World T20 2014: Team of the Preliminary Stage

The opening stage of the World Twenty20 is at an end, with the ICC Full Members now joining the tournament and facing Bangladesh and the Netherlands in the Super 10.

It promises to be an intriguing couple of weeks of fixtures, but before we look ahead to what is to come, let’s first take a look back at what we have already seen.

Which players particularly impressed against the peers, with bat or ball or even with both?

Read on for a best XI from the preliminary stage of the World T20.

All stats courtesy of ESPNCricinfo.

Honorable Mentions

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Ed Joyce (Ireland): An honorable mention goes first to Ed Joyce, who ensured the Irish middle order did well but failed to reach 50 on three occasions.

Shakti Gauchan (Nepal): Nepalese left-arm spinner Shakti Gauchan also gets a mention for taking five wickets at an average of 14.80, a good effort from the 29-year-old.

Subash Khakurel (Nepal): Nepal’s 20-year-old wicketkeeper, Subash Khakurel, looks like one for the future, with his 56 against Afghanistan helping his side take a famous win.

1. Stephan Myburgh (Netherlands)

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Statistics

3 matches

118 runs; 39.33 batting average; 63 highest score

Opening for our best XI is Dutchman Stephan Myburgh, who twice passed 50 in the preliminary stages.

He may have been dismissed for nought against Zimbabwe, but his 63 from 23 balls against Ireland set the tone for the Netherlands’ spectacular run chase.

2. Anamul Haque (Bangladesh)

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Statistics

3 matches

112 runs; 56.00 batting average; 44* highest score

Alongside Myburgh comes Anamul Haque of Bangladesh, who has shown a great deal of potential in his three appearances.

He has helped the hosts build some solid platforms with his hitting at the top of the order and looks in good form for the latter stages.

3. William Porterfield (Ireland)

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Statistics

3 matches

111 runs; 55.50 batting average; 47 highest score

In at No. 3 comes another opener to have really impressed in the tournament—Ireland captain William Porterfield.

While he is an opener, having Porterfield coming in with one wicket down means he would be comfortable against the new ball, especially after his performances in Bangladesh.

4. Brendan Taylor (Zimbabwe)

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Statistics

3 matches

123 runs; 41.00 batting average; 59 highest score

Zimbabwe’s captain, Brendan Taylor, could not lead his side to the Super 10 stage, but he did impress very much with the bat.

His contributions were vital in the Zimbabweans’ campaign, especially as they came in the top order.

5. Tom Cooper (Netherlands)

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Statistics 

3 matches

151 runs; 151.00 batting average; 72* highest score

2 wickets; 19.50 bowling average; 2-28 BBI

In at No. 5 comes the explosive Tom Cooper, dismissed just once so far and the tournament’s leading run scorer.

He has been crucial in helping the Dutch accelerate their innings and will remain key as they look to make an impact in the Super 10 stage.

6. Shafiqullah (Afghanistan)

Bikas Das/Associated Press

Statistics

3 matches

103 runs; 51.50 batting average; 51* highest score

In at No. 6 comes another wicketkeeper to have made a tremendous impression with the bat—Shafiqullah of Afghanistan.

He has been very consistent despite the Afghans not reaching the Super 10 stage, and at 24 years old he is definitely one for the future.

7. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)

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Statistics

3 matches

81 runs; 81.00 batting average; 37* highest score

6 wickets; 6.50 bowling average; 3-8 BBI

Clearly enjoying playing on home turf, Shakib Al Hasan has been very handy with bat and ball for Bangladesh.

In this team, he may be a little low in the batting order at No. 7, but he definitely adds some bite to the lower order.

8. Ahsan Malik (Netherlands)

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Statistics

3 matches

No batting statistics

6 wickets; 12.00 bowling average; 3-16 BBI

Young seamer Ahsan Malik has looked tremendous in Bangladesh, despite wickets not being wholly conducive to fast bowling.

He has also been economical against some aggressive batsmen and will remain a critical part of the Dutch bowling attack.

9. Tinashe Panyangara (Zimbabwe)

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Statistics

3 matches

No batting statistics

5 wickets; 19.60 bowling average; 4-37 BBI

Another seam bowler to impress was Tinashe Panyangara, who showed he can flourish in international cricket after limited opportunities before this tournament.

His 4-37 against Ireland showed his character and talent, especially after his first over disappeared for 18 runs.

10. Nadeem Ahmed (Hong Kong)

Bikas Das/Associated Press

Statistics

3 matches

7 runs; 7.00 batting average; 5 highest score

6 wickets; 11.50 bowling average; 4-21 BBI

Another spinner to flourish on the slow, turning wickets of Bangladesh was Nadeem Ahmed, who helped Hong Kong challenge in the tournament.

His 4-21 came in their only victory against hosts Bangladesh and shows his ability despite intense pressure.

11. Basant Regmi (Nepal)

Bikas Das/Associated Press

Statistics

3 matches

0 runs; no batting average; 0* highest score

5 wickets; 11.20 bowling average; 3-14 BBI

Finally, Nepal spinner Basant Regmi comes in at No. 11 after a tournament that showed he is capable of consistent performances.

While it may have been overshadowed somewhat by his teammates, his 1-14 from three overs against Bangladesh helped restrict the hosts’ run chase enormously.