Top Five Run-Scorers of the 2019 World Cup
Virat Kohli [Twitter]
The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 has kicked off with a bang in India, featuring two centuries in the opening match and a thrilling contest with three centurions, one of whom set a new record for the fastest century in ODI World Cup history. This ten-team tournament, showcasing the world's top cricketers, is already proving to be an exhilarating spectacle, marked by some outstanding ODI performances.
Several innings have already grabbed the spotlight, setting the stage for an abundance of runs from the batters of the ten competing teams. Expectations include individual high scores, teams amassing substantial totals, colossal sixes, and more, reminiscent of the thrilling moments witnessed in the 2019 edition of the 50-over World Cup.
Reflecting on the 2019 World Cup, that tournament showcased remarkable batting performances. Fans witnessed the brilliance of India's current skipper, Rohit Sharma, David Warner's triumphant return to international cricket, Shakib Al Hasan's incredible run with the bat, Kane Williamson's consistency, Joe Root's class, Jonny Bairstow's power-hitting, and Babar Azam's breakthrough World Cup.
The 2019 edition featured a plethora of world-class players. As we delve into the memories of that tournament, let's recall the top five run-scorers who left their mark on the World Cup stage.
Here are the top five run-scorers of the 2019 World Cup:
1) Rohit Sharma (648)
Rohit Sharma. (ICC)
The Hitman delivered his best-ever performance in an ICC tournament during the 2019 World Cup held in England. In this exceptional campaign, Rohit accumulated a staggering 648 runs in just nine matches, achieving an impressive average of 81. He left cricket enthusiasts in awe by smashing five centuries throughout the tournament, with remarkable tons against Pakistan, England, and South Africa.
Rohit's incredible form seemed unstoppable as he continued to amass runs, even under the immense pressure of a major event like the World Cup. Despite being a senior player carrying a significant burden, he made batting appear effortless, a testament to his exceptional skills. In a historic achievement, he became the first player to record five centuries in a single edition of the World Cup.
Unfortunately, India's journey in the tournament came to an end in the semi-finals. Despite Rohit's extraordinary run-scoring feat, he did not receive the Player of the Tournament award, which was a disappointment for the talented opener.
2) David Warner (647)
David Warner. (ICC)
Making a comeback after a year-long ban for ball tampering in 2018 was a formidable challenge for the Australian opener. Warner, being an Australian player, faced heightened scrutiny in England during the World Cup due to the historic Ashes rivalry. Despite immense pressure from both the media and opposing fans, Warner staged a remarkable return during the 2019 World Cup in England.
The left-handed batter amassed a total of 647 runs throughout the tournament, falling just one run short of Rohit Sharma's tally. He maintained an outstanding average of 71, registering impressive centuries against Pakistan, South Africa, and Bangladesh. Warner's exceptional performance with the bat played a crucial role in Australia's journey to the semi-finals, where they were eventually defeated by the host nation, England.
3) Shakib Al Hasan (606)
Shakib Al Hasan. (ICC)
Shakib faced a challenging period in 2018, battling multiple finger injuries. However, as the captain and star all-rounder, he entered the tournament with a strong sense of responsibility and a desire to prove himself.
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Shakib concluded the competition with an astonishing 606 runs at an average of 86.57, including two centuries. This outstanding performance allowed him to surpass Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most runs scored in the group stages of the tournament, a record that had stood since the 2003 World Cup.
Notably, Shakib achieved another milestone by becoming the first player to score 500 runs and take 10 wickets in a single World Cup campaign. His exceptional all-round contributions undoubtedly earned him the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP) of that edition.
4) Kane Williamson (578)
Kane Williamson. (ICC)
Being the captain of the team, he had that extra pressure of performing with the bat. Occupying the crucial number three position, he showcased remarkable form, accumulating 578 runs at an impressive average of 82.57, including two half-centuries and two centuries, one of which was against South Africa.
Williamson's success in the 2019 edition was attributed to his exceptional ability to handle pressure and adapt his game to the prevailing conditions. His batting prowess, combined with his outstanding leadership skills, played a pivotal role in guiding New Zealand to the tournament final. While they couldn't clinch the ultimate victory in the final, Williamson's exceptional performance earned him the coveted title of Player of the Tournament.
5) Joe Root (556)
Joe Root. (ICC)
England's most prolific run-scorer, Joe Root played a pivotal role in anchoring their renowned batting lineup throughout the tournament. Root secured the fifth position among the tournament's highest run-scorers, amassing 556 runs from 11 innings, featuring two centuries and three half-centuries.
His impeccable batting technique, coupled with the skill to maintain a steady scoring rate by cleverly rotating the strike and hitting boundaries when needed, made him a standout performer. Root's remarkable achievement extended to the record books, as he became the first English player to achieve the milestone of 500 runs in World Cup history.
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