CWC 2019 Power Rankings: Kane Williamson forces his way in while David Warner dazzles

Ajit Vijaykumar 22:08 23/06/2019
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  • New Zealand's captain Kane Williamson.

    The 2019 World Cup burst into life over the last few days with back-to-back cliffhangers. Sri Lanka stunned hosts England before Afghanistan almost pulled off an improbable win over India. The Kiwis were cruising to victory before Carlos Brathwaite’s stunning ton took the Windies to within five runs of a remarkable win.

    As teams battle it out to secure the semi-final spots, we keep a track of which players have made the biggest impact. In the fourth part of Power Rankings series, we continue to monitor the top 10 players throughout the league stages in an effort to track the true MVPs of the summer.

    You can read parts one, two and three here. Standings as of June 23 match between South Africa and Pakistan.

    Warner

    1. David Warner (Australia, Return)

    The Australian opener came up with the innings of the week, and maybe even the tournament, as he smashed 166 off 147 balls against Bangladesh. He struggled to get a move on before cranking it up in the death overs. The top run-getter with two tons and as many fifties.

    2. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh, same)

    The Bangladesh all-rounder retains his position as he had a decent game against the Aussies – run a ball 41 chasing 382. The second-highest run scorer in the tournament, plus five wickets.

    3. Kane Williamson (New Zealand, New)

    The Kiwi skipper has improved with each outing; his scores since the start of the tournament read 40, 79*, 106* and 148. The 106-run knock in a tense chase against South Africa was one of the finest you will ever see under pressure.

    4. Joe Root (England, Down one spot)

    England middle order bulwark Root has gone about his business with minimum of fuss. While Eoin Morgan grabbed headlines with his world record 17 sixes against Afghanistan, Root’s 424 runs from six innings have been crucial in holding the innings together.

    5. Jofra Archer (England, Down one)

    Teams are now trying to negotiate Archer with minimum damage, which is the ultimate compliment for a pacer. With 15 wickets from six games, he is the joint leading wicket taker this tournament and continues to harass batsmen with his pace.

    6. Mohammad Amir (Pakistan, Same)

    Amir (10)

    The Pakistan left-arm pacer has been in imperious form in this World Cup, having struggled for the most of last season. Bringing all his experience into play, the left-arm quick has climbed to the top of the wickets table with 15 scalps at just 14 runs per wicket. The swing is back and so is the swagger.

    7. Lockie Ferguson (New Zealand, Up two)

    The Kiwi quick has become the go-to man for captain Williamson and the right arm pacer has delivered every time. He has 14 wickets from five games and has maintained an average speed of close to 140kph throughout his 10 overs. The control and bite he provides in the middle overs is outstanding.

    8. Mitchell Starc (Australia, Same)

    The Australian left-arm quick is getting better with each outing. Starc not only is the joint highest wicket taker with 15 scalps but has clocked the most deliveries over 90mph this World Cup. For a bowler who came into the tournament undercooked, Starc has delivered a treat.

    9. Rohit Sharma (India, Down eight)

    Both Kohli and Rohit are in excellent form.

    Both Kohli and Rohit are in excellent form.

    The India opener was out for 1 against Afghanistan, after two tons and a fifty in three games. The pitch in Southampton proved extremely tough, which Rohit failed to negotiate. Still, the most in-form India batsman along with Kohli.

    10. Aaron Finch (Australia, Down three)

    The Australia skipper continues to churn out the runs, taking his tournament tally to three fifties and one century in six innings. The solidity he provides at the top of the order has masked some of the middle and lower order issues for Australia.

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