The Champions Trophy is all set to take center stage in few days. Over the years this highly anticipated event has witnessed many stellar performances. The 18-day long tournament will see matches played at the Cardiff Wales Stadium in Cardiff, the Oval in London and Edgbaston in Birmingham.
The top eight teams have been divided into two groups.
Group A – Australia, England, New Zealand, Bangladesh.
Group B – India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa.
With the Champions Trophy just a few days away, here are the top five players who are likely to make an impression in the mini World Cup. Their performance is sure to make a difference for their team in this 18-day long fervent event.
- Quinton de Kock (South Africa)
The South-African hard hitting batsman has been in blistering form in ODIs. Having had an underwhelming 2015 World Cup in Australia after his unexpectedly quick recovery from an ankle injury‚ June’s Champions Trophy is the perfect stage for Quinton de Kock to write himself into folklore.
Quinton has been a part of 79 ODIs in which he has already racked up 12 centuries and 8 fifties with an astonishing average of 53.9. Being a highly underrated batsman, Quinton will be desperate to do well in one of these ICC events. As Rahul Dravid has already expressed that Quinton de Kock will be a future star, well this tournament may just be the big moment for de Kock to show his goods.
- Jasprit Bumrah (India)
The Indian paceman Jasprit Bumrah with an unusual action has impressed in the limited overs game for India. He has been in supreme form for Mumbai Indians bagging 20 wickets with best figures of 3/7. His death bowling has increased gradually from strength to strength.
He has bagged 22 wickets in 11 ODIs and 33 wickets in 24 T20Is. Undoubtedly, he”s a boon in shorter formats for India. With a mortifying toe-crushing Yorker in his armoury, Jasprit Bumrah is a force to be reckoned with for India.
- Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh)
In only 14 ODIs, Mustafizur has already grabbed 36 wickets with three five-wicket hauls. The youngster was an instant hit last season (2016) in the IPL and even went on to win the event with the Sunrisers Hyderabad. He managed six wickets this year from three ODI’s and will be carrying the hopes of his nation at the Champions trophy.
With the conditions favoring fast bowling, he will be Bangladesh”s go to man. With a decent bowling action, he bowls quick as well as slow deliveries. Mustafizur bagged four wickets for 23 runs along with two maidens in the match against Ireland in the on-going Tri-series. He was adjudged Man of the Match for his scintillating bowling spell which has set a watermark that he can perform in those English conditions.
- Asela Gunaratne (Sri Lanka)
A batting all- rounder with powerful shots all-round the wicket, Asela Gunaratne has put together several impressive performances for Sri Lanka this year. He was a sporadic performer in Sri Lanka”s tour to Australia earlier this year. With dignified scores of 52 and 84* in that series, he has shown the world what he is capable of. In just 13 ODIs he has accumulated 319 runs along with 10 wickets.
Unequivocally, he”ll be Mathews” go to man in the upcoming mega event in England. He will be the vital player as Sri Lanka will be itching to climb up the ladder by performing well in Champions Trophy.
- Chris Lynn (Australia)
The “Lynnsanity” took the Big Bash League by storm in December to January and has continued with his devastating form in the on-going tenth edition of the Indian Premier League, scoring 295 runs at an average of 49.2. Amidst the injury which ruled him out for almost three weeks, he has done exceptionally well.
As the uncertainty looms over his spot in playing XI, Lynn has expressed his desire to open the innings with David Warner. Lynn made his ODI debut in January 2017, but assiduous injuries have prevented him from being a regular member of the squad. Lynn will be another player to watch out for as Australia look to seize a third Champions Trophy.