With the World Cup 2019 just 2 days away, every cricketing fan is looking towards the mega event which consists of 10 teams. The Bangladeshi opener, Tamim Iqbal has chosen his all-time World Cup XI based on their performances in World Cup history.
Tamim Iqbal is a key member in the Bangladeshi ODI side. The Tigers reached the quarterfinals of 2015 World Cup played in Australia and New Zealand. In Asian blocks, Bangladesh has qualified for the finals.
The experienced Tamim Iqbal has picked Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag as his openers. The master blaster, Tendulkar is the leading runs scorer in WC history with 2278 runs from 45 matches (44 innings) with 6 centuries and 15 half-centuries. The other opener Virender Sehwag created an impact with his explosive batting.
At number 3, he has included India’s captain Virat Kohli who is one of the best chasers in ODI cricket. Kohli has played 2 World Cups so far and proved his worth. With the World Cup 2019 coming up, the onus will be on him to score big runs and create an impact on matches.
Australia’s former captain Ricky Pointing has been included as number 4, with 1743 runs from 46 matches ( 42 innings) with 5 centuries and 6 half-centuries. He led Australia to World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007.
Tamim Iqbal has included the best all-rounder Jacques Kallis. He has scored 1148 runs from 36 matches (32 innings) with the best score of 128*. Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been included as number 5. He has been the backbone of the Bangladesh team since quite some time.
MS Dhoni has been named as the captain and wicketkeeper of the team. He led India to success in World Cup 2011 winning the trophy after 28 years. Also, his wicketkeeping skills has been sensational for India.
In the bowling department, Tamim Iqbal has picked Wasim Akram. The Multan of Swing, Wasim Akram led Pakistan to 1992 World Cup win and 1999 finals. The left arm pacer took 55 wickets from 38 wickets (36 innings) with an economy of 4.04 runs per over.
Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar has been included by Tamim Iqbal. He made his World Cup debut for Pakistan in 1999 and played 4 World Cups. Akhtar took 30 wickets from 19 matches ( 18 innings) at an economy of 5.13 runs per over. Glenn McGrath has been included as the third pacer. He is the leading wicket-taker in World Cup history with 71 wickets from 39 matches (39 innings) with best figures of 7/15.
As the lone spinner, Tamim Iqbal has included Muttiah Muralitharan. He is the 2nd leading wicket-taker in WC history with 68 wickets from 40 matches (39 innings) with an economy of 3.88 runs per over. The legend was a part of the team which were runners up in 2007 and 2011.
Tamim Iqbal all-time World Cup XI: Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli, Ricky Pointing, Jacques Kallis, Shakib AL Hasan, MS Dhoni (C and WK), Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, Glenn McGrath, Muttiah Muralitharan.
