– #360view: Clinical show vs Ireland boosts Pakistan morale
Whether it be individuals or teams as a whole, here are our top-four disappointments:
ENGLAND
They did not qualify for the quarter-finals. Need we say more? A campaign that started with a spineless defeat to Australia at the packed MCG, did not get any better as they backed it up with even more pathetic performances against New Zealand and Bangladesh. The match against Sri Lanka was their best batting effort, but they fumbled with the ball.
MINDBLOWING – When World Cup 2015 draw was made, England No. 1 ODI. Now out in 1st round. #cwc15 #ENGvBAN pic.twitter.com/Y6J96PuPzI
— Cricketopia.com (@Cricketopia) March 9, 2015
RAVINDRA JADEJA
Ravindra Jadeja: India’s sore point. Has been unsure as a batter and his bowling has lacked bite. Has taken seven wickets, ONLY TAIL ENDERS
— gskaushal (@gsk2727) March 14, 2015
India have been a revelation this World Cup, and it has come from teamwork so far. However, one man in the eleven has failed to come to the party as yet – Jadeja. The all-rounder may not have got much opportunity with the bat, but he has struggled with the ball as well. Has scored 18 runs in three innings and has taken seven wickets at an average of 37.
QUINTON DE KOCK
Haha RT @Tsitsa_ADHD: Hahaha RT @fwildecricket Vine | Quinton de Kock thinks he angered Dale Steyn and is terrified: http://t.co/Cq894o0mos
— … (@KRS_313) September 2, 2014
The South African wicketkeeper-batsman was expected to be one of the superstars of the tournament with the bat. But de Kock has made just 53 runs in six matches at an average of 8.83. AB de Villiers is still hopeful and said after their final group match: “He’s going to play a big part in us winning this World Cup. When the push comes to shove, I really believe he’s going to play a big knock for us.”
Quinton de Kock is the Johan Muller of cricket. Just chilling at the world cup doing nothing.
— Peter de Villiers (@Coachdivvy) March 16, 2015
SHAHID AFRIDI
Pakistan fans here in @scg getting just a bit excited as Shahid Afridi comes out to bat #cwc15 https://t.co/7CdyIm9KhX Vine
— Lahore Lions (@Lahore_Lions) February 11, 2015
After is brilliant all-round show in the 2011 World Cup, the Pathan was being looked upon as Pakistan’s trump card in this edition as well. His quick, accurate leg-spin and ability to clear the smaller boundaries were supposed to be the key for his side, but Afridi has managed to take only two wickets in six matches and scored 93 runs in five innings.
@SAfridiOfficial I just want one thing. I want you to perform with the bat. People watch cricket for you show them U are the same please….
— Zain Mohsin (@IAmZMohsin) March 16, 2015
