Cricket World Cup 2019 Fantasy: Top picks and hidden gems in every position

Much like the format during the T20 competition, fantasy managers have to set up their sides per round though the fixture list does toss up a few googlies.

Fortunately, we’ll be with you every step of the way with our tips and picks to guide you through each round.

But before the action kicks off and consumes us, it’s worth making a shortlist of the top fantasy assets to keep tabs on throughout the competition.

A shortlist that features the best from each position and goes something like this …

BATSMEN

David Warner 10.5

After smashing 692 runs in 12 IPL games, the opener’s time with the Australian team since has been a little underwhelming. There’s no doubting his quality though and a 43 against hosts England on Saturday was definitely a positive. If he gets going, you don’t want to miss out.

Virat Kohli 11

His IPL season from an individual aspect was average but back in ODIs now, surely the best batsman in the world delivers big? There will be plenty of responsibility on his shoulders as India’s top order has been a little hit and miss.

Kane Williamson 10.5

The Blackcaps’ skipper has his IPL campaign hampered by injury but now appears to be fit and firing again. The dependable batsman is renowned for his consistency and his 67 in the warm-up game against India showed how good he is at being the anchor for his side.

BOWLERS

Rashid Khan 9.5

Renowned as the best spinner in the world, he’s bound to be heavily involved in any success Afghanistan enjoy in this tournament. He’s guaranteed to boast a fine economy rate to earn you a few extra points while his wicket-taking ability is never in doubt with a strike rate of 23.5 in ODIs.

Kagiso Rabada 9.5

Dale Steyn may be the senior and vastly accomplished bowler in the side but Kagiso Rabada is the one who South Africa will turn to when they need a wicket. One of the fastest bowlers in the world, the 24-year-old enjoyed a superb IPL season where he picked up wickets for fun before his tournament was cut short by injury.

Jasprit Bumrah 9.5

The top-ranked bowler in the world leads India’s well-stocked bowling attack. His equally phenomenal ability to destroy the top order or pick up wickets and dot balls at the death makes him a force to be reckoned with and an fantasy asset worth the cost.

ALL-ROUNDERS

Hardik Pandya 9

When he’s in the mood, Hardik Pandya is a match-winner. He may not be as economical with the ball but he has a knack of picking up vital wickets. He’s emerged as one of the most dangerous lower-order batsmen in the game with his trademark brand of sitting deep in his crease and heaving fuller deliveries over the ropes.

Shakib Al Hasan 9

Officially recognised by ICC as the best all-rounder in ODI cricket at the moment, he’ll easily be the most selected player from Bangladesh. He brings consistency with the ball and aggression with the bat. He’s scored two fifties and a 29 in his last three innings.

Andre Russell 9.5

As long as he isn’t significantly hampered by injuries, you can count on the powerful Windies man to do some serious damage. No one clears the ropes with as much venom and frequency as the 31-year-old power-hitter. However, his lack of action in ODIs remains a concern.

WICKETKEEPERS

Jos Buttler 9.5

In recent times the England batsman has only furthered his reputation as one of the most explosive batsmen in the game. With great hands and innovative shots, the 28-year-old has become something of a limited-overs superstar and is arguably in his prime.

Quinton de Kock 10

Keeping wicket while the likes of Steyn and Rabada storm in, he’s more than likely to see a few edges nestle in his gloves. Following a fine IPL campaign with the bat, his opening pairing with Hashim Amla will strike fear into any opposition.

MS Dhoni 9

His uncanny knack for finishing innings well was on show again at the recently concluded IPL. In the 50-over format that ability will certainly come to the fore. At 37, he’s been showing great form with the bat of late and is as sharp as ever behind the stumps.

HIDDEN GEMS

Rahmat Shah 8.5

Players like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman tend to hog the spotlight where the Afghanistan team is concerned. However, Rahmat Shah is quietly entering the tournament in great form. The all-rounder bats at number three and boasts the best average in the squad for both ODIs and Tests (36.38 and 48). His last four innings scores read 113, 4, 62 and 32. He’s pretty handy with his leg-breaks as well but it’s with the bat that he excels.

Aiden Markram 7.5

Opening the innings for South Africa and available at just 7.5 credits, Aiden Markram represents plenty of value. He comes with excellent pedigree as well having led the U19 team to World Cup success in 2014, also finishing as top scorer.

Ravindra Jadeja 7.5

Listed as a bowler in this tournament, the Indian left-arm spinner will no doubt be a handy piece of weaponry in Kohli’s arsenal. A defiant 51 in his side’s dismal warm-up defeat to New Zealand showed just how capable he is with the bat as well.