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Top 25 Highest Individual Scores in ODI World Cup: Who Will be the Highest Scorer in the 2023 Cricket World Cup?

Do you remember the highest individual scores in ODI World Cup? What are some of the best World Cup knocks?

The World Cup is right around the corner, so I thought I would help you refresh some of the golden memories of earlier World Cups.

Let’s dive right in.

Key Takeaways

  • Martin Guptill (237*), Chris Gayle (214), and Gary Kirsten (188*) hold the record for the higest individual scores in ODI World Cup.
  • Among the Top 25 highest scores in the World Cup, only Adam Gilchrist’s 149 (Final) Martin Guptill’s 237 (quarter finals), came in knockout rounds. Matthew Hayden’s 158 came in the Super Eight Stage while all others took place during the group stage.
  • Batters from Australia (5) feature in this list the most followed by India & South Affrica (4), New Zealand & England (3), West Indies (2), and Zimbabwe, Scotland, Pakistan & Sri Lanka (1).
  • The 2015 ODI World Cup was by far the best for batters – with 7 of the highest all-time scores coming in that World Cup. It is followed by the 2019 CWC (5 scores), 2007 (3), 2011, 2003, 1996 (2), and 1999, 1983, 1987, 1975 with one each.
  • Once again, the 2015 CWC saw the highest ever score (237*), while the 1992 CWC had the least highest top score (119*).
  • There have been 22 150+ scores and two double centuries in the ODI Cricket World Cup.

List of Top 10 Highest Scores in Cricket World Cup

The entire list of Top 25 and details are featured below, but here is a snippet of the Top 10 highest scores in the ODI Worl Cup.

PlayerScoreOppositionWorld Cup
Martin Guptill237*West Indies2015
Chris Gayle215Zimbabwe2015
Gary Kirsten188*UAE1996
Sourav Ganguly183Sri Lanka1999
Sir Vivian Richards181Sri Lanka1987
David Warner178Afghanistan2015
Kapil Dev175*Zimbabwe1983
Virender Sehwag175Bangladesh2011
Craig Wishart172*Namibia2003
Glenn Turner171*East Africa1975

Evolution of the Highest Individual Scores in ODI Cricket World Cup (1975-2019)

  • 1975: Glenn Turner (New Zealand) – 171* vs East Africa
  • 1979: Sir Vivian Richards (West Indies) – 138* vs England
  • 1983: Kapil Dev (India) – 175* vs Zimbabwe
  • 1987: Sir Vivian Richards (West Indies) – 181 vs Sri Lanka
  • 1992: Rameez Raza (Pakistan) – 119* vs New Zealand
  • 1996: Gary Kirsten (South Africa) – 188* vs UAE
  • 1999: Sourav Ganguly (India) – 183 vs Sri Lanka
  • 2003: Craig Wishart (Zimbabwe) – 172* vs Namibia
  • 2007: Imran Nazir (Pakistan) – 160 vs Zimbabwe
  • 2011: Virender Sehwag (India) – 175 vs Bangladesh
  • 2015: Martin Guptill (New Zealand) – 237* vs West Indies
  • 2019: David Warner (Australia) – 166 vs Bangladesh

Top 25 Highest Scores in Cricket World Cup: Best World Cup Innings

1. Martin Guptill (New Zealand) – 237* vs West Indies, 2015

  • Score: 237* (163)
  • Fours/Sixes: 24/11
  • Venue: Wellington, New Zealand
  • Date: 21 March, 2015
  • Stage: Quarter Final

Scorecard: NZ vs WI, ICC Cricket World Cup 2014/15, 4th Quarter-Final at Wellington, March 21, 2015

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2. Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 215 vs Zimbabwe, 2015

  • Score: 215 (147)
  • Fours/Sixes: 10/16
  • Venue: Canberra, Australia
  • Date: 24 February 2015
  • Stage: Group Stage

Scorecard: WI vs ZIM, ICC Cricket World Cup 2014/15, 15th Match, Pool B at Canberra, February 24, 2015

Embed from Getty Images

3. Gary Kirsten (South Africa) – 188* vs U.A.E., 1996

  • Score: 188* (159)
  • Fours/Sixes: 13/4
  • Venue: Rawalpindi, Pakistan
  • Date: 16 February 1996
  • Stage: Group Stage

Scorecard:SA vs UAE, Wills World Cup 1995/96, 2nd Match at Rawalpindi, February 16, 1996

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4. Sourav Ganguly (India) – 183 vs Sri Lanka, 1999

  • Score: 183 (158)
  • Fours/Sixes: 7/7
  • Venue: Taunton, England
  • Date: 26 May 1999
  • Stage: Group Stage

Scorecard: IND vs SL, ICC World Cup 1999, 21st Match at Taunton, May 26, 1999

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5. Sir Vivian Richards (West Indies) – 181 vs Sri Lanka, 1987

  • Score: 181 (125)
  • Fours/Sixes: 16/7
  • Venue: Karachi, Pakistan
  • Date: 13 October 1987
  • Stage: Group Stage

Scorecard: WI vs SL, Reliance World Cup 1987/88, 7th Match at Karachi, October 13, 1987

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6. David Warner (Australia) – 178 vs Afghanistan, 2015

  • Score: 178 (133)
  • Fours/Sixes: 19/5
  • Venue: Perth, Australia
  • Date: 4 March, 2015
  • Stage: Group Stage

Scorecard: AUS vs AFG, ICC Cricket World Cup 2014/15, 26th Match, Pool A at Perth, March 04, 2015

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7. Kapil Dev (India) – 175 * vs Zimbabwe, 1983

  • Score: 175* (138)
  • Fours/Sixes:16/6
  • Venue: Tunbridge Wells, England
  • Date: 18 June 1983
  • Stage: Group Stage

Scorecard: IND vs ZIM, Prudential World Cup 1983, 20th Match at Tunbridge Wells, June 18, 1983

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8. Virender Sehwag (India) – 175 vs Bangladesh, 2011

  • Score: 175 (140)
  • Fours/Sixes:14/5
  • Venue: Mirpur, Bangladesh
  • Date: 19 February, 2011
  • Stage: Group Stage

Scorecard: IND vs BAN, ICC Cricket World Cup 2010/11, 1st Match, Group B at Dhaka, February 19, 2011

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9. Craig Wishart (Zimbabwe) – 172* vs Namibia, 2003

  • Score: 172* (151)
  • Fours/Sixes:18/3
  • Venue: Harare, Zimbabwe
  • Date: 10 February 2003
  • Stage: Group Stage

Scorecard: ZIM vs NAM, ICC World Cup 2002/03, 2nd Match at Harare, February 10, 2003

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10. Glenn Turner (New Zealand) – 171* vs East Africa, 1975

  • Score: 171* (201)
  • Fours/Sixes:16/2
  • Venue: Birmingham, England
  • Date: 7 June, 1975
  • Stage: Group Stage

Scorecard: NZ vs EAf, Prudential World Cup 1975, 2nd Match at Birmingham, June 07, 1975

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11. David Warner (Australia) – 166 vs Bangladesh, 2019

  • Score: 166 (147)
  • Fours/Sixes: 14/5
  • Venue: Nottingham, England
  • Date: 20 June 2019
  • Stage: Group Stage

Scorecard: AUS vs BAN, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, 26th match at Nottingham, June 20, 2019

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12. AB de Villiers (South Africa) – 162* vs West Indies, 2015

  • Score: 162* (66)
  • Fours/Sixes:17/8
  • Venue: Sydney, Australia
  • Date: 27 February 2015
  • Stage: Group Stage

Scorecard: SA vs WI, ICC Cricket World Cup 2014/15, 19th Match, Pool B at Sydney, February 27, 2015

Embed from Getty Images

13. Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka) – 161* vs Bangladesh, 2015

  • Score: 161* (146)
  • Fours/Sixes: 22/0
  • Venue: Melbourne, Australia
  • Date: 26 February 2015
  • Stage: Group Stage

Scorecard: SL vs BAN, ICC Cricket World Cup 2014/15, 18th Match, Pool A at Melbourne, February 26, 2015

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14. Andrew Hudson (South Africa) – 161 vs Netherlands, 1996

  • Score: 161 (132)
  • Fours/Sixes: 13/4
  • Venue: Rawalpindi, Pakistan
  • Date: 5 March 1996
  • Stage: Group Stage

Scorecard: SA vs NED, Wills World Cup 1995/96, 27th Match at Rawalpindi, March 05, 1996

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15. Imran Nazir (Pakistan) – 160 vs Zimbabwe, 2007

  • Score: 160 (121)
  • Fours/Sixes: 14/8
  • Venue: Kingston, Jamaica (West Indies)
  • Date: 21 March 2007
  • Stage: Group Stage

Scorecard: PAK vs ZIM, ICC World Cup 2006/07, 17th Match, Group D at Kingston, March 21, 2007

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16. Hashim Amla (South Africa) – 159 vs Ireland, 2015

  • Score: 159 (128)
  • Fours/Sixes: 16/4
  • Venue: Canberra, Australia
  • Date: 3 March 2015
  • Stage: Group Stage

Scorecard: SA vs IRE, ICC Cricket World Cup 2014/15, 24th Match, Pool B at Canberra, March 03, 2015

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17. Matthew Hayden (Australia) – 158 vs West Indies, 2007

  • Score: 158 (143)
  • Fours/Sixes: 14/4
  • Venue: North Sound, Antigua & Barbuda (West Indies)
  • Date: 27 March 2007
  • Stage: Super Eights

Scorecard: AUS vs WI, ICC World Cup 2006/07, 25th Match, Super Eights at North Sound, March 27 – 28, 2007

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18. Andrew Strauss (England) – 158 vs India, 2011

  • Score: 158 (143)
  • Fours/Sixes: 14/4
  • Venue: Bengaluru, India
  • Date: 27 February 2011
  • Stage: Group Stage

Scorecard: IND vs ENG, ICC Cricket World Cup 2010/11, 11th Match, Group B at Bengaluru, February 27, 2011

Embed from Getty Images

19. Kyle Coetzer (Scotland) – 156 vs Bangladesh, 2015

  • Score: 156 (134)
  • Fours/Sixes: 17/4
  • Venue: Nelson, New Zealand
  • Date: 5 March 2015
  • Stage: Group Stage

Scorecard: SCOT vs BAN, ICC Cricket World Cup 2014/15, 27th Match, Pool A at Nelson, March 05, 2015

Embed from Getty Images

20. Jason Roy (England) – 153 vs Bangladesh, 2019

  • Score: 153 (121)
  • Sixes/Fours: 14/5
  • Venue: Cardiff, Wales
  • Date: 8 June 2019
  • Stage: Group Stage

Scorecard: ENG vs BAN, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, 12th match at Cardiff, June 08, 2019

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21. Aaron Finch (Australia) – 153 vs Sri Lanka, 2019

  • Score: 153 (132)
  • Fours/Sixes: 15/5
  • Venue: The Oval, England
  • Date: 15 June 2019
  • Stage: Group Stage

Scorecard: AUS vs SL, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, 20th match at London, June 15, 2019

Embed from Getty Images

22. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 152 vs Namibia, 2003

  • Score: 152 (151)
  • Fours/Sixes: 18/0
  • Venue: Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
  • Date: 23 February 2003
  • Stage: Group Stage

Scorecard: IND vs NAM, ICC World Cup 2002/03, 25th Match at Pietermaritzburg, February 23, 2003

Embed from Getty Images

23. Adam Gilchrist (Australia) – 149 vs Sri Lanka, 2007

  • Score: 149 (104)
  • Fours/Sixes:13/8
  • Venue: Bridgetown, Barbados (West Indies)
  • Date: 28 April 2007
  • Stage: Final

Scorecard: AUS vs SL, ICC World Cup 2006/07, Final at Bridgetown, April 28, 2007

Embed from Getty Images

24. Eoin Morgan (England) – 148 vs Afghanistan (2019)

  • Score: 148 (71)
  • Fours/Sixes:4/17
  • Venue: Manchester, England
  • Date: 18 June 2019
  • Stage: Group Stage

Scorecard: ENG vs AFG, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, 24th match at Manchester

Embed from Getty Images

25. Kane Williamson (New Zealand) – 148 vs South Africa (2019)

  • Score: 148 (154)
  • Fours/Sixes: 14/1
  • Venue: Manchester, England
  • Date: 22 June 2019
  • Stage: Group Stage

Scorecard: NZ vs WI, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, 29th match at Manchester, June 22, 2019

Embed from Getty Images

Final Thoughts

World Cups are remembered by individual knocks.

I will never forget Guptill’s 237*. It just seemed too good to be true.

Can anyone in the 2023 World Cup beat this record? Let us know below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who have scored the highest individual scores in the ODI Cricket World Cup?

Martin Guptill (237*), Chris Gayle (215), and Gary Kirsten (188*) are the Top 3 for the highest individual scores in the ODI Cricket World since 1975.
Highest Individual Scores in ODI World Cup - The Best World Cup Innings: (From left to right) AB De Villiers acknowledging the crowd, Chris Gayle, Martin Guptill, Sourav Ganguly, Kapil Dev hitting a shot

Which Cricket World Cup had the individual highest scores?

The 2015 ODI Cricket World Cup featured 7 of the Top 25 all-time highest individual scores in the ODI World Cup. This included Martin Guptill (237), Chris Gayle (215), David Warner (178), AB De Villiers (162*), Tillakaratne Dilshan (161*), Hashim Amla (159), and Kyle Coetzer (156).

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, LLC 2023. Originally published on 09/23/2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Top 50 Greatest West Indies Cricketers of All Time: The Complete List (2023)

Time for the greatest West Indies cricketers of all-time!

West Indies has been a beacon of sunshine in international cricket for several decades. From the golden generation of Test cricketers to the ODI & T20 World Cup winning eras, the Caribbean has been a factory of talent.

Without further ado, let’s dive right in, the greatest West Indies Cricketers of All Time across formats and eras.

Key Takeaways

  • Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Vivian Richards, Brian Lara, Courtney Walsh, Malcolm Marshall, George Headley, Curtly Ambrose, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Chris Gayle, and Sir Clive Lloyd are judged as the Top 10 Greatest West Indian players in cricket history.
  • The country of origin for these players is divided as follows: Barbados (13), Jamaica (10), Guyana/British Guiana (9), Trinidad & Tobago (9), Leeward Islands (4), and Windward Islands (1).
  • In this list of the 50 greatest West Indies cricketers of all time, we have 16 batters, 11 fast bowlers,10 allrounders, 4 spinners, and 4 wicketkeepers,

Table of Contents

List of Top 50 Greatest West Indies Cricketers of All Time

Cricket is a highly popular sport in the West Indies, and the region has produced some of the greatest cricketers in the history of the game. These players have made a huge impact on cricket with their incredible performances, and their names have gone down in history as some of the most memorable figures in the sport.

In this list of the greatest 50 greatest West Indian cricketers of all time, we took in account impact on West Indian & world cricket, World Cup wins, individual statistics & performances, captaincy, and legacy. All roles are considered. In this list, you will find the greatest West Indian batters, bowlers, allrounders, and wicketkeepers. Here we go!

Honorable Mentions: Larry Gomes, Carlos Brathwaite, Ravi Rampaul, Bernard Julien, Mervyn Dillon, Jerome Taylor, Fidel Edwards, George Francis, Herman Griffith, Manny Martindale, Leslie Hylton, Hines Johnson, Roy Gilchrist, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Seymour Nurse, Gus Logie,

Current Players Who Might Make the List in the future: Kraigg Brathwaite, Shai Hope, Evin Lewis, Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Shannon Gabriel, Joshua da Silva

Also Read:

50. Lendl Simmons (Trinidad & Tobago, 2006-2021)

  • Role: Right Hand Bat/Wicketkeeper
  • Claim to Fame: One of the heroes of the 2016 T20 World Cup campaigns, knocking India out of the semifinals. Devastating opening batter and dependable behind the stumps
Embed from Getty Images

49. Deryck Murray (Trinidad & Tobago, 1963-1980)

  • Role: Right Hand Bat/Wicketkeeper
  • Claim to Fame: Constant presence behind the stumps for 17 years for the West Indies
  • Record: 4th Highest Test dismissals for WI
Embed from Getty Images

48. Vanburn Holder (Barbados, 1969-1979)

  • Role: Right Arm Medium Pace
  • Claim to Fame: Complemented Wes Hall & Charlie Griffith as an accurate medium pace bowler
  • Record: 109 Test & 950 FC Wickets
Embed from Getty Images

47. Learie ‘Baron’ Constantine (Trinidad & Tobago, 1928-1939)

  • Role: All-Rounder
  • Claim to Fame: One of the early father figures of West Indian cricket. All-rounder, both on the field and off of it. After cricket, he was Trinidad & Tobago’s High Commissioner to the UK and fought against discrimination.
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46. Denesh Ramdin (Trinidad & Tobago, 2005-2019)

  • Role: Wicketkeeper/batter
  • Claim to Fame: Up & down with the bat in his career, but a constant behind the stumps for a better part of the 2010s.
  • Records: Most dismissals in T20I Cricket, 3rd in ODI & Test Cricket
Embed from Getty Images

45. Jason Holder (Barbados, 2013-2023)

  • Role: All-Rounder (Right Arm Medium Pace)
  • Claim to Fame: Effective T20 bowler, handy with the bat, but most importantly, known for his calm demeanor and captaincy.
  • Records: 2nd Most Wickets for WI in T20Is, 6th most in ODI
Embed from Getty Images

44. Ridley Jacobs (Leeward Islands, 1996-2004)

  • Role: Wicket-keeper/batter
  • Claim to Fame: Formed the core of West Indian team in the 1990s
  • Records: 2nd Most dismissals in ODI & Test Cricket
Embed from Getty Images

43. Sir Conrad Hunte (Barbados, 1958-1967)

  • Role: Opening Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Celebrated for his performances during the 1960s. Played a crucial part in series against England and scored a ton against all Test nations at that time. Went into public life figure after cricket.
  • Records: 3245 Test & 8916 FC runs
Embed from Getty Images

42. Jackie Hendricks (Jamaica, 1962-1969)

  • Role: Wicketkeeper
  • Claim to Fame: Although his batting stats may not be the most impressive, he was considered one of the best keepers of his time.
Embed from Getty Images

41. Charlie Griffith (Barbados, 1960-1969)

  • Role: Fast Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Noted for his impressive fast bowling during the 1960s and forming one of the most feared bowling duos with Wes Hall.
  • Record: 94 Test & 332 First Class (FC) Wickets
Embed from Getty Images

40. Samuel Badree (Trinidad & Tobago, 2012-2018)

  • Role: Right Arm Leg Spin
  • Claim to Fame: Vital cog in West Indies’ 2012 & 2016 victory. Changed the role of the spinner as a Powerplay weapon. Economical and a wicket-taker.
  • Record: 3rd Highest Wicket-Taker in T20Is for WI
Embed from Getty Images

39. Daren Sammy (Windward Islands, 2004-2017)

  • Role: All-Rounder
  • Claim to Fame: Recognized for his exceptional leadership skills and match-winning performances in T20 cricket.
Embed from Getty Images

38. Marlon Samuels (Jamaica, 2000-2018)

  • Role: All-Rounder (Right Hand Bat/Right Arm Off spin)
  • Claim to Fame: Top scored for West Indies in both the 2012 & 2016 T20 World Cups, including the match winning knocks in the Finals in both tournaments. Controversial off the field.
Embed from Getty Images

37. Lawrence Rowe (Jamaica, 1972-1980)

  • Role: Top-Order Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Famed for his outstanding batting performances in the 1970s. His noteworthy performances in test matches, particularly his remarkable double century on debut (214 & 100* on debut) is a standout among his contemporaries. One of the most stylish cricketers of all-time.
  • Record: 2047 Test & 8755 FC runs, best of 302, 7 tons (in 30 Tests only)
Embed from Getty Images

36. Roy Fredericks (Guyana, 1968-1977)

  • Role: Opening Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Renowned for his aggressive batting style and crucial contributions during the 1975 World Cup. Fearless opener.
  • Record: 4334 Test & 16,384 FC runs, 8 Test hundreds.
Embed from Getty Images

35. Andre Russell (Jamaica, 2010-2021)

  • Role: All-Rounder
  • Claim to Fame: Possibly the most hard-hitting batting in cricket history. Revolutionized muscular power hitting. The Knight Riders franchise have Andre Russell to thank for their brand (and some of their trophies).
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34. Colin Croft (Guyana, 1977-1982)

  • Role: Fast Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Renowned for his intimidating fast bowling in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
  • Record: 125 Test & 428 FC wickets. Stunning Test bowling averaging of 23.30
Embed from Getty Images

33. Jeffrey Dujon (Jamaica)

  • Role: Wicket-Keeper Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Distinguished for his impeccable wicket-keeping skills and significant lower-order contributions during the 1980s. Holds pretty much all Test & ODI wicketkeeping records for the West Indies.
  • Record: Most Dismissals in ODI & Test Cricket for WI
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32. Ian Bishop (Trinidad & Tobago, 1988-1998)

  • Role: Fast Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Famed for his accuracy and control with the ball, particularly in one day cricket.
  • Record: 161 Test wickets, 118 ODI, and 549 FC wickets
Embed from Getty Images

31. Sunil Narine (Trinidad & Tobago, 2011-2019)

  • Role: All-Rounder (Mystery Spin Bowler)
  • Claim to Fame: Noted for his ability to bowl spin with exceptional control in T20 cricket. With his batting reinvention, he revolutionized the role of pinch hitters in T20 cricket.
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30. Kemar Roach (Barbados, 2008-)

  • Role: Right Arm Fast
  • Claim to Fame: One of the consistent Test bowlers in the modern era. Sacrificed his limited overs career for the longest format.
  • Record: 5th highest wicket taker in Tests for the West Indies
Embed from Getty Images

29. Ramnaresh Sarwan (Guyana, 2000-2013)

  • Role: Top-Order Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Known for his consistent performances and matches winning knocks in the 2004 Champions Trophy. With Chanderpaul & Lara, Sarwan provided West Indies some of the best batsmen around.
  • Record: 5842 Test & 5804 ODI runs including the memorable 291. 20 international centuries
Embed from Getty Images

28. Alf Valentine (Jamaica, 1950-1962)

  • Role: Left Arm Spin
  • Claim to Fame: Spin twins with Ramadhin. Played a major part in the series victory against England as well as the Tied Test vs Australia in 1961.
  • Record: 139 Test & 475 FC wickets
Embed from Getty Images

27. Sonny Ramadhin (Trinidad & Tobago, 1950-1961)

  • Role: Right arm off spin
  • Claim to Fame: One of the great off spinners of the 1950s, formed a partnership with Alf Valentine. Regarded for his role in the overseas Test victory against England. Ramadhin was the first player from Indian origin to represent the Windies.
  • Record: 158 Test & 758 FC wickets
Embed from Getty Images

26. Kieron Pollard (Trinidad & Tobago, 2007-2022)

  • Role: All-Rounder
  • Claim to Fame: Found in the Champions League 2009, Pollard has become popular for his hard-hitting batting, ruthless finishing, and winning franchise trophies. Not many people have influenced the evolution of a format as Pollard has.
  • Records: 2012 T20 World Cup Winner, Mumbai Indians legend, 4th Most T20I runs for WI, and 2nd most T20I wins as captain.
Embed from Getty Images

25. Richie Richardson (Leeward Islands, 1983-1996)

  • Role: Right Hand Bat
  • Claim To Fame: 9 Tons against Australia, 619 runs in 4-Test series vs India
  • Record: 5949 Test Runs, 6248 ODI, and 14618 FC Runs. 21 International Centuries
Embed from Getty Images

24. Rohan Kanhai (British Guiana/Guyana, 1957-1975)

  • Role: Top-Order Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Widely celebrated for his inventive batting style and significant role in the 1975 World Cup squad. His ability to handle pressure and adapt his game to different conditions and situations elevated him to the status of one of the greatest West Indian cricketers of all time. There is a reason Sunil Gavaskar named his son Rohan.
  • Record: 6227 Test runs, 29250 FC runs, 86 FC centuries

*also played one year for Trinidad & Tobago

Embed from Getty Images

23. Carl Hooper (Guyana, 1987-2003)

  • Role: All-Rounder
  • Claim to Fame: Popular for his all-round performances in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
  • Records: 2nd Most Catches in ODI Cricket, 4th Highest wicket-taker for WI in ODI, 10000+ runs in international cricket, 23,034 FC runs with 69 centuries
Embed from Getty Images

22. Alvin Kallicharran (Guyana, 1972-1981)

  • Role: Middle-Order Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Renowned for his elegant batting style and crucial contributions during the 1975 and 1979 World Cups.
  • Record: 4399 Test & 32560 FC runs. 87 FC centuries, double century (206) in List A cricket.
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21. Sir Clyde Walcott (Barbados/British Guiana, 1948-1960)

  • Role: Top-Order Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Widely recognized for his record-breaking batting performances in the 1950s. One of the 3 Ws in the 1950s.
  • Record: 3798 Test & 11820 FC runs, 40 FC centuries. Averaged over 56 in both Test & FC cricket.
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20. Sir Everton Weekes (Barbados, 1948-1958)

  • Role: Opening Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Celebrated for his outstanding batting skills and record-breaking feats during the 1940s.
  • Record: 4455 Test & 12010 FC runs, 36 FC centuries. Averaged 58.61 in Tests & 55.34 in FC cricket.
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19. Wes Hall (Barbados, 1958-1969)

  • Role: Fast Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Recognized for his destructive fast bowling and forming one of the most feared bowling duos with Charlie Griffith.
  • Record: 192 Test & 546 FC wickets

*Also played for Trinidad 1966-1970

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18. Andy Roberts (Leeward Islands, 1974-1983)

  • Role: Fast Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Celebrated for his blistering pace and pinpoint accuracy in the 1970s.
  • Record: 202 Test & 889 FC wickets
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17. Michael Holding (Jamaica, 1975-1987)

  • Role: Fast Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Nicknamed the ‘whispering death,’ Holding was admired for his smooth action and exceptional control with the ball. Now known for his strong takes in the commentary box.
  • Record: 249 Test wickets, 142 ODI, and 778 FC wickets
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16. Joel Garner (Barbados, 1977-1987)

  • Role: Fast Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Famed for his intimidating fast bowling and remarkable accuracy. One of the recognizable pillars of the famed bowling attack.
  • Records: Best career ODI economy rate (3.09), 259 Test wickets at an average of 20.97. Also took 146 ODI & 881 FC wickets
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15. Lance Gibbs (British Guiana, 1958-1976)

  • Role: Off Spin Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Admired for his spin bowling and shrewd field settings in the 1960s and 1970s.
  • Records: First spinner to 300 Test wickets, bowled 78,430 FC balls & 27,115 Test balls. Best of 8/38 in an innings.
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14. Dwayne Bravo (Trinidad & Tobago, 2004-2021)

  • Role: All-Rounder
  • Claim to Fame: Celebrated for his aggressive batting and his ability to bowl at any stage of the game.
  • Records: Most Wickets for WI in T20Is, Most Wickets in T20s of all-time (615), 3rd most in ODI cricket, Most franchise tournament wins in history (constant competition with Pollard)

Also Read: Top 55 All-Rounders in Cricket History List (The Complete Guide)

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13. Sir Gordon Greenidge (Barbados, 1974-1991)

  • Role: Opening Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Recognized for his powerful batting and ability to score freely in both Test and One Day cricket.
  • Records: 37,354 FC runs, 30 international centuries, and 92 FC tons.
Embed from Getty Images

12. Desmond Haynes (Barbados, 1978-1994)

  • Role: Opening Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Admired for his consistent batting performances in the 1980s and 1990s. A giant in first class cricket as well.
  • Records: Pioneer in ODI batting, had most tons (17) till Sachin Tendulkar overtook him. More than 16,000 international runs, 26,000 FC runs, and 15,000 List A runs.
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11. Sir Curtly Ambrose (Leeward Islands, 1988-2000)

  • Role: Fast Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Distinguished for his fast, accurate bowling and significant contributions in the 1980s and 1990s.
  • Records: 941 FC wickets, 405 Test wickets, and bowled some of the best spells.

*Also played for Antigua and Barbuda

Embed from Getty Images

10. Sir Clive Lloyd (British Guiana, 1966-1985)

  • Role: Left Hand Batter/Captain
  • Claim to Fame: Known for his leadership of the West Indies team during the 1970s and 1980s, leading them to two World Cup titles.
  • Records: 31232 FC, 10915 List A, 7515 Test runs. Two-time WC winning captain.
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9. Chris Gayle (Jamaica, 1999-2021)

  • Role: Opening Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Celebrated for his aggressive batting and record-breaking performances in T20 cricket. Had a couple of double hundreds in Test matches as well. Pioneer in T20 batting. Was West Indies’ Top 2 scorers in their winning campaigns of 2004 Champions Trophy as well as their 2012 & 2016 T20 World Cup campaigns
  • Records: Most Catches for WI in ODI Cricket, Most ODI & T20I Runs for West Indies, Most T20 Runs (14562), Most T20 Hundreds (22), Most T20 Sixes (1056)
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8. Shivnarine Chanderpaul (Guyana, 1994-2015)

  • Role: Top-Order Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Amusing batting stances, marks below the eyes, but most importantly, remarkable batting performances in Test cricket. The Wall of West Indian cricket.
  • Records: Most Tests for West Indies (164), 2nd Highest Test Runs (11867), 3rd Highest ODI Runs (8778)
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7. George Headley (Jamaica, 1930-1954)

  • Role: Opening Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Admired for his batting prowess and stylish strokeplay during the 1930s and 1940s.
  • Records: 103 FC/22 Tests, 9921 Runs/2190 Runs, 69.86/60.83 Average, best of 344*, 33/44 – 100s/50s
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6. Malcolm Marshall (Barbados, 1978-1992)

  • Role: Fast Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Famed for his express pace and lethal bounce, making him one of the most feared bowlers in the 1980s.
  • Records: 376 Test wickets, 157 ODI wickets, 1651 FC wickets, 46.7 Test Strike Rate
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5. Courtney Walsh (Jamaica, 1984-2001)

  • Role: Fast Bowler
  • Claim to Fame: Noted for his remarkable accuracy and ability to extract the most out of even the most lifeless pitches.
  • Records: Most Test & ODI Wickets for WI, 1807 FC Wickets, 2nd most Test matches for West Indies (132), 519 Test wickets, 5/1 (best ODI analysis)
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4. Brian Lara (Trinidad & Tobago, 1990-2016)

  • Role: Middle Order Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Renowned for his record-breaking batting feats and stylish stroke play. It is no joke that he scored the highest and third highest score in Tests. One of the remaining cogs of a declining Test side.
  • Records: 11953 Test Runs, 10405 in ODI, 22156 FC, and 14602 in Lisa A cricket. Highest Test Score (400), Most Catches in Test Cricket/3rd Most Catches in ODI Cricket
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3. Sir Frank Worrell (Barbados/Jamaica, 1948-1963)

  • Role: Opening Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Noted for his leadership of the West Indies team in the 1960s and setting up a legacy of success. Sir Frank Worrell was the first black captain to represent the West Indies and also captained the national team in that famed 1961 Test series, which featured the first Tied test.
  • Record: 3860 Test runs, 15025 FC runs, 39 FC centuries.
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2. Sir Vivian Richards (Leeward Islands, 1974-1991)

  • Role: Opening Batsman
  • Claim to Fame: Celebrated for his powerful batting and remarkable consistency in the 1970s and 1980s. Possibly the greatest batsman the world has ever seen, and definitely, the most charismatic.
  • Record: 36212 FC runs, 8540 Tests runs, & 6721 ODI runs. 114 First Class hundreds to go with his 35 international centuries and 26 List A tons. Averages 50.23 in Tests & 47.00 in ODIs
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1. Sir Garfield Sobers (Barbados, 1954-1974)

  • Role: All-Rounder
  • Claim to Fame: Admired for his incredible all-round performances and ability to turn a game on its head. One of the two greatest all-rounders in cricket history.
  • Record: 28,314 FC runs & 1,043 FC wickets. 86 FC tons, 26 Test centuries, best of 365* and 6/73 (Test) & 9/49 (FC). Also hit six sixes.
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World Cup Winning West Indies Team & Players

One of West Indies cricket’s greatest strengths has been performances in the ICC Cricket World Cup and Champions Trophy tournaments. Here are the complete squads and stats.

West Indies 1975 World Cup Squad

  • Clive Lloyd (C), Keith Boyce, Roy Fredericks, Lance Gibbs, Gordon Greenidge, Vanburn Holder, Bernard Julien, Alvin Kallicharran, Rohan Kanhai, Deryck Murray (WK), Viv Richards, Andy Roberts, Maurice Foster, Lawrence Rowe
  • Most Wickets: Bernard Julien, Keith Boyce
  • Most Runs: Alvin Kallicharan, Clive Lloyd

1979 World Cup Squad

  • Clive Lloyd (C), Joel Garner, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Michael Holding, Alvin Kallicharran, Collis King, Deryck Murray (WK), Viv Richards, Andy Roberts, Larry Gomes, Faoud Bacchus, Malcolm Marshall
  • Most Wickets: Mihcael Holding, Andy Roberts
  • Most Runs: Viv Richards, Gordon Greenidge

1983 World Cup Squad (Runner Up)

  • Clive Lloyd (C), Faoud Bacchus, Wayne Daniel, Winston Davis, Jeff Dujon (WK), Joel Garner, Larry Gomes, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Michael Holding, Gus Logie, Malcolm Marshall, Viv Richards, Andy Roberts
  • Most Wickets:
  • Most Runs: Viv Richards, Larry Gomes, Gordon Greenidge

2004 Champions Trophy

  • Brian Lara (C), Ian Bradshaw, Dwayne Bravo, Courtney Browne (WK), Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Corey Collymore, Mervyn Dillon, Chris Gayle, Ryan Hinds, Wavell Hinds, Sylvester Joseph, Ricardo Powell, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Daren Sammy
  • Most Wickets: Chris Gayle, Ian Bradshaw, Mervyn Dillon
  • Most Runs: Ramnaresh Sarwan, Chris Gayle, Shivnarine Chanderpaul

2012 T20 World Cup Squad

  • Daren Sammy (C), Dwayne Bravo (VC), Samuel Badree, Darren Bravo, Johnson Charles, Fidel Edwards, Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin (WK), Ravi Rampaul, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith
  • Most Wickets: Sunil Narine, Ravi Rampaul
  • Most Runs: Marlon Samuels, Chris Gayle

2016 T20 World Cup Squad

  • Daren Sammy (C), Jason Holder (VC), Chris Gayle, Samuel Badree, Sulieman Benn, Carlos Brathwaite, Dwayne Bravo, Johnson Charles (WK), Evin Lewis, Ashley Nurse, Denesh Ramdin (WK), Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons (WK), Jerome Taylor (Dwayne Bravo, Fletcher, Narine, Pollard – withdrawn)
  • Most Wickets: Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo
  • Most Runs: Marlon Samuels, Chris Gayle

Greatest West Indies Cricketers of All Time – The Stats

Most of the players who have dominated the statistics below feature in our list of the greatest West Indies Cricketers of All Time.

Which West Indian cricketers played 100 Tests?

  • Chanderpaul (164), Walsh (132), Lara (130), Richads (121), Haynes (116), Lloyd (110), Greenidge (108), Gayle (103), Hooper (102)

Top 10 Most Runs for West Indies

Most Test Runs for WIMost ODI Runs for WIMost T20I Runs for WI
Brian Lara – 11912Chris Gayle – 10425Chris Gayle – 1899
Shivnarine Chanderpaul – 11867Brian Lara – 10348Nicholas Pooran – 1662
Viv Richards – 8540Shivnarine Chanderpaul – 8778 Marlon Samuels – 1611
Garfield Sobers – 8032Desmond Haynes – 8648Kieron Pollard – 1569
Gordon Greenidge – 7558Viv Richards – 6721 Lendl Simmons – 1527
Clive Lloyd – 7515Richie Richardson – 6248Evin Lewis – 1465
Desmond Haynes – 7487Ramnaresh Sarwan – 5804 Dwayne Bravo – 1255
Chris Gayle – 7214Carl Hooper – 5761Rovman Powell – 1082
Rohan Kanhai – 6227 Marlon Samuels – 5606 Johnson Charles – 988
Richie Richardson – 5949Gordon Greenidge – 5134Brandon King – 977

Top 10 Most Wickets for West Indies

Most Test Wickets for WIMost ODI Wickets for WIMost T20I Wickets for WI
Courtney Walsh – 519Courtney Walsh – 227Dwayne Bravo – 78
Curtly Ambrose – 405Curtly Ambrose – 225Jason Holder – 57
Malcolm Marshall – 376 Dwayne Bravo – 199Samuel Badree – 54
Lance Gibbs – 309Carl Hooper – 193Sunil Narine – 52
Kemar Roach – 265Chris Gayle – 167Sheldon Cottrell – 52
Joel Garner – 259Jason Holder – 159Darren Sammy – 44
Michael Holding – 249Malcolm Marshall – 157Kieron Pollard – 42
Garfield Sobers – 235Joel Garner – 146Kesrick Williams – 41
Andy Roberts – 202 Michael Holding – 142Obed McCoy – 41
Wes Hall – 192Mervyn Dillon – 130Andre Russell – 39

Top 5 Most Matches as Captain for West Indies

Most Test matches as WI captainMost ODI matches as WI captainMost T20I matches as WI captain
Clive Lloyd (36 wins/74)Brian Lara (59/125)Darren Sammy (27/47)
Viv Richards (27/50)Viv Richards (67/105)Kieron Pollard (13/39)
Brian Lara (10/47)Richie Richardson (46/87)Carlos Brathwaite (11/30)
Garfield Sobers (9/39)Jason Holder (24/86)Nicholas Pooran (8/23)
Jason Holder (11/37)Clie Lloyd (64/84)Chris Gayle (6/17)

Top 5 Most Dismissals for West Indies

Most Test dismissals for WI Most ODI dismissals for WIMost T20I dismissals for WI
Jeffrey Dujon – 270Jefrey Dujon – 204Denesh Ramdin – 63
Ridley Jacobs – 219Ridley Jacobs – 189Nicholas Pooran – 39
Denesh Ramdin – 217Denesh Ramdin – 188Devon Thomas – 14
Deryck Murray – 189Shai Hope – 134Chadwick Walton – 12
Junior Murray – 102Courntney Browne – 68Andre Fletcher – 11

*Note: Richie Richardson won 11/24 Test as 45.83%.

Top 5 Most Catches for West Indies

Most Test catches for WIMost ODI catches for WIMost T20I catches for WI
Brian Lara – 164Chris Gayle – 123Dwayne Bravo– 44
Viv Richards – 122Carl Hooper – 120Kieron Pollard – 42
Carl Hooper – 115Brian Lara – 117Lendl Simmons – 34
Garfield Sobers – 109Viv Richards – 100Daren Sammy – 30
Chris Gayle – 96Richie Richardson – 75Rovman Powell – 26

Final Thoughts

The West Indies cricket team has been graced by numerous players who have left an indelible mark on the sport.

These players, hailing from various regions of the Caribbean, have showcased skillsets and abilities that have often been unparalleled. From powerful batsmen who could change the course of a game with their prowess to bowlers whose deliveries instilled fear in the hearts of their opponents, these individuals have truly shaped cricket in the West Indies.

Their contributions to the sport are not only celebrated in their home countries, but also recognized and revered globally. They serve as a testament to the rich and vibrant cricketing history of the West Indies, and their legacies continue to inspire the next generation of cricketers.

Which West Indies cricketer is your favorite? Do you agree with this list of the greatest West Indies Cricketers of all time?

Comment below!

You May Also Like: Top 21 West Indian Fast Bowlers List (The Complete Guide), Top 51 Greatest South African Cricketers of All-Time

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Greatest West Indies Cricketers of All Time

Q1: Who is considered the best all-rounder in West Indies cricket history?

A: Sir Garfield Sobers is widely regarded as the best all-rounder in the history of West Indies cricket. His exceptional performances with both the bat and ball have earned him this distinction.

Q2: Who held the record for the highest individual score in Test cricket from the West Indies?

A: Brian Lara holds the record for the highest individual score in Tests from the West Indies, with his unbeaten 400 runs against England in 2004.

Q3: Are there notable cricket players from each region of the Caribbean?

A: Yes, each region of the Caribbean has produced notable cricket players. For instance, Brian Lara hails from Trinidad, Sir Garfield Sobers from Barbados, and Chris Gayle from Jamaica.

Q4: Which West Indies captain led the team to two World Cup victories?

A: Sir Clive Lloyd was the captain of the West Indies team that won the Cricket World Cup in 1975 and 1979.

Sources: West Indies all-time XI: The XI | ESPNcricinfo

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, LLC 2023. Originally published on 08/25/2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Australia Vs West Indies – T20 World Cup 2021 Match #38 Quick Review!

Australia Vs West Indies Quick Review – DJ Bravo (and most likely, Chris Gayle) retires from international cricket in a Warner-induced loss.

Match Details, Scorecard, & Video Highlights

Scorecard: Australia Vs West Indies Video Highlights

Toss: Australia won the toss and chose to field first.

Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Umpires: Langston Rusere & Richard Illingworth

What Actually Happened

  • Winner: Australia won by 8 wickets
  • Scores: West Indies 157/7 Australia 161/2
  • Player of the Match: David Warner 89* (56)
  • Best Figures
    • Josh Hazlewood (4-0-39-4)
    • Akeal Hosein (4-0-29-1), Chris Gayle (1-0-7-1)
  • Most Runs
    • Kieron Pollard 44 (31)
    • David Warner 89* (56)

Moments of The Day: Erratic Batting, Warner Special, Retirements Mark Good Cricketing Day

  • Final match for the West Indies, and they started all guns blazing. Few fours for Evin Lewis, 2 sixes for Chris Gayle, West Indies 30/0 in 2 overs. Hazlewood’s first over went for 20.
  • Then came Pat Cummins and took the danger men Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran in over. Hazlewood would himself comeback and take 4 wickets. A few hits by Pollard & Russell ensured WI have a score to defend.
  • Questions on David Warner’s form will now be squashed. A fifty earlier in the tournament and now a commanding 89* (56) with 4 sixes steamrolled the West Indies. Beware of Mitchell Marsh at #3, . He has played some great nocks during this year and 53* (32) with 5 fours and 2 sixes means he is also coming back to form as Australia approach the semis..

Honorable Mention: Andre Russell’s 111 meter six; Dwayne Bravo hits a six in his final innings;

Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Legends Retire

  • It is unclear if Chris Gayle has retired or not. He wants to play his final game in front of a Jamaica crowd, so there might be still some gas left in him.
  • Dwayne Bravo, however, has called it a day on his international career, which began way back in 2004. Test debut, 2004 Champions Trophy victory, 2 World T20s, and holds the record for most T20 championships around the world (Pollard second). He will continue to play in T2- leagues ’till his body holds.’
  • During the game, the atmosphere was beautiful. Chris Gayle signing gloves and giving them to the spectators. Cameras around Gayle and Bravo showed a positive mood. Hugs from teammates and oppositions, and Chris Gayle taking a last wicket of his final ball and hugging Mitchell Marsh (Watch the video below).

Bravo & Gayle In Pictures

Also Read: 200th Article Special: 5 Things I have Learned From My Journey of Cricket Writing

T20 World Cup Points Table, Most Runs, Wickets, Catches, Dismissals

No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!

  • Babar Azam – 264 runs (Pakistan, 5 Matches)
  • Wanindu Hasaranga – 16 wickets (Sri Lanka, 8 Matches)
  • Calum MacLeod 8 catches (Scotland, 7 Matches)
  • Matthew Wade – 8 dismissals (Australia, 5 Matches)

Group 1 Table

TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. England54108+ 2.464
2. Australia54108+ 1.216
3. South Africa54108+ 0.739
4. Sri Lanka52304– 0.269
5. West Indies51402– 1.641
6. Bangladesh50500– 2.383
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 1 Points Table

Group 2 Table

TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. Pakistan550010+ 1.583
2. New Zealand54108+ 1.162
3. India42204+ 1.619
4. Afghanistan52304+ 1.053
5. Namibia41302– 1.851
6. Scotland50500– 3.543
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 2 Points Table

Also, if you have not yet read our T20 World Cup Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:

  1. A Review – Group A 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, Sri Lanka
  2. B Review – Group B 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Bangladesh, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Scotland
  3. 1 Review – Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Australia, England, South Africa, West Indies
  4. 2 Review – Group 2 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, New Zealand

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 11/07/2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Home » Chris Gayle

Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images

Sri Lanka Vs West Indies – T20 World Cup 2021 Match #35 Quick Review!

Sri Lanka Vs West Indies Quick Review – Sharp Sri Lanka ends West Indian T20 legacy.

Sri Lanka are leaving with their heads held high, 5 wins out 8 & a positive brand of cricket. WI depart as an era ends.

Match Details, Scorecard, & Video Highlights

Scorecard: Sri Lanka Vs West Indies Video Highlights

Toss: West Indies won the toss and chose to field first.

Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Umpires: Aleem Dar & Langton Rusere

What Actually Happened

  • Winner: Sri Lanka won by 20 runs
  • Scores: Sri Lanka 189/3 West Indies 169/8
  • Player of the Match: Charith Asalanka 68 (41)
  • Best Figures
    • Andre Russell (4-0-33-2)
    • Wanindu Hasaranga (4-0-19-2)
  • Most Runs
    • Charith Asalanka 68 (44)
    • Shimron Hetmyer 81* (54)

Moments of The Day: Sri Lanka Batted Better, Fielded Better, Bowled Better

  • Everyone from Sri Lanka contributed today. Kusal Perera 29 (21) & Pathum Nissanka 51 (41) gave them yet another bright start, but it was Asalanka’a clinical timing and Shanaka’s finishing 25* (14) that gave SL an above-par sore.
  • In every one of these quick summaries, we have mentioned Hasaranga. Sometimes he has contributed with the bat, sometimes with the ball, and sometimes both. Oh and the fielding is pretty good as well. Here is how he fared in the tournament, definitely a player of the tournament contender:
    • 2/24
    • 71 & 1/12
    • 3/9
    • 6 & 0/29
    • 4 & 2/22
    • 4 & 3/20
    • 34 & 3/21
    • 2/19
  • In a must win crunch game, 8 out of the 10 West Indian batters, most of them legends, scored in the single digits. Only the young guns, Nicholas Pooran (age 26) scored 46 (34) and Shimron Hetmyer (age 24) made sure West Indies at least competed. Hetmyer did not give up till the very end, bringing the target down to 35 in 6 balls.

Honorable Mention: Rajapaksa’s diving catch to dismiss Roston Chase & Karunatne’s running catch to dismiss Holder were outstanding

Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: The Sun Sets For the Legends

Darren Sammy had repeatedly set on air that these group of West Indian players were aware that this tournament would define their legacies, especially Chris Gayle & Dwayne Bravo. However, Gayle went out for 1 & Bravo for 2 (and only one wicket at an economy rate of 10.50). Bravo is officially retiring from international duty after this World Cup and one can only assume the same with Chris Gayle.

Pollard is still staying although his captaincy status depends on the board. With Pooran, Hetmyer, & Holder (only 29 years old), the leadership group for the next generation is there but rebuilding needs to start now.

In any case, thank you Legends. We love you for all you have given this sport. They have defined the T20 format and made it their own.

Also Read: 200th Article Special: 5 Things I have Learned From My Journey of Cricket Writing

T20 World Cup Points Table, Most Runs, Wickets, Catches, Dismissals

No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!

  • Charith Asalanka – 231 runs (Sri Lanka, 6 Matches)
  • Wanindu Hasaranga – 16 wickets (Sri Lanka, 8 Matches)
  • Calum MacLeod 7 catches (Scotland, 6 Matches)
  • Matthew Wade – 7 dismissals (Australia, 4 Matches)

Group 1 Table

TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. England44008+ 3.183
2. Australia43106+ 1.031
3. South Africa43106+ 0.742
4. Sri Lanka52304– 0.269
5. West Indies41302– 1.558
6. Bangladesh50500– 2.383
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 1 Points Table

Group 2 Table

TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. Pakistan44008+ 1.065
2. Afghanistan42204+ 1.481
3. New Zealand32104+ 0.816
4. India31102+ 0.073
5. Namibia31202– 1.600
6. Scotland30300– 2.645
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 2 Points Table

Also, if you have not yet read our T20 World Cup Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:

  1. A Review – Group A 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, Sri Lanka
  2. B Review – Group B 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Bangladesh, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Scotland
  3. 1 Review – Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Australia, England, South Africa, West Indies
  4. 2 Review – Group 2 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, New Zealand

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 11/04/2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Home » Chris Gayle

Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images

Top 11 Cricketers Who Retired Too Early – The Lost Generation of Alastair Cook, Kevin Pietersen, AB De Villiers, Hashim Amla, and Michael Clarke

Greatness.

A simple word that carries immense burden. What defines greatness in sports? Statistical brilliance, nostalgia, longevity? In cricketing terms, 99.94, memories like Brett Lee vs Sachin Tendulkar, 100 Tests, or 15 years+ career?

Also Read: 22 Unlucky Cricketers, Most Underrated Cricketers

Table of Contents

To Retire Or Not to Retire, That is the Question

Legacies are largely depended on the final days in the international arena. Retirement has always been a tricky issue in cricket.

Sourav Ganguly’s Ian Chappell saga tarnished his otherwise positive legacy. A poor 2007 Cricket World Cup ended dreams for Brian Lara & Inzamam ul-Haq. Simon Jones’ career ended before it could start due to injuries.

Some overstay and risk going out on a low. Others like German soccer captain Philipp Lahm retired internationally at the age of just 30 after winning the FIFA World Cup in 2014.

The Lost Generation

Today we dive deep into the careers of the lost generation of 2005—Alastair Cook, AB De Villiers, Michael Clarke, and Hashim Amla, all of them would retire prematurely.

With the triple retirement of Dale Steyn, Brendon Taylor, and Lasith Malinga, the legendary class of 2004-06 is coming to a close. Only Broad-Anderson & Ross Taylor remain from the greats of this era.

Sandwiched between the 90s golden generations of Sangakkara-Jayawardene-Muralitharan, Tendulkar-Laxman-Ganguly-Dravid, Kallis-Pollock-Boucher-Ntini, Inzamam-Yousuf, Ponting led Australia, & the Fab 4 (Kane Williamson, Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Steve Smith), there was the class of 2004 & 2005.

Why did these cricketers retire so soon? How does the future look like? Read till the end for our in-deptj analysis & final thoughts.

11 Cricketers Who Retired Too Early

While legends of the past played 12-15 years, the cricketers in this list only had about 9-12 years of international cricket. The fact that they followed the golden generation lead to slightly later debuts and hence, even shorter careers.

One of the clear indications of the early retirement for the batters is the statistics. Most did not cross 10,000, their averages fell below 50, and the centuries hovered between 25-27 (although at one stage it seemed each of these players would break them all).

Anderson’s long career seems like he is on another level (which he is) but in all reality, at one stage, all of these players would have careers as long as Jimmy Anderson.

The players in this list were not dropped. They retired on their own terms or because of other circumstances. Hence, we exclude players like Ian Bell, Virender Sehwag, Umar Gul, Suresh Raina, and Gautam Gambhir who were available for selection but were unfortunately dropped from the team plans later in their career.

1. Michael Clarke (Australia)

Tests: 115 Matches, 8643 runs, 49.10 average, 329* best, 100s/50s – 28/27, 31 wickets

ODIs: 245 Matches, 7981 runs, 44.58 average, 130 best, 100s/50s – 8/58, 57 wickets

T20Is: 34 Matches, 488 runs, 21.21 average, 103.17 SR, 67 best, 50-1, 6 wickets

Cricketers Who Retired Trivia

  • Debut: January 18, 2003 (ODI)
  • Last Match: August 19-22, 2015 (Test)
  • Age Debuted: 21
  • Age Retired: 33
  • Why Did He Retire?

Retiring on a high is every cricketer’s dream. Captaining Australia to a victory at home in front of the MCG crowd must have been a surreal experience. A few months later, the Ashes would be his final appearance. One of the bests #4 batters of all-time with a godly conversion rate in Tests. The 2012-13 season would always be remembered as Clarke’s year, the only batter to score 4 double centuries in a year.

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2. Ryan Harris (Australia)

Tests: 27 Matches, 113 wickets, 23.52 average, 50.70 SR, best of 7/117 & 9/106, 4w/5w – 4/5

ODIs: 21 Matches, 44 wickets, 18.90 average, 5/19 best, 5w – 3

Cricketers Who Retired Trivia

  • Debut: January 17, 2009 (ODI)
  • Last Match: January 5-9, 2015 (Test)
  • Age Debuted: 29
  • Age Retired: 35
  • Why Did He Retire?

Harris’ career was a classic cases of fast bowling injuries. Whenever he was fit, he bowled his heart out and made an indelible impact. Could not make the XI in Australia’s golden generation and had to leave early due to chronic knee injury. Retired 3 days before the Ashes because he could not recover even after surgery. Will always be remembered for the ball of this century to dismiss Alastair Cook.

“I played 27 more Tests than I ever thought I would and I have relished every single moment of them.”

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3. Sir Alastair Cook (England)

Tests: 161 Matches, 12472 runs, 45.35 average, 294 best, 100s/50s – 33/57

ODIs: 92 Matches, 3204 runs, 36.40 average, 137 best, 100s/50s – 5/19

Cricketers Who Retired Trivia

  • Debut: February 28 – March 4, 2006 (Test)
  • Last Match: September 6-10, 2018 (Test)
  • Age Debuted: 21
  • Age Retired: 33
  • Current Age:36
    • Still playing for Essex and hitting centuries
  • Why Did He Retire?

At one point in time, he was touted to overtake Sachin Tendulkar as the highest run-scorer and century maker having scored 5000 runs at 26. Will always be remembered for the 2010-11 Ashes series down under. However, loss of form and inconsistency creeped in. Tougher playing conditions, 159 Tests in a row, and the KP saga probably got to him. Century in his first and last Tests against India showed that he still had it in him. Still the best opener in England?

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4. Sir Andrew Strauss (England)

Tests: 100 Matches, 7037 runs, 40.91 average, 177 best, 100s/50s – 21/27

ODIs: 127 Matches, 4205 runs, 35.63 average, 158 best, 100s/50s – 6/27

Cricketers Who Retired Trivia

  • Debut: November 17, 2003 (ODI)
  • Last Match: August 15-19, 2018 (Test)
  • Age Debuted: 27
  • Age Retired: 35
  • Why Did He Retire?

Due to his late debut, it was inevitable that Strauss would not have an extremely long career, but England fans learned how great Andrew Strauss was after his retirement, for both his captaincy & batting. Since the Cook-Strauss partnership ended, England could not find a stable partner for Cook (and Cook’s effectiveness also decreased). KP himself said in an interview that the text-messaging scandal on the eve of Strauss’s 100th Test was one of his biggest mistakes, which tarnished Strauss’ last match. Later became ECB’s Director of cricket and subsequently received knighthood for his service to English cricket.

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5. Kevin Pietersen (England)

Tests: 104 Matches, 8181 runs, 47.28 average, 227 best, 100s/50s – 23/35

ODIs: 136 Matches, 4440 runs, 40.73 average, 130 best, 100s/50s – 9/25

T20Is: 37 Matches, 1176 runs, 37.93 average, 141.59 SR, 79 best, 50s – 7

T20s: 200 Matches, 5695 runs, 33.89 average, 136.89 SR, 115* best, 100s/50s – 3/35

Cricketers Who Retired Trivia

  • Debut: November 27, 2004 (ODI)
  • Last Match: January 02-04, 2014 (Test)
  • Age Debuted: 24
  • Age Retired: 33
  • Why Did He Retire?

See Strauss above. Jokes aside, KP’s career had always been hampered by controversies. Although he had to leave South Africa and debuted relatively late, he quickly established himself as one of the greatest in his generation. Key contributor to the 2005 Ashes, 2012 India series, and 2010 T20 World Cup victories, he was a key component of driving English cricket forward. Although he was England’s highest scorer in the Mitchell Johnson 2015 series, he was a casualty of the 5-0 defeat. Poor relationship with Strauss & coach Andy Flower did not help as the management decided that KP’s career is over.

KP might have been controversial off the field, but there is no doubt he changed cricket for the better. Fast forward 15 years, everybody has an inner KP with the switch hits & aggressive mindset. Paved the way for English cricketers to join the IPL & other T20 leagues, thereby moving England one step closer to their eventual 2019 World Cup winning campaign.

Also Read: South African Cricketers Who Play For Other Countries: Labuschagne, Neil Wagner,…Can you Guess the Rest?

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6. Graeme Swann (England)

Tests: 60 Matches, 255 wickets, 29.96 average, 60.10 SR, best of 6/65 & 10/132, 4w/5w/10w – 14/17/3

ODIs: 79 Matches, 104 wickets, 27.76 average, 5/28 best, 4w/5w – 3/1

T20Is: 39 Matches, 51 wickets, 16.84 average, 3/13 best

T20s: 80 Matches, 98 wickets, 18.88 average, 3/13 best

Cricketers Who Retired Trivia

  • Debut: January 22, 2000 (ODI), December 10-14, 2008 (Test)
  • Last Match: December 12-16, 2013 (Test)
  • Age Debuted: 29 (Test), 20 (ODI)
  • Age Retired: 34
  • Why Did He Retire?

Statistically, Swann does not make the best bowlers of all-time list, but what he did in his 5-year Test career was continued the art of off-spin. After T20 cricket & ODI Powerplay rule changes, leg spinners flourished in the 2010s. Except for Daniel Vettori, finger spin was a dying art. Swann took off-spin forward and became a cog of the famed 2010-11 English lineup. Late Test debut, an elbow injury, and Johnson 2013 ensured that he retired mid-series (after the 3rd Test).

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7. Saeed Ajmal (Pakistan)

Tests: 35 Matches, 178 wickets, 28.10 average, 65.10 SR, best of 7/75 & 11/111, 4w/5w/10w – 9/10/4

ODIs: 113 Matches, 184 wickets, 22.72 average, 5/24 best, 4w/5w – 6/2

T20Is: 64 Matches, 85 wickets, 17.83 average, 4/19 best

T20s: 195 Matches, 271 wickets, 17.36 average, 4/14 best

Cricketers Who Retired Trivia

  • Debut: July 1, 2008 (ODI)
  • Last Match: April 23, 2015 (T20I)
  • Age Debuted: 31
  • Age Retired: 37
  • Why Did He Retire?

Another one who debuted late, but made an immediate impact. From the cricketers who retired too early, Saeed Ajmal’s ending was probably the saddest. During Pakistan’s toughest days, Saeed Ajmal & Umar Gul took Pakistan to great heights, especially in T20 cricket. However it was his action that was his downfall. Unlike Mohammad Hafeez & Sunil Narine, Ajmal’s remodeled action was not effective enough without the doosra. Will definitely go down as a Pakistani great.

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8. Morne Morkel (South Africa)

Tests: 86 Matches, 309 wickets, 27.66 average, 53.30 SR, best of 6/23 & 9/110, 4w/5w – 18/8

ODIs: 117 Matches, 188 wickets, 25.32 average, 5/21 best, 4w/5w – 7/2

T20Is: 44 Matches, 47 wickets, 25.34 average, 4/17 best

T20s: 190 Matches, 207 wickets, 25.29 average, 4/17 best

Cricketers Who Retired Trivia

  • Debut: December 25-29, 2006 (Test)
  • Last Match: March 29-April 2, 2018 (Test)
  • Age Debuted: 22
  • Age Retired: 33
  • Current Age: 36
    • Plays with Brisbane Heat in the BBL; Was at Surrey from 2018-2020
  • Why Did He Retire?

When Morne Morkel left international cricket after that Australia series for the Kolpak deal in England (with Surrey), it signaled the beginning of the end of the great 2008-2015 South Africa generation. From 2015-2019, each one slowly retired, and it was painful to watch South Africa collapse to new lows. What was not painful, however, was Morne Mornel’s bowling. High arm action, pace & bounce, & most importantly, consistent line & length. Dale Steyn would not have been as successful had he not had Morne on the other end as the ideal foil. Morkel, in his own right, will go down as a South African great. With 309 wickets at age 33, who knows, he could have gone past Steyn himself. Now a resident of Australia and plays in the BBL as a local cricketer.

9. Hashim Amla (South Africa)

Tests: 124 Matches, 9282 runs, 46.64 average, 311* best, 100s/50s – 28/41

ODIs: 181 Matches, 8113 runs, 49.46 average, 159 best, 100s/50s – 27/39

T20Is: 44 Matches, 1277 runs, 33.60 average, 132.05 SR, 97* best, 50s – 8

T20s: 164 Matches, 4563 runs, 30.83 average, 126.04 SR, 104*, best, 100s/50s – 2/30

Cricketers Who Retired Trivia

  • Debut: November 27-December 1, 2004 (Test)
  • Last Match: June 27, 2019 (ODI)
  • Age Debuted: 21
  • Age Retired: 35
  • Current Age: 38
    • Plays for Surrey in County Cricket
  • Why Did He Retire?

Fastest to 10, 15, 16,17, 18, 20, 27 centuries & 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, and 7000 ODI runs, he was the only contemporary of Virat Kohli who could challenge him. South Africa’s fall from grace was confirmed in the 2019 Cricket World Cup, and it was especially painful to watch Amla being hit in the head by Jofra Archer and retiring hurt. He would retire at the end of the tournament. Sublime cricketer, wonderful human being, he still architects blockathons on the County Circuit. You just help but wonder if South Africa should have persisted a year or so more for his form to come back.

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10. AB De Villiers (South Africa)

Tests: 114 Matches, 8765 runs, 50.66 average, 278* best, 100s/50s – 22/46

ODIs: 228 Matches, 9577 runs, 49.46 average, 176 best, 100s/50s – 25/53

T20Is: 78 Matches, 1672 runs, 26.12 average, 135.16 SR, 79* best, 50s – 10

T20s: 333 Matches, 9318 runs, 37.57 average, 150.46 SR, 133*, best, 100s/50s – 4/69

Cricketers Who Retired Trivia

  • Debut: December 16-20, 2004 (Test)
  • Last Match: March 29-April 2, 2018 (Test)
  • Age Debuted: 20
  • Age Retired: 34
  • Current Age: 37
    • Plays for RCB in the IPL
  • Why Did He Retire?

Will he? Won’t he? Speculation about AB De Villiers’ retirement has been as spicy as Hollywood gossip. It all began with the ghost of 2015 semi-finals loss, which he captained. He would then get the Test captaincy job, a dream for a long time. However, workload management & administrative struggles became a hassle. Picking & choosing on a series-by-series basis followed by an indefinite break was a sign of what was to come. He came back in brilliant home with Test series against India and Australia.

However a video retirement a year before the ODI World Cup took everyone by surprise. Since then, he has been in multiple conversations about coming for the 2019 ODI World Cup or 2021 T20 World Cup, but those conversations have not gone too far. He can still be seen smashing it out of the park in the IPL. He is still fit, takes mind boggling catches, and plays match changing innings even after no game practice for a year. Although ABD & Amla played 14 years, they could have been Tendulkar-esque with a career of 17-21 years in another era.

The best batter of the generation and the face of “Cricketers Who Retired Too Early.”

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11. Graeme Smith

Tests: 117 Matches, 9265 runs, 48.25 average, 277 best, 100s/50s – 27/38

ODIs: 197 Matches, 6989 runs, 37.98 average, 141 best, 100s/50s – 10/47

T20Is: 33 Matches, 982 runs, 31.67 average, 127.53 SR, 89* best, 50s – 5

T20s: 86 Matches, 2389 runs, 29.86 average, 123.08 SR, 105, best, 100s/50s – 1/11

Cricketers Who Retired Trivia

  • Debut: March 7-11, 2002 (Test)
  • Last Match: February 27-March 4, 2014 (Test)
  • Age Debuted: 21
  • Age Retired: 33
  • Why Did He Retire?

Given captaincy at a young age, Smith began the rebuilding of a squad that would take South AFrica to #1 Test rankings. One of the best openers of this era, his courage & leadership came to the fore. Batting with a broken hand to save a Test will in fans’ memories forever. Now the director of cricket for South Africa.

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Chris Gayle (West Indies)

Tests: 103 Matches, 7214 runs, 42.18 average, 333 best, 100s/50s – 15/37

ODIs: 301 Matches, 10480 runs, 37.83 average, 215 best, 100s/50s – 25/54

T20Is: 74 Matches, 1854 runs, 29.42 average, 139.18 SR, 117 best, 100s/50s – 2/14

T20s: 446 Matches, 14261 runs, 36.94 average, 145.87 SR, 175*, best, 100s/50s – 22/87

  • Debut: September 10, 1999 (ODI)
  • Last Match: August 2, 2021 (T20I)*
  • Age Debuted: 20
  • Current Age: 42
    • Plays for RCB in the IPL, SKNP in CPL, and the West Indies

*subject to change. He is selected in West Indies’ 2021 T20 World Cup squad

Surprised? Well, you should be.

Chris Gayle is the antithesis to the 2005 generated. Debuted in 1999, and he is still playing at the age of 42. 100 Test matches, a triple century, an ODI double century, 10000 ODI runs, 14000+ T20 runs (with 22 100s!), he is a legend. So how did he survive so long even though he can barely run?

The answer is enough breaks. While the 2005 generation succumbed to continuous burnout, Gayle was in-and-out of the international side, played T20 leagues around the world, and gave up first class/Test cricket in 2014 to prolong his career. A couple of World Cup wins also helps keeping the fire going.

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The Ones Who Survived

Here is an exhaustive list of players that served between 12-15+ years in international cricket. Notice that as we get further along, the list gets smaller.

Late 90s Generation: Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid (India), Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka), Ricky Ponting (Australia), Jacques Kallis (South Africa), Daniel Vettori (New Zealand), Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies), Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Yousuf, Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)

2000-02 Generation: Chris Gayle, Shoaib Malik (Still Playing), Brendon McCullum (NZ), Shane Watson (Australia), Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh (India), Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka), Hamilton Masakdza (Zimbabwe), Younis Khan, Misbah Ul-Haq, Shoaib Akthar (Pakistan)

2004-07 Generation: Ross Taylor (New Zealand), Brendon Taylor (Zimbabwe), Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad (England), Dale Steyn (South Africa)

The Surviving Outliers

The main point to notice here is that those who played continuous cricket from 2005-2015 retired too soon.

However, there are plenty of cricketers who did not get a chance early on or were in-and-out of their national sides, but are still available for selection today. These players include Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, and the 2004 U-19 Cricket World Cup class of Shikhar Dhawan, Fawad Alam, Mahmudullah Riyadh, Dinesh Karthik, Ambati Rayudu, Tim Paine, Moises Henriques, William Porterfield, Kevin O’Brien, Wahab Riaz, who are still playing competitively and are available for international selection.

Since they did not get a chance earlier or play for lower-ranked teams, they are making the most of it now when opportunities finally came their way.

Hunger for success have caused these batch of cricketers to elongate their careers. To prove themselves as long as they are fit. Or to be a part of that elusive World Cup winning team.

Why Did The 2005 Generation Fall So Quickly?

Transition Periods

If we analyze these 10 cricketers who retired too early a bit more closer, we notice they mostly feature from England, South Africa, or Australia.

All of these teams went through a traumatic transition period. The 2013-15 period was especially stressful for England. While Mitchell Johnson dismantled the entire 2013 Test generation, forcing retirements of Trott, Pietersen, & Swann, the sacking of Cook in ODIs before 2015 World Cup would usher a new era in English cricket.

For South Africa, Grant Elliot’s semi-final six broke the gem of that South African team. AB De Villiers, Dale Steyn, Hashim Amla, & Vernon Philander were never the same again.

Finally, although Australia did not have it that rough, they have not really gotten back to the Warne-McGrath days. The Clarke era was the short transition between the longer lasting, Ponting & Steve Smith eras.

Frequency of World Cups

Before the 2007 T20 World Cup, world championships only happened once every 4 years. A decade earlier, we only had the 2003/2007 ODI World Cup, 2007 T20 World Cup, and 2002/2006 Champions Trophy.

Teams were built on the premises of four-year cycles. With England & Australia, the Test Teams were formed with the next Ashes cycle in mind. Then followed 2009 (CT), 2010 (T20 WC), 2011 (CWC), 2012 (T20 WC), 2013 (CT), 2014 (T20 WC), 2015 (CWC), 2016 (T20 WC), 2017 (CT), 2019 (CWC), 2021 (World Test Championship).

Frequent trophies meant teams did not have to carry players for 4 years. An in-form player could be drafted while seasoned cricketers could be dropped with the upcoming ICC trophy in mind. Hence teams started to experiment more and started taking bold calls.

Case and point 2013 Champions Trophy—India dropped Sehwag, promoted Rohit Sharma, and went with an in-form Dhawan (seems like a history repeat itself moment with Dhawan in the 2021 T20 WC team).

Death of the All Format Player

Everything boils down to overkill of cricket and player burnout.

These cricketers who retired too early were raised on the backs of Test & ODI cricket. Almost everyone from the 90s era played both formats if they were good enough. With the entrance of T20 cricket, cricket began to be played all year long instead of season to season.

If you add captaincy to the 3 formats, that takes pressure & mental exhaustion to another level.

Openers Struggle

This still does not explain why Cook & Amla retired. They had given up captaincy towards the end, did not play all formats, and did not have new players vying for their spots either.

The obvious answer to this is form. Both Cook & Amla suffered drastic loss of forms, but so did openers worldwide.

Cook himself concluded that batting in England became tougher towards the end of his career. We can see from the Burns-Sibley partnership that it has not gotten better any since. It was not necesesarily that they were worse players, just that the conditions had become more difficult.

Kohli Shows The Way Forward

Three format players like KP and ABD prospered for a while, but it caught up with their health & form.

A decade later, it is clear that separate teams are now being picked for the 3 vastly different formats. Mental health conversations are in place. Fitness, physiotherapy, and analytics have jumped to another level altogether. Rest & rotation have been employed by certain teams to prolong the careers of cricketers.

This means that the current generation of the Fab 5 & Buttler-Stokes-Cummins-Rabada-Starc-Hazlewood-Bumrah have a better chance for longer careers and go back to the 15-year norms of the 90s. Who knows the COVID break might even have re-energized some to extend their careers.

However balance is key. Virat Kohli has already lead the way and given up IPL/T20I captaincy to manage workload and focus on other formats. If this generation of players have to survive, they might have to give up at least one format, release captaincy pressure, take mental health and paternity breaks, and keep up their fitness.

Greatness Achieved Nevertheless

Although Amla, Smith, Sehwag, Clarke, de Villiers stopped agonizingly close without reaching the coveted 10000 run-mark, it does not take away from the genius of these men.

Numbers are not everything. Although their tenure was short, their impact was not. They changed cricket for the better, and that is all that matters.

There are some players who will always give a sense that they left too early. Fans are left asking, ‘What If they had stayed on for a couple of years?’, ‘Maybe one more World Cup?’

We should just be grateful enough we witnessed some of the greatest cricketers of all time.

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 09/23/2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Caribbean Premier League 2021 (CPL 2021): Everything You Need To Know Quickly—Teams, Fixtures, & Predictions

Caribbean Premier League (CPL 2021)—The party is back in town once again!

The West Indies have just finished a marathon 14 game home T20I season against South Africa, Australia, and Pakistan.

It is now time for the domestic West Indies T20 league and for fringe players to make their cases. In the first 3 days of CPL 2021, we have had so many great moments—Dre Russ’s 14-ball 50, TKR already losing a game, Faf’s comeback from concussion, Sherfane Rutherford’s magnificent form, Tims (David & Seifert) having breakout seasons, and experienced Amir-Udana-Rampaul-Tahir topping the bowling charts so far. If you haven’t been watching, this is time to switch your TVs back on, especially with the T20 World Cup approaching soon.

Here is everything you need to know about CPL 2021.

Also Read: 42 Contenders For 23-Men West Indies T20 World Cup Squad: #17-24 Will Shock You!, Nicholas Pooran, A Story of Pain, Hope, & Inspiration: The Next Big Thing of West Indies & World Cricket

Quick Summary

  • Matches: 33 (6 teams, 10 matches each, double round robin, top 4 qualify for semi-finals)
  • Teams: Barbados Royals, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Jamaica Tallawahs, St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots, Saint Lucia Kings, Trinbago Knight Riders
  • Dates: August 26th- September 15th
  • Venues: Warner Park Sporting Complex, Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis

History

  1. Trinbago Knight Riders: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2020 (Won)
  2. Barbados Royals: 2014, 2019 (Won)
  3. Jamaica Tallawahs: 2013, 2016 (Won)
  4. Guyana Amazon Warriors: 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019 (Runners Up)
  5. Saint Lucia Kings: 2020 (Runners Up)
  6. St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots: 2017 (Runners Up)

CPL 2021: Teams & Expected Playing XI

Barbados Tridents & Saint Lucia Zouks no more, we now have Barbados Royals (from Rajasthan Royals) & Saint Lucia Kings (from Punjab Kings).

The Indian Premier League is slowly taking over the world.

*Teams highlighted in their respective jersey colors

Trinbago Knight Riders

  • West Indies Internationals: Kieron Pollard (C), Darren Bravo, Lendl Simmons, Sunil Narine, Denesh Ramdin (WK), Ravi Rampaul, Jayden Seales, Akeal Hosein, Khary Pierre, Anderson Phillip
  • West Indies Domestic: Leonardo Julien (WK), Tion Webster
  • Foreign Recruits: Ali Khan (USA), Colin Munro, Tim Seifert (NZ), Isuru Udana (SL), Yasir Shah (Pakistan)

Coaching Staff: Imran Jan

I am looking forward to the New Zealand duo Munro & Seifert along with the fast bowling trio – experienced Rampaul, promising Seales, & energetic Ali Khan.

Trinbago Knight Riders Expected XI:

  1. Lendl Simmons, 2. Tim Seifert, 3. Colin Munro, 4. Darren Bravo, 5. Kieron Pollard, 6. Sunil Narine, 7. Denesh Ramdin, 8. Ravi Rampaul/Isuru Udana, 9. Jayden Seales, 10. Ali Khan, 11. Akeal Hosein

Barbados Royals

  • West Indies Internationals: Jason Holder (C), Johnson Charles (WK), Shai Hope (WK), Kyle Mayers, Ashley Nurse, Raymon Reifer, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr.
  • West Indies Domestic: Joshua Bishop, Justin Greaves, Nyeem Young
  • Foreign Recruits: Azam Khan – WK, Mohammad Amir (Pakistan), Jake Lintott (England), Smit Patel – WK (USA/ former India), Thisara Perera (Sri Lanka), Glenn Phillips – WK (New Zealand)

Coaching Staff: Trevor Penney

I am looking forward to the foreign contingent. Jake Lintott had a successful Hundred season, Glenn Phillips & Azam Khan are power hitters, while Perera & Amir have reputation and experience on their side.

Barbados Royals Expected XI:

  1. Johnson Charles, 2. Shai Hope, 3. Glenn Phillips, 4. Kyle Mayers, 5. Azam Khan, 6. Jason Holder, 7. Thisara Perera, 8. Hayden Walsh Jr, 9. Jake Lintott, 10. Oshane Thomas, 11. Ashley Nurse

Guyana Amazon Warriors

  • West Indies Internationals: Nicholas Pooran (WK/C), Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair, Chandrapaul Hemraj (6 ODIs), Odean Smith (2 T20I)
  • West Indies Domestic: Anthony Bramble (WK), Gudakesh Motie, Ashmead Nedd, Nial Smith
  • Foreign Recruits: Imran Tahir (South Africa), Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez (Pakistan), Naveen-ul-Haq (Afghanistan)

Coaching Staff: Rayon Griffith

I am looking forward to the dynamic between young & experience. While Pooran, Hetmyer, Shepher, & King have youth on their side, Hafeez, Malik, and Tahir are world class T20 match-winners.

Guyana Amazon Warriors Expected XI:

  1. Brandon King, 2. Chandrapaul Hemraj, 3. Mohammad Hafeez, 4. Shimron Hetmyer, 5. Nicholas Pooran, 6. Shoaib Malik, 7. Anthony Bramble, 8. Odean Smith, 9. Romario Shepherd, 10. Imran Tahir, 11. Naveen-ul-Haq/Kevin Sinclair

Saint Lucia Kings

  • West Indies Internationals: Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Andre Fletcher, Alzarri Joseph, Obed McCoy, Keemo Paul, Kesrick Williams
  • West Indies Domestic: Kadeem Alleyne, Keron Cottoy, Mark Deyal, Javelle Glen, Jeavor Royal
  • Foreign Recruits: Faf du Plessis – C (South Africa), Tim David (Singapore), Samit Patel (England), Usman Qadir, Wahab Riaz (Pakistan)

Coaching Staff: Andy Flower

I am looking forward to the West Indies internationals. Roston Chase, Cornwall, Kesrick Williams, Paul are not in the current T20I plan for the West Indies and Joseph, McCoy, and Paul are still on the fringes. This CPL season will show who gets in and who does not to the T20 World Cup squad. Also hope that Faf du Plessis has recovered from the concussion.

Saint Lucia Kings Expected XI:

  1. Faf du Plessis, 2. Andre Fletcher, 3. Rahkeem Cornwall, 4. Roston Chase, 5. Tim David, 6. Samit Patel, 7. Keemo Paul, 8. Kesrick Williams, 9. Usman Qadir/Wahab Riaz, 10. Obed McCoy, 11. Alzarri Joseph

St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots

  • West Indies Internationals: Dwayne Bravo (C), Fabian Allen, Sheldon Cottrell, Joshua Da Silva (WK), Rayad Emrit, Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Sherfane Rutherford, Devon Thomas
  • West Indies Domestic: Colin Archibald, Dominic Drakes, Jon-Russ Jaggesar, Mikyle Louis
  • Foreign Recruits: Asif Ali (Pakistan), Ravi Bopara (England), Fawad Ahmed (Australia), Paul van Meekeren

Coaching Staff: Simon Helmot

I am looking forward to Evin Lewis & Fabian Allen. They have been the two standout performers in the last three home T20I series. Can they continue their good form?

St. Kitts & Patriots Expected XI:

  1. Devon Thomas, 2. Evin Lewis, 3. Chris Gayle, 4. Sherfane Rutherford, 5. Ravi Bopara, 6. Asif Ali, 7. Joshua Da Silva, 8. Dwayne Bravo, 9. Fabian Allen, 10. Fawad Ahmed, 11. Sheldon Cottrell

Jamaica Tallawahs

  • West Indies Internationals: Rovman Powell (C), Carlos Brathwaite, Andre Russell, Shamarh Brooks, Fidel Edwards, Jason Mohmammed, Veerasammy Permaul, Chadwick Walton (WK)
  • West Indies Domestic: Joshua James, Kennar Lewis, Abhijai Mansingh, Kirk McKenzie, Imran Khan
  • Foreign Recruits: Haider Ali (Pakistan), Ryan Persaud (USA), Migael Pretorius (South Africa), Qais Ahmad (Afghanistan)

Coaching Staff: Floyd Reifer

I am looking forward to the star-studded lower middle order—Powell, Brathwaite, and Russell. 255/5 in their opening game already shows the potential of this team.

Jamaica Tallawahs Expected XI:

  1. Chadwick Walton (WK), 2. Kennar Lewis, 3. Haider Ali, 4. Shamarh Brooks, 5. Rovmann Powell, 6. Andre russell, 7. Carlos Brathwaite, 8. Chris Green, 9. Veerasammy Permaul, 10. Fidel Edwards, 11. Qais Ahmed

Key Match Ups To Watch Out For

  1. Huge CPL season ahead for Andre Fletcher – The Spice Man came back to the West Indies T20I side on a back of a good BBL and Big Bash tournament. However, his form in the international arena dropped off. Johnson Charles & Brandon King are contenders for the reserve opener spot if Fletcher does not have a good show here.
  2. Warriors show glimpse of West Indies’ future – Brandon King, Pooran, Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair may form the core of a future West Indies team without Gayle, Pollard, or Bravo.
  3. Can Trinbago Knight Riders do it again? Last season TKR won 12 games on a trot to dominate CPL 2020. With a similar composition of their squad, can they make it 5 trophies?

Caribbean Premier League 2021 Predictions

Finally here are my predictions.

My prediction for the team to lift the CPL 2021 trophy is….Jamaica Tallawahs with the Top 4 of Guyana Amazon Warriors, St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots, and Trinbago Knight Riders.

  • Most Runs: Evin Lewis
  • Most Wickets: Obed McCoy
  • Emerging Player: Rohail Nazir
  • Surprise Package: Tim David/Jake Lintott
  • Broken Cricket Dream: Final CPL edition for Shoaib Malik?

Here were my Caribbean Premier League – CPL 2021 Predictions. What did you think? What are YOUR predictions? Comment Below!

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 08/30/2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

42 Contenders For 23-Men West Indies ICC 2022 T20 World Cup Squad: #17-24 Will Shock You! Can You Guess Who Makes It?

Time for the West Indies T20 World Cup Squad, a team everyone has a time for. Last week, we analyzed 2016 World T20 finalists, England & their potential 44 players vying for the 23-men T20 World Cup squad. Today we look at their counterparts at the final who lifted the trophy.

In the last two decades, there was an impression that West Indies cricket was dying. Reminiscing at the 1908s generation was fans’ favorite pastime. Well, guess what?

I believe the 2000s T20 generation will be looked just as fondly as the 2-time 50 over winning generation or even more if they complete their hat-trick of T20 World Cup victories this time around (2012, 2016, 2021?)

Table of Contents

  1. Recent Series Results
  2. West Indies T20 World Cup Squad – Player By Player Analysis
  3. Legend
    1. Current Status
    2. Verdict
  4. Openers
  5. Middle Order
  6. Spinning All-Rounders
  7. Finishers/Medium Pace All-Rounders
  8. Fast Bowlers
  9. Spinners
  10. Notable Exclusions
  11. West Indies T20 World Cup Squad

Recent Series Results

West Indies have regrouped their world cup squad with 17 games in the last couple of months. Here are the results as well as the most run-scorer/wicket-taker for West Indies in each of the series.

  • Sri Lanka tour of West Indies: West Indies won 2-1
    • Lendl Simmons (73 runs, best of 26, 140.38 SR)
    • Obed McCoy (4 wickets, best of 2/25 7.33 Economy)
  • South Africa tour of West Indies: SA won 3-2
    • Evin Lewis (131 runs, 2-50s, best of 71, 160.36 SR)
    • Dwayne Bravo (10 wickets, best of 4/19, 6.89 Economy)
  • Australia tour of West Indies: West Indies won 4-1
    • Lendl Simmons (165 runs, best of 72, 122.22 SR)
    • Hayden Walsh Jr. (12 wickets, best of 3/23, 7.00 Economy)
  • Pakistan tour of West Indies: Pakistan won 1-0 (3 No-Results)
    • Nicholas Pooran – 62* (33)
    • Jason Holder 4-0-26-2

In the last few weeks, almost all of their key players have had one match-winning performance:

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad – Player By Player Analysis

In order to pick the destructive West IndiesT20 World Cup Squad, we specifically pay attention to the Average + Strike Rate score for the batters along with the Economy Rate for the bowlers. A Lendl Simmons (high average, decent strike rate) is just as important as an Andre Russell (decent average, high strike rate) to this squad.

Legend

Current Status

  • Incumbent: Currently in West Indies’ T20I XI
  • Reserve: May have played for West Indies in the last two years but does not make their first XI
  • Out of Squad: Might have represented West Indies earlier or about to breakthrough, but have not been in the West Indies squad in the last couple of T20I series.

Verdict

🟩 Plays the first match in the T20 World Cup (17 October-14 November)

🟨 Boards the plane to UAE but might not get a look-into the XI

🟧 Wildcard Entry: Not in the current scheme of things but a good performance in the CPL (26 August-15 September) or IPL (19 September-15 October), and they might be back in the conversation.

🟥 Most likely not going to make it, but in COVID-19 World, anything is possible. They are next in the pecking order in case something out of the blue happens.

Over the past year, at the end of every series, we did a “World T20 World Cup Watch,” where a 23-men squad was chosen after latest performance. You can check them below.

World T20 Watch: West Indies Vs South Africa 2021, West Indies Vs Sri Lanka 2021, West Indies Vs Bangladesh 2021 Series Review: Young West Indies Rises Again In the East, New Zealand Vs West Indies 2020

Here is the pecking order now. The Predicted XI & 23-men squad at the bottom!

Openers

1. Evin Lewis 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20Is: 45, Runs: 1318, 100/50: 2/9, Best: 125*, AVE+SR: 180.17, Average: 32.14, SR: 158.03
  • T20s: 171, Runs: 4836, 100/50: 4/33, Best: 125*, AVE+SR: 174.64, Average: 30.80, SR: 143.84
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 30, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots
  • Fortune Favors the Fit—If fit, Evin Lewis is one of the most destructive when on fire. Saves his best for international T20I.

2. Lendl Simmons 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Keeper/Vice-Captain
  • T20Is: 66, Runs: 1508, 100/50: 0/9, Best: 91*, AVE+SR: 150.81, Average: 27.41, SR: 123.40
  • T20s: 272, Runs: 7329, 100/50: 1/58, Best: 100*, AVE+SR: 150.22, Average: 30.53, SR: 119.69
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 27, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Trinbago Knight Riders
  • It seems that Simmons makes the West Indies squad in the World Cup year and disappears for the 3-4 years in the middle. The real question is—does Simmons get the opening or #4 spot?

3. Andre Fletcher 🟨

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  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 54, Runs: 950, 100/50: 0/6, Best: 84*, AVE+SR: 132.48, Average: 21.11, SR: 111.37
  • T20s: 218, Runs: 5224, 100/50: 1/26, Best: 103*, AVE+SR: 144.04, Average: 26.78, SR: 117.26
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Saint Lucia Kings
  • The Spiceman Andre Fletcher received the well-deserved call-up to the Windies side on the back of his T20 league exploits. However, he has looked out of touch in the last three series (poor run – 9, 4, 6, 12, 0, 14*, 17*). The 17* with 2 sixes in the first over in the rain truncated game against Pakistan might have just saved his spot

4. Brandon King 🟧

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20Is: 11, Runs: 153, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 43, AVE+SR: 149.51, Average: 15.30, SR: 134.21
  • T20s: 55, Runs: 1101, 100/50: 1/5, Best: 132*, AVE+SR: 157.61, Average: 25.60, SR: 132.01
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: November 29, 2020
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Guyana Amazon Warriors
  • King rose to a West Indies cap on the back of a brilliant run in the 2019 CPL (most runs scored – 496 runs), helping Guyana qualify for the final. However, he has yet to light international cricket on fire.

5. Johnson Charles 🟥

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20Is: 34, Runs: 724, 100/50: 0/4, Best: 84, AVE+SR: 149.51, Average: 21.93, SR: 121.68
  • T20s: 187, Runs: 4491, 100/50: 1/27, Best: 105*, AVE+SR: 157.61, Average: 25.08, SR: 128.46
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: September 26, 2016
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Barbados Royals
  • Provided the starts for WI in the 2016 T20 World Cup, but has been out of the international arena since. 3rd highest run-scorer in CPL 2019 after Brandon King & Lendl Simmons, he is also third in the running for the reserve opener after King & Simmons.

6. Shai Hope 🟥

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20Is: 13, Runs: 238, 100/50: 0/2, Best: 55, AVE+SR: 157.63, Average: 21.63, SR: 136.00
  • T20s: 40, Runs: 772, 100/50: 0/3, Best: 88, AVE+SR: 141.50, Average: 21.44, SR: 120.06
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: November 16, 2019 (ODI: July 25, 2021)
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Barbados Royals
  • Sweet timer of the ball. West Indies’ most consistent ODI batter. Inconsistent Test batter. Not the best T20 player, but an outside chance nevertheless.

7. Chadwick Walton 🟥

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Wicketkeeper
  • T20Is: 19, Runs: 225, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 40, AVE+SR: 124.06, Average: 13.23, SR: 110.83
  • T20s: 170, Runs: 3200, 100/50: 0/13, Best: 99*, AVE+SR: 146.05, Average: 22.22, SR: 123.83
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 4, 2018
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Jamaica Tallawahs
  • Performs around the world in the PSL & CPL, he is still just in the conversation. Wicketkeeper role might give him a boost, but unlikely since Pooran & Simmons can keep wickets.

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Openers

  • Makes Team: Evin Lewis, Lendl Simmons, Andre Fletcher, Brandon King
  • Out of Team: Johnson Charles, Shai Hope, Chadwick Walton

Middle Order

8. Chris Gayle 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Occasional off-spin
  • T20Is: 74, Runs: 1854, 100/50: 2/14, Best: 117, AVE+SR: 168.60, Average: 29.42, SR: 139.18, Wickets: 19, Best: 2/15, Economy: 6.92
  • T20s: 437, Runs: 14096, 100/50: 22/83, Best: 175*, AVE+SR: 183.48, Average: 37.38, SR: 146.10, Wickets: 82, Best: 4/22, Economy: 7.59
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Punjab Kings
  • CPL Team: St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots
  • 4 decades, 2 World Cups, 42 international hundreds, 22 T20 tons, best of 117 175*, 215, 333 across formats, 14000 T20 runs. The Boss. Universe Boss. Doubt him at your own peril. In his own words, “Soon to 42. You guys should be happy to see Chris Gayle still on the field. Just respect the Universe Boss and let him have some fun.”

9. Shimron Hetmyer 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20Is: 37, Runs: 539, 100/50: 0/2, Best: 61, AVE+SR: 136.87, Average: 19.96, SR: 116.91
  • T20s: 98, Runs: 1836, 100/50: 1/10, Best: 100, AVE+SR: 156.10, Average: 25.15, SR: 130.95
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Delhi Capitals
  • CPL Team: Guyana Amazon Warriors
  • Only 24, he already has 5 ODI centuries. No doubt on his talent & flair, consistency & game situation has room to improve. Flexible floater, will be interesting what spot he will bat on.

10. Nicholas Pooran 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Vice Captain/Wicketkeeper
  • T20Is: 41, Runs: 634, 100/50: 0/3, Best: 62*, AVE+SR: 146.81, Average: 22.64, SR: 124.07
  • T20s: 185, Runs: 3415, 100/50: 1/17, Best: 100*, AVE+SR: 166.80, Average: 24.39, SR: 142.41
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Punjab Kings
  • CPL Team: Guyana Amazon Warriors
  • Since his coming of age in the 2019 Cricket World Cup, Pooran has underwhelmed Since IPL 2021, he has endured several run-outs, ducks of all kind, and has been unable to finish matches. Pollard & team management back their vice-captain, and he is just beginning to come back to form. Hope he is peaking at the right time. Should definitely make the XI on pedigree. You can read his inspirational story of pain & hope here.

11. Darren Bravo 🟥

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  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 21, Runs: 345, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 43*, AVE+SR: 125.64, Average: 19.16, SR: 106.48
  • T20s: 152, Runs: 3218, 100/50: 0/19, Best: 94*, AVE+SR: 149.96, Average: 32.18, SR: 117.78
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 15, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Trinbago Knight Riders
  • Replicating Brian Lara’s technique, unfortunately Darren Bravo has not been able to replicate his international career, apart from a few important overseas centuries. Much improved T20 player, where does he bat with Gayle at #3? He batted at #8 in his last WI outing…

12. Sherfane Rutherford 🟧

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20Is: 6, Runs: 43, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 26, AVE+SR: 84.42, Average: 23.14, SR: 61.28
  • T20s: 61, Runs: 901, 100/50: 0/12, Best: 60, AVE+SR: 161.13, Average: 22.52, SR: 138.61
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: January 18, 2020
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots
  • Seen around the world in the PSL, BBL, PSL, and IPL, he is a hot commodity in the T20 circuit. Gun fielder as well, does he make the 23-squad as an X-factor?

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Middle Order

  • Makes Team: Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran
  • Out of Team: Darren Bravo, Sherfane Rutherford

Spinning All-Rounders

It was clearly evident with the #4 experiment involving Simmons, Holder, & Fletcher, West Indies are trying to find a Marlon Samuels-esque insurance policy, especially a right handed middle order (to separate Lewis, Gayle, Pooran, Hetmyer) who is a part-time spinner (for UAE conditions).

The weakest area for the West Indies, most of these players below are highly unlikely to make the World Cup squad.

13. Sunil Narine 🟧

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Pinch Hitter
  • T20Is: 51, Runs: 155, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 30, AVE+SR: 122.64, Average: 10.33, SR: 112.31, Wickets: 52, Best: 4/12, Economy: 6.01
  • T20s: 212, Runs: 2559, 100/50: 0/9, Best: 79, AVE+SR: 161.18, Average: 14.87, SR: 146.31, Wickets: 396, Best: 5/19, Economy: 6.08
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 5, 2019
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes., IPL Team: Kolkata Knight Riders
  • CPL Team: Trinbago Knight Riders
  • He is welcome to the West Indies team if he chooses to/when he regains confidence. His international career has been thwarted by suspect action, but his T20 career has revived due to batting abilities. Great against spin, poor against pace, he has been found out at the IPL. One final flourish? Surely he makes the 23?

14. Jason Mohammed 🟥

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Off Spinner
  • T20Is: 9, Runs: 90, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 23*, AVE+SR: 105.37, Average: 18.00, SR: 87.37
  • T20s: 90, Runs: 1231, 100/50: 0/3, Best: 66, AVE+SR: 124.02, Average: 22.79, SR: 101.23, Wickets: 5, Best: 2/6, Economy: 7.06
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: April 2, 2018 (ODI: July 23, 2021)
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Jamaica Tallawahs
  • Mohammed’s career is quite interesting. Debuting in 2011, he has only played 35 ODIs and 9 T20Is. Yet his performances in Regional Super50 competition merited his comeback to the extent that he even captained the West Indies as late as December 2020 in the ODI series against Bangladesh. Senior player, off-spinner – looks like Samuels on paper, but not enough international performances.

15. Roston Chase 🟧

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Off Spinner/ Top Order Stabilizer
  • T20s: 16, Runs: 302, 100/50: 0/2, Best: 66, AVE+SR: 150.01, Average: 37.75, SR: 112.26, Wickets: 9, Best: 3/12, Economy: 5.48
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: Yet to Play (Test: June 20, 2021)
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Saint Lucia Kings
  • Senior play in Tests and until recently in Jason Holder’s ‘engine room,’ Chase’s form has dropped off since the COVID break. However, he has started to play T20s and will play in the CPL. In UAE conditions, a mature batter & off-spinner like him might be an interesting choice.

16. Rakheem Cornwall 🟧

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Off Spinner/Lower Order Hitter
  • T20s: 51, Runs: 776, 100/50: 0/4, Best: 78*, AVE+SR: 168.15, Average: 18.92, SR: 149.23, Wickets: 24, Best: 3/10, Economy: 7.67
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: Yet to Play (Test: June 11, 2021)
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Saint Lucia Kings
  • A fan favorite, excellent slip fielder, effective off-spinner, and a counterattacking batter, Cornwall has solidified his spot in Tests. Can he perform in the CPL for a late run to the World Cup spot?

17. Fabian Allen 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Left arm spinner/Finisher
  • T20Is: 28, Runs: 250, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 34, AVE+SR: 156.73, Average: 17.85, SR: 138.88, Wickets: 20, Best: 2/18, Economy: 7.21
  • T20s: 49, Runs: 596, 100/50: 0/2, Best: 64*, AVE+SR: 178.53, Average: 22.92, SR: 155.61, Wickets: 29, Best: 2/18, Economy: 7.67
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 15, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Punjab Kings
  • CPL Team: St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots
  • 29 (14), 8*(8), 19* (13), 14* (9), 34* (12), 21* (6). Fabian Allen has been a revelation as a finisher in the last four series starting from the 3 consecutive sixes against Sri Lanka. Left arm off spinner, West Indies’ best fielder (sorry Hayden), and wonderful celebration, Allen makes it to the XI without a doubt.

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Spinning All-Rounders

  • Makes Team: Fabian Allen, Sunil Narine, 1 out of Jason Mohammed, Rakheem Cornwall, Roston Chase
  • Out of Team: 2 out of Jason Mohammed, Rakheem Cornwall, Roston Chase

Finishers/Medium Pace All-Rounders

Teams are lucky to have one legend. Apart from Gayle, this section gives 3-4 more legends to the West Indies. Luxury of riches in the fast bowling all-rounder department.

18. Kieron Pollard 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Captain/Medium Pacer
  • T20Is: 88, Runs: 1378, 100/50: 0/6, Best: 75*, AVE+SR: 162.53, Average: 24.60, SR: 137.93, Wickets: 38, Best: 4/25, Economy: 8.42
  • T20s: 550, Runs: 10898, 100/50: 1/54, Best: 104, AVE+SR: 178.53, Average: 31.68, SR: 152.84, Wickets: 297, Best: 4/15, Economy: 8.20
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Mumbai Indians
  • CPL Team: Trinbago Knight Riders
  • Since his captaincy stint, Pollard has entered his best phase. Taking TKR to an undefeated run to victory in the CPL, he is now a lot more mature in reading the game situation, a characteristic most other WI batters lack. He can hit it out of the ground or soak in the pressure when needed. Brilliant fielder and has the partnership breaking golden arm as well.

19. Jason Holder 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Opening Medium Fast Bowler
  • T20Is: 27, Runs: 201, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 29*, AVE+SR: 134.29, Average: 16.75, SR: 117.54, Wickets: 22, Best: 4/26, Economy: 8.08
  • T20s: 137, Runs: 1171, 100/50: 0/2, Best: 69, AVE+SR: 143.65, Average: 15.82, SR: 127.83, Wickets: 119, Best: 4/26, Economy: 7.70
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Sunrisers Hyderabad
  • CPL Team: Barbados Royals
  • From restarting Test cricket in England post COVID break with a magnificent chase to losing his Test captaincy, he has seen all the ups and downs in the last two years. A couple of knocks under pressure in IPL 2020, and he found his way back to the T20I side. Blocking Hasaranga in the penultimate over to save Allen was one of his recent highlights although the #4 experiment has failed. Has also had a few good bowling spells. Should make the 23-men squad, but does he make your XI?

20. Andre Russell 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Fast Death Bowler
  • T20Is: 62, Runs: 1034, 100/50: 0/1, Best: 51, AVE+SR: 177.38, Average: 21.05, SR: 156.33, Wickets: 36, Best: 3/43, Economy: 9.18
  • T20s: 369, Runs: 6225, 100/50: 2/24, Best: 121*, AVE+SR: 196.37, Average: 26.71, SR: 169.66, Wickets: 325, Best: 5/15, Economy: 8.38
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Kolkata Knight Riders
  • CPL Team: Jamaica Tallawahs
  • The highest AVE+SR for any WI batter, he will be disappointed with his low average & 50+ scores in T20I. The most destructive finisher & one of the longest hitter of the ball, he makes it to the XI. Death bowling skills is a definite plus. Needs to learn to trust batting partners in the final over and take singles/doubles.

21. Dwayne Bravo 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Death Bowler/Slower Delivery Specialist
  • T20Is: 86, Runs: 1229, 100/50: 0/4, Best: 66*, AVE+SR: 138.79, Average: 23.18, SR: 115.61, Wickets: 76, Best: 4/19, Economy: 8.08
  • T20s: 490, Runs: 6429, 100/50: 0/20, Best: 70*, AVE+SR: 150.57, Average: 23.72, SR: 126.85, Wickets: 532, Best: 5/23, Economy: 8.19
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Chennai Super Kings
  • CPL Team: St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots
  • 133 T20 wickets more than the next in the list, Imran Tahir, Bravo has conquered all the leagues around the world. Retiring and coming back, it seems that he has finally played his final T20I game at home. Still going strong with a career-best 4/19 against South Africa along with a 47* (34) at #5 against Australia. One final stretch for the great man.

22. Carlos Brathwaite 🟥

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Medium Pacer
  • T20Is: 41, Runs: 310, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 37*, AVE+SR: 127.89, Average: 14.76, SR: 113.13, Wickets: 31, Best: 3/20, Economy: 8.57
  • T20s: 210, Runs: 1923, 100/50: 0/3, Best: 64*, AVE+SR: 152.17, Average: 15.89, SR: 136.28, Wickets: 195, Best: 4/15, Economy: 8.14
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 13, 2019
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Jamaica Tallawahs
  • Apart from “Remember the Name” & “Dream is Diminished,” not much of note in between for Carlos. Still possesses the X-factor and is playing in leagues like the Hundred. Since there are plenty of allrounders, the real question is, “Do the selectors remember his name?”

23. Rovman Powell 🟧

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  • Current Status: Reserve, Other Roles: Medium Pacer
  • T20Is: 30, Runs: 344, 100/50: 0/2, Best: 54, AVE+SR: 138.80, Average: 18.10, SR: 120.70, Wickets: 4, Best: 2/31, Economy: 8.76
  • T20s: 88, Runs: 1319, 100/50: 0/5, Best: 84, AVE+SR: 150.16, Average: 21.98, SR: 128.18, Wickets: 16, Best: 2/21, Economy: 10.25
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: March 6, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Jamaica Tallawahs
  • Known for his massive six hitting ability, Powell has been on the West Indies radar for a while, even scoring an ODI 100. He is one of the players on the fringes and this CPL will be an outright audition for him.

24. Keemo Paul 🟧

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  • Current Status: Reserve, Other Roles: Medium Pacer
  • T20Is: 20, Runs: 168, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 54, AVE+SR: 138.80, Average: 21.00, SR: 117.48, Wickets: 24, Best: 5/15, Economy: 8.93
  • T20s: 64, Runs: 397, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 38, AVE+SR: 123.46, Average: 14.70, SR: 108.76, Wickets: 61, Best: 5/15, Economy: 8.84
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: March 6, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Saint Lucia Kings
  • Skiddy bowler and useful hitter down the order, he is one of West Indies’ brightest prospects. From the 2016 U-19 World Cup fame, he rose through the ranks, even receiving the 2019 T20 Player of the Year for the West Indies. Can the 23-year old make the squad or is it too soon?

25. Kyle Mayers 🟧

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Right arm Medium
  • T20Is: 2, Runs: 25, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 20, AVE+SR: 163.88, Average: 25.00, SR: 138.88
  • T20s: 63, Runs: 715, 100/50: 0/1, Best: 85, AVE+SR: 158.99, Average: 16.62, SR: 111.19, Wickets:16, Best: 2/14, Economy: 7.79
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: November 29, 2020
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Barbados Royals
  • A left field choice. From the da Silva-Bonner-Mayers Bangladesh fame, Mayers’ career has only gone up. 210* on debut second innings chase, he has also forced his way to the second string ODI squad. A good show with the ball in the Test against South Africa, and now you have a good all-round package. Will probably not make this squad but good to have him as cover.

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Medium Pace All-Rounders/Finishers

  • Makes Team: Kieron Pollard, Jason Holder, Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo, Rovman Powell, Keemo Paul
  • Out of Team: Carlos Brathwaite, Kyle Mayers

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Fast Bowlers

26. Obed McCoy 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20Is: 12, Wickets: 19, Best: 4/22, Economy: 7.70
  • T20s: 31, Wickets: 39, Best: 4/22, Economy: 8.08
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 11, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Saint Lucia Kings
  • Find for the West Indies in the last couple of months. His slower deliveries are well disguised and can bowl at any point of the innings. Should not only make the 23, but also the XI.

27. Sheldon Cottrell 🟨

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  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 34, Wickets: 42, Best: 4/28, Economy: 7.85
  • T20s: 108, Wickets: 140, Best: 4/20, Economy: 7.57
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 15, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots
  • McCoy has overtaken him in the pecking order, but still remains effective. Salute celebration, good fielding abilities, he should make it in the squad. Was on the receiving end of Tewatia’s special in IPL 2020 at UAE.

28. Fidel Edwards 🟨

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  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 26, Wickets: 20, Best: 3/23, Economy: 8.24
  • T20s: 115, Wickets: 109, Best: 5/22, Economy: 7.74
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 9, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Jamaica Tallawahs
  • Remarkable comeback story. Debuting back in 2003, he left to England around 2012 after 165 Test wickets & 60 ODI wickets, employing his trade for Hampshire. Now back to the T20I side as a 39-year-old, he hasn’t been at his best. However, a slingy fast bowler is never a bad thing as long as he is fit.

29. Alzarri Joseph 🟧

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20s: 26, Wickets: 27, Best: 6/12, Economy: 9.40
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: Have not Played Yet (ODI: July 25, 2021)
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Jamaica Tallawahs
  • One of the breakthrough stars of the 2016 U-19 World Cup, he was soon fast tracked to the Test & ODI arena. Although he has yet to debut in T20Is, his 6/12 remains the best figures for Mumbai Indians in the IPL. Has also shown maturity with the bat with 86 (Test) & 29* (ODI) recently. He has the potential, but might be a toss off between him and Oshane Thomas.

30. Oshane Thomas 🟨

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  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 17, Wickets: 19, Best: 5/28, Economy: 9.16
  • T20s: 44, Wickets: 57, Best: 5/28, Economy: 9.32
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 15, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Barbados Royals
  • West Indies’ 2019 Emerging Player of the Year, 6 foot 6, throwback to the old West Indian fast bowlers. Can be the enforcer in the middle overs. Needs to keep his economy in check though.

31. Kesrick Williams 🟧

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20Is: 26, Wickets: 41, Best: 4/28, Economy: 8.76
  • T20s: 100, Wickets: 129, Best: 4/11, Economy: 8.70
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: Have not Played Yet (ODI: July 25, 2021)
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Saint Lucia Kings
  • One of the most known celebrations in the game due to his notebook checklist, he has been in and out of the national side. Skiddy bowler, could be a handful in UAE conditions if selected.

32. Romario Shepherd 🟧

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 6, Wickets: 2, Best: 1/37, Economy: 10.27
  • T20s: 27, Wickets: 25, Best: 4/13, Economy: 8.42
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Guyana Amazon Warriors
  • Hasn’t been among the wickets recently (0/38, 0/37, 0/30) but is on the fringes. Selectors have him in mind so far, but CPL will define if he makes it to the UAE.

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Fast Bowlers

  • Makes Team: Obed McCoy, Sheldon Cottrell, Fidel Edwards, Oshane Thomas
  • Out of Team: Alzarri Joseph, Romario Shepherd, Kesrick Williams

Spinners

33. Hayden Walsh Jr. 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20s: 26, Wickets: 23, Best: 3/23, Economy: 7.59
  • T20s: 47, Wickets: 52, Best: 5/19, Economy: 7.85
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Barbados Royals
  • Ex-USA international (born in U.S. Virgin Islands) with Antiguan father & uncle, who both competed at the first class level. In-and-out recently, his Player of the Series performance against Australia should safely put him in the West Indies T20 World Cup squad.

34. Akeal Hosein 🟨

Embed from Getty Images
  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20s: 6, Wickets: 0, Economy: 9.75
  • T20s: 46, Wickets: 23, Best: 3/14, Economy: 6.87
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Trinbago Knight riders
  • 0 wickets in 6 T20I games is a concern, but he has impressed in spells. With a left-arm spinner already with Fabian Allen, it is unlikely he will get many games unless it is a ranker turner.

35. Kevin Sinclair 🟨

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20s: 6, Wickets: 4, Best: 2/23, Economy: 8.33
  • T20s: 11, Wickets: 9, Best: 2/13, Economy: 6.59
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: June 28, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Guyana Amazon Warriors
  • Will be a direct competition between Kevin Sinclair, Khary Pierre, and Akeal Hosein for the second spinner with Walsh Jr. CPL is of high importance for the three of them.

36. Khary Pierre 🟧

  • Current Status: Out of Squad Other Roles: Can bat a bit
  • T20s: 10, Wickets: 7, Best: 2/44, Economy: 9.60
  • T20s: 45, Wickets: 41, Best: 3/18, Economy: 7.31
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: January 17 2020
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Trinbago Knight Riders
  • Currently out of the reckoning for a year and a half, but anything is possible with two months to go. Spin is not West Indies’ core strength, so they might take backup.
Embed from Getty Images

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Spinners

  • Makes Team: Hayden Walsh Jr., Akeal Hosein, Kevin Sinclair
  • Out of Team: Khary Pierre

Notable Exclusions

37-42. Ashley Nurse, Joshua de Silva, Chemar Holder, Jayden Seales, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad

Here is the moment of truth. Based on our player-by-player analysis above, here is Broken Cricket Dreams’ Predicted XI and West Indies T20 World Cup squad.

West Indies now have a good mix of youth & experience. Along with the legends (Gayle, Pollard, Russell, Bravo), there is the next batch of players (Lewis, Pooran, Allen) and the 2016 U-19 World Cup generation (Hetmyer, Joseph, McCoy, Paul).

  1. Evin Lewis
  2. Lendl Simmons
  3. Chris Gayle
  4. Shimron Hetmyer
  5. Nicholas Pooran (WK)
  6. Kieron Pollard (C)
  7. Andre Russell
  8. Fabian Allen
  9. Dwayne Bravo
  10. Hayden Walsh Jr.
  11. Obed McCoy

Squad: 12. Jason Holder, 13. Sunil Narine*, 14. Andre Fletcher, 15. Fidel Edwards, 16. Sheldon Cottrell, 17. Akeal Hosein, 18. Kevin Sinclair, 19. Oshane Thomas, 20. Rovman Powell/Keemo Paul, 21. Alzarri Joseph/Romario Shepherd, 22. Roston Chase/Darren Bravo, 23. Brandon King/Sherfane Rutherford

*if fit and eligible to play

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West Indies Vs South Africa 2021 Review: Questions for the Windies as Shamsi, QDK topple the World Champions

West Indies Vs South Africa 2021 Series Review – An enthralling encounter to follow from any neutral fans’ perspective.

Once boasting the greatest generations in cricket history, West Indies & South Africa are now mediocre at best. Yet both teams are showing signs of improvement.

Coming back into form, seniors like Quinton de Kock and Kagiso Rabada stood up in this series, Nortje-van Der Dussen continued to chug along smoothly, and Tabraiz Shamsi-George Linde-Keshav Maharaj spun West Indies into trouble. For the West Indies, Kemar Roach, 19-year old debutant Jayden Seales, and Kyle Mayers, the bowler, were the only positives in the Test series but the World Cup winning squad (bar Sunil Narine) regrouped for this T20I series.

South Africa swept the Tests 2-0 along with a thrilling 3-2 T20I series victory over the mighty West Indies. Were the Proteas really as good as the score line suggests? Not really. Were West Indies really that bad? Not at all.

Positives for both teams, but room for improvement for both as well. Detailed analysis ahead.

Also Read: West Indies Vs Sri Lanka 2021 Series Review, Pakistan Tour of South Africa & Zimbabwe 2021 Series Review

West Indies Vs South Africa At A Glance

Here is a summary of the highest scorers and run-getters from both teams in the Tests and T20I series respectively.

South Africa Tour of West Indies – Results Stats, & Highlights

WI-SA Test Series: SA won 2-0

Why was this even a part of the World Test Championship? Yes, the second Test, part of the WTC group stage, was scheduled at the same time as the World Test Championship Final. Explain that.

WTC apart, this was a one-sided series dominated by the fast bowlers. Rabada, Roach, Maharaj, Ngidi, Nortje, Jason Holder, Jayden Seales, and even Kyle Mayers were among the wickets. Except for Quinton de Kock & Rassie van der Dussen (and Dean Elgar/Aiden Markram with 1-50 each), no batter could hold a bat. Scores of 97, 162, 149, 165 (WI) and 322, 298, & 174 (SA) tells you the story.

  1. South Africa won by an innings and 63 runs*Quinton de Kock
  2. South Africa won by 158 runs*Kagiso Rabada
Player of the SeriesWest IndiesSouth Africa
Quinton de Kock
Most RunsJermaine Blackwood – 88 runs
(Best of 49, 22.00 average, 1-50)
Quinton de Kock – 237 runs
(Best of 141*, 118.50 average, 1-100, 1-50)
Most WicketsKemar Roach – 9 wickets
(Best inning – 4/52, Best Match – 7/97, 17.88 average)
Kagiso Rabada – 11 wickets
(Best inning – 5/11, Best Match – 6/48, 11.45 average)
West Indies Vs South Africa 2021 T20I Series Stats

WI-SA T20I Series: SA won 3-2

160, 166, 166, 167, 168. Consistency of the ages.

Quinton de Kock’s majestic run, Lewis’ power, Anrich Nortje’s 19th over in the 3rd T20I, Russell’s first ball six to Rabada, Fabian Allen destroying Ngidi’s figures, Pollard’s 4 sixes in one over, Gayle taking a quick single/opening the bowling/attempting a somersault, Markram’s shots, and the Shamsi-Linde spinning South Africa to victory—this series had it all.

  1. West Indies won by 8 wickets*Evin Lewis
  2. South Africa won by 16 runs*George Linde
  3. South Africa won by 1 run*Tabraiz Shamsi
  4. West Indies won by 21 runs*Kieron Pollard
  5. South Africa won by 25 runs*Aiden Markram
Player of the SeriesWest IndiesSouth Africa
Tabraiz Shamsi
Most RunsEvin Lewis – 178 runs
(Best of 71, 35.60 average, 2-50s, 160.36 SR)
Quinton de Kock – 255 runs
(Best of 72, 51.00 average , 3-50s, 141.66 SR)
Most WicketsDwayne Bravo – 10 wickets
(Best of 4/19, 13.10 average, 6.89 economy)
Tabraiz Shamsi – 7 wickets
(Best of 2/13, 11.42 average, 4.00 economy)
West Indies Vs South Africa 2021 Test Series Stats

Highlights

West Indies

In the year of the T20 World Cup, Simmons-Gayle-Pollard-Bravo-Russell are back. Although performances were spotty, the team spirit was right up there.

Positives

  • Fabian Allen & Evin Lewis were the stars for West Indies in the T20I series. 2/18, 34 (12), 14* (9), and 19* (13) were cameos that kept West Indies alive even after the top 6/7 had departed. This is just the youth firepower West Indies needs. Great fielder and spinner as well. Fabian Allen – the complete package.
  • Evin Lewis’ destructive 71 (35) in the first T20I and Pollard’s 51* (25) showcased the potential for this West Indian line-up. If one player fires, another holds the other end, with a Fabian Allen/Russell-esque finish, then this side can be very dangerous. Otherwise, they can easily fall apart.
  • Combination of youth and old guard the key to West Indies’ bowling success. Obed McCoy & Jayden Seales were the find for the Windies in this series and with Oshane Thomas, Alzarri Joseph, & Chamar Holder in the ranks, they have a good fast-bowling generation coming up. Hence, it was nice that Dwayne Bravo came back from his retirement to give his best T20I performance (4/19) in the 4th ODI. 37-years, 482 T20s, and 527 T20 wickets young. Marvelous. Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Sheldon Cottrell, Fidel Edwards & even a bit of Russell really puts this West Indian attack back on the map.

Room For Improvement

  • Pooran’s form a bit of a concern. In the last 10 T20 innings read: 0, 0, 9, 0, 19, 0 (IPL 2021) & 9, 26, 16, 20 (WI vs SA). While double digits is a vast improvement from his IPL form this year, his lack of rotation in the middle and inability to finish games off will trigger a debate on his place in the XI. An in-form Andre Fletcher with the gloves is breathing down his neck.
  • West Indies utilized these 5 games and experimented with the batting order (although slightly unsuccessfully). At #3-4, West Indies played Gayle-Russell, Gayle-Pooran, Holder-Hetmyer, and Gayle-Hetmyer (twice). It seems that Russell and Pollard are the designated floaters if the top order bat long and Holder-Pooran are in-charge in case of a collapse. Good idea. Needs consistency.

Also Read: Nicholas Pooran, A Story of Pain, Hope, & Inspiration: The Next Big Thing of West Indies & World Cricket

South Africa

Positives

  • The left-arm spinners stole the show for South Africa. Tabraiz Shamsi is justifiably ICC’s #1 T20I bowler in the world. 1-11, 2-13, 2-13, 1-16, 1-27. An economy of 4 against a lineup of Lewis-Gayle-Pollard-Pooran-Russell is a stuff of dreams. On every occasion that Simmons/Fletcher-Lewis provided West Indies with a blistering start, George Linde and Shamsi stalled their progress. In slow UAE pitches, this duo will be a handful. Keshav Maharaj’s 9 wickets in the Tests, including a 5-36 and a hat-trick (thanks to Muldur’s catch) to wrap up the second Test, was the icing on the cake. Brilliant collective spin performance.
  • Quinton de Kock & Kagiso Rabada are back at their best. In the 2020-21 season, QDK only scored 74 runs at 12.33 in 6 Test innings and 77 runs in 3 T20I innings. Rabada was finally getting out of form as well—Only 5 Test wickets (4 innings) at 39.40 in 2020-21 and no 5 wicket hauls since 2018. QDK scored 492 runs across the series’ with 1-100 & 4-50s and 18-wicket haul for Rabada, including a Test 5-fer.
  • Aiden Markam has stepped it up this year. After a wonderful debut year, his form took a nosedive and has been on a roller-coaster ride ever since. Sometimes captain, sometimes not and switched between opening & middle order as well. Since the Pakistan series, he has scores of 51, 54, 63, & 70 in T20Is (out of 7 games played) along with a 60 in Test. Just needs to convert now and make the place his own.

Room For Improvement

  • Questions on Bavuma-Hendricks: With Faf du Plessis’ imminent return for the T20I World Cup, where the pair of captain Bavuma-Reeza Hendricks fit in the equation is an open question. This was the series to make their mark. Unfortunately the stats do not add up:
    • Bavuma: 76 runs, 15.20 average, 108.57 SR
    • Hendricks: 78 runs, 19.50 average, 139.28 SR
  • The 6th bowler is probably the biggest concern for the Proteas. Apart from Shamsi (4.00 economy), Anrich Nortje (7.00), and Linde (7.81), the bowling, particularly at the death, has been horrendous. With Rabada (9.44), Lungi Ngidi (10.94), and Hendricks-Markram giving away 65 runs in 4 overs, some things need to change.
  • South Africa’s World Cup hopes lie on Chris Morris & Imran Tahir. If Morris is in, the side will be balanced and will give SA a genuine death bowling option: Rabada-Nortje-Morris-Linde-Shamsi-Tahir, and now we are talking about a world class T20I line-up. Add to the that, a Faf-QDK-Markram-van der Dussen-Miller batting line up, South Africa are dark horses for the T20I WC for sure.

T20I World Cup Squad Predictions

West Indies Squad Predictions

  1. Lendl Simmons, 2. Evin Lewis, 3. Chris Gayle, 4. Shimron Hetmyer, 5. Kieron Pollard*, 6. Nicholas Pooran (WK), 7. Andre Russell, 8. Fabian Allen, 9. Dwayne Bravo, 10. Kevin Sinclair, 11. Obed McCoy

Squad: 12. Jason Holder, 13. Rovman Powell, 14. Sheldon Cottrell, 15. Andre Fletcher, 16. Darren Bravo, 17. Keemo Paul, 18. Alzarri Joseph, 19. Oshane Thomas, 20. Fidel Edwards, 21. Akeal Hosein, 22. Hayden Walsh Jr., 23. Kesrick Williams/ Chamar Holder/Sunil Narine

South Africa Squad Predictions

  1. Quinton de Kock (WK), 2. Janneman Malan, 3. Faf du Plessis, 4. Rassie Van der Dussen, 5. Aiden Markram*, 6. David Miller, 7. George Linde, 8. Chris Morris, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Anrich Nortje, 11. Tabraiz Shasmsi

Squad: 12. Heinrich Klassen, 13. Temba Bavuma, 14. Reeza Hendricks, 15. Wiaan Mulder, 16. Andile Phelukwayo, 17. JJ Smuts, 18. Dwaine Pretorius, 19. Bjorn Fortuin, 20. Lungi Ngidi, 21. Lizaad Williams, 22. Kyle Verreynne, 23. Imran Tahir

Wildcards: AB De Villiers (WK), Marco Jansen, Lutho Sipamla, Junior Dala, Pete van Biljon, 21. Sisanda Magala, 23. Keshav Maharaj

The Awards

West IndiesSouth Africa
Emerging PlayerObed McCoyGeorge Linde
Comeback KidFidel EdwardsQuinton de Kock 2.0
Surprise PackageKyle Mayers, the bowlerKeshav Maharaj’s Hat-trick
Broken Cricket DreamHome Test Defeat & Pooran’s FormBavuma-Hendricks & the 6th Bowler
West Indies Vs South Africa 2021 Awards

Upcoming Fixtures: Where Do They Go From Here?

With the T20 World Cup forthcoming, both teams have invested in the preparation.

Here are the upcoming fixtures:

Although South Africa are on a positive slope, they do not have as many practice games to get their perfect XI out before the IPL & T20 WC.

West Indies, on the other hand, lost the series but gained some insight due to experimentation. They still have 10 home T20 games—but this is a double edge sword. They have time to put their perfect group together, but also have more opportunities to expose their weaknesses.

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Copyright: @Nitesh Mathur, Broken Cricket Dreams, 7/7/2021. Email at bcd@brokencricketdreams.com to get in touch with us.

PBKS Vs DC – IPL 2021 Match 29 Review: Agarwal’s 99* In Vain As Capitals March On

PBKS Vs DC – IPL 2021 Match #29 Quick Review!

Match Details, Scorecard, & Video Highlights

Scorecard: PBKS Vs DC Video Highlights

Toss: DC won the toss and chose to field first.

Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad

Umpires: Anil Chaudhary & Anil Dandekar

What Actually Happened

  • Winner: Mumbai Indians won by 4 wickets.
  • Scores: PBKS 166-6 Vs DC 167-3
  • Player of the Match: Mayank Agarwal
  • Best Figures
    • Kagiso Rabada – 3/36
    • Harpreet Brar – 1/19 (3 overs)
  • Most Runs
    • Mayank Agarwal – 99* (58)
    • Shikhar Dhawan – 69* (47)

Moment of The Day: Chris Gayle’s Stump Goes Flying

  • After Kagiso Rabada’s consistent breakthrough IPL seasons, IPL 2021 has been a letdown so far. With Anrich Nortje on the bench, his position was under the scanner. Just 3 wickets in the last 5 games, he came back with a 3/36 today. My moment of the day was Rabada taking Gayle’s stump out with a full-toss after Gayle had dispatched Rabada for a six.
  • Mayank Agarwal was the batsman of IPL 2020 although he got injured halfway through. After his form dropped from Test cricket, he was not looking like his own. Even though he was among the runs this year, the ball-striking and strike rate was not up to par. As stand-in captain for KL Rahul, he was back to his absolute best. 99* (58) pushed PBKS to a competitive score of 166.

Honorable Mention: Hetmyer’s finishes it off in style – 16* (4) with 2 sixes

T20 World Cup Spotlight: Shaw, Shikhar Shoe-In for the 23-Member Squad?

Prithvi Shaw has been single-handedly dismantling the opposition within the powerplay, while Shikhar Dhawan has been killing the opposition softly. Together, they have formed a deadly combination, both in the top 4 of top run-getters.

  • Dhawan is the orange cap: 380 runs, 54.28 average, 134.27 strike rate.
  • Shaw: 308 runs, 38.50 average, 166.48 strike rate.

If the T20 World Cup happens, they should definitely make the squad now. The question is, do they make the XI? With Mumbai Indians trio Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Suryakumar struggling for form, Dhawan-Shaw might be a wildcard opening entry rather than Sharma-Kohli. KL Rahul & Mayank Agarwal are the other options.

Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Dawid Malan

  • Nicholas Pooran was finally dropped for Dawid Malan. Malan already scored higher than Pooran in his six games – but the strike rate was concerning. 26 (26) with a few good looking shots and singles, but was bogged down. Where do things stand for him?
  • Ravi Bishnoi has pulled some blinders and have had some good games with the ball. After Harpreet got Prithvi Shaw out and Steve Smith slow to get off, PBKS had a sniff. Shikhar Dhawan had other plans as he destroyed Bishnoi. Ended with figures of 4-0-42-0.
  • Wishing speedy recovery to KL Rahul who underwent appendicitis surgery.

The Big News: COVID Hits the IPL

KKR Vs RCB has been postponed due to positive tests for Varun Chakravarthy & Sandeep Warrier. In addition, CSK staff has also been hit.

I think it is time to shut the IPL for now. Players’ health is more important.

The BCCI is deliberating moving the entire rest of the IPL to Mumbai.

IPL 2021 Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap Leaders

No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap. We will keep updating it in every article!

  • Shikhar Dhawan 380 runs (PBKS, 8 matches)
  • Harshal Patel – 17 wickets (RCB, 7 matches)
TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. Delhi Capitals 862012+0.547
2. Chennai Super Kings752010+1.263
3. Royal Challengers Bangalore 752010 -0.171
4. Mumbai Indians74308+ 0.062
5. Rajasthan Royals73406-0.190
6. Punjab Kings83506-0.368
7. Kolkata Knight Riders72504-0.494
8. Sunrisers Hyderabad71602-0.623
IPL 2021 Points Table

Also, if you have not yet read our IPL Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:

  1. Chennai Super Kings – CSK Preview
  2. Delhi Capitals – DC Preview
  3. Kolkata Knight Riders – KKR Preview
  4. Mumbai Indians – MI Preview
  5. Punjab Kings – PBKS Preview
  6. Rajasthan Royals – RR Preview
  7. Royal Challengers Bangalore – RCB Preview
  8. Sunrisers Hyderabad – SRH Preview

Copyright (2021: 4/12/2021)– @Nitesh Mathur, aka Nit-X – bcd@brokokencricketdreams.com

Home » Chris Gayle

PBKS Vs RCB- IPL 2021 Match 26 Review: Harpreet Brar’s Day Out Shuts Out RCB

PBKS Vs RCB – IPL 2021 Match #26 Quick Review! KL Rahul & Chris Gayle set the tone for PBKS, and Harpreet Brar did the rest.

Match Details, Scorecard, & Video Highlights

Scorecard: PBKS Vs RCB Video Highlights

Toss: SRH won the toss and chose to field first.

Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad

Umpires: Sundaram Ravi & Virender Sharma

What Actually Happened

  • Winner: Chennai Super Kings won by 7 wickets.
  • Scores: PBKS 179-5 Vs RCB 145-8
  • Player of the Match: Harpreet Brar
  • Best Figures
    • Kyle Jamieson – 2/32
    • Harpreet Brar – 3/19
  • Most Runs
    • KL Rahul – 91* (57)
    • Virat Kohli – 35 (34)

Moments of The Day: What can Harpreet Brar not do?

Here are my moments of today:

  • KL Rahul is the poster-child of Bangalore. At PBKS, he has Mayank Agarwal, his best friend, as his opening partner. Add coach Anil Kumble & ex-RCB Chris Gayle to that list. He debuted for RCB in 2013 before moving to Punjab in 2018. Last year, he scored 132* against RCB and 91* today. An array of shots today, with a few scoops at the end as well. He has not been dismissed by them in the last couple of years. Basically, he loves RCB & Bangalore, whether that is for them or against them.
  • Chris Gayle produced his second match-winning knock of the season. Five fours in an over against Kyle Jamieson raised the momentum, which put Punjab’s run-rate in second gear. Ended with 46 (24) with 2 sixes.
  • Harpreet Brar was the star of the show. After Gayle’s storm, a mini-collapse took place. 118-5 in 14.4 overs. Harpreet Brar rebuilt and provided KL Rahul with much-needed support on the other end. At the end, he took finishing in his own hands with a quickfire 25* (17) with 2 sixes. The last ball six sent the dugout with the momentum they needed to inflict the damage with the ball.
  • Harpreet Brar, the bowler—Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, AB De Villiers. Bowled, bowled, caught. Double-wicket maiden. And a catch as well. Combined figures of Brar & Bishnoi: 8-1-36-3. Wow. Just Wow.

Honorable Mention: Ravi Bishnoi takes another blinder; Prabhsimran Singh’s shows intent; Glenn’s Maxwell stunned reaction; Meredith’s bowled

Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Rajat Patidar & Virat Kohli

  • In a 9 an over required-rate, Kohli’s 35 (34) & Patidar’s 31 (30) was not up to par. Even AB De Villiers cannot rescue the team with a partnership worth 43 (46).
  • Harshal Patel is the purple cap of the season and had taken 17 wickets in 6 games. At this rate, he would be the highest wicket-taker in a season. Until this game, the 37-run Jadeja over was the only blot to his name. Today, the death bowling was not accurate and he conceded 53 runs without taking a wicket. Made it up with 31* (13). Helped RCB’s NRR by taking them from 96-7 to 145-8 with Kyle Jamieson’s help.
  • Cannot End this without Nicholas’ ‘Poor-Run.’ He has now bagged 0 (0), 0(1), 0(2), and 0(3). Quite a collection. Nicholas Pooran & his ducks:

IPL 2021 Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap Leaders

No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap. We will keep updating it in every article!

  • KL Rahul 331 runs (PBKS, 7 matches)
  • Harshal Patel – 17 wickets (RCB, 7 matches)
TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. Chennai Super Kings752010+1.263
2. Delhi Capitals752010+0.466
3. Royal Challengers Bangalore 752010 -0.171
4. Mumbai Indians74308+ 0.062
5. Punjab Kings73406-0.264
6. Kolkata Knight Riders72504-0.494
7. Rajasthan Royals62404-0.69
8. Sunrisers Hyderabad61502-0.264
IPL 2021 Points Table

Also, if you have not yet read our IPL Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:

  1. Chennai Super Kings – CSK Preview
  2. Delhi Capitals – DC Preview
  3. Kolkata Knight Riders – KKR Preview
  4. Mumbai Indians – MI Preview
  5. Punjab Kings – PBKS Preview
  6. Rajasthan Royals – RR Preview
  7. Royal Challengers Bangalore – RCB Preview
  8. Sunrisers Hyderabad – SRH Preview

Copyright (2021: 4/12/2021)– @Nitesh Mathur, aka Nit-X – bcd@brokokencricketdreams.com

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