Flop playing XI of World Cup 2023

As the World Cup 2023 heads towards its final clash between Australia and India, it’s time to scrutinize the performances of players who failed to leave a mark on the tournament. Despite the high stakes and intense competition, some players fell short of expectations.

In this dissection of the Flop Playing XI, we scrutinize individual performances that fell short of expectations, contributing to their teams’ less-than-ideal journeys in this prestigious cricketing spectacle. From experienced captains to rising stars, these players grappled with challenges that unfolded during the group stages and beyond, highlighting the unpredictable nature of cricket and the immense pressure that accompanies a World Cup campaign.

Let’s have a look at the Flop Playing XI of the World Cup 2023:

1. Temba Bavuma (Captain, South Africa): South African skipper Temba Bavuma led his side to the semifinals, but his personal performance left much to be desired. Bavuma could only muster 145 runs at an average of 18.12, failing to lead by example in crucial matches.
2. Imam-ul-Haq (Pakistan): Once touted as a top-tier ICC ODI batter, Imam-ul-Haq’s performance in the World Cup 2023 was below par. Despite a strong pre-tournament ranking, he managed only 162 runs with a modest average of 27.00 and a strike rate of 90.
3. Harry Brook (England): England had high hopes for Harry Brook to be a powerhouse for the team, but his contributions were far from impactful. In six games, Brook could only accumulate 169 runs, leaving the English team struggling in a season that proved to be challenging for the entire squad.
4. Mushfiqur Rahim (Bangladesh): Mushfiqur Rahim, a key figure for Bangladesh, failed to live up to the expectations set for him in the World Cup. Despite the anticipation, Rahim could only manage to score 202 runs in nine matches at an average of 25.25.
5. Tom Latham (New Zealand): Stepping up in the absence of Kane Williamson, Tom Latham led New Zealand but struggled with the bat. His disappointing performance saw him score only 155 runs in eight innings at an average of 25.83, coupled with a woeful strike rate of 91.17.
6. Jos Buttler (England – Captain): England’s skipper Jos Buttler had a forgettable tournament, both as a leader and a player. Managing only 138 runs at an average of 15.33, Buttler’s struggles reflected the challenges faced by the English side throughout the World Cup.
7. Shadab Khan (Pakistan): Expected to be a frontline all-rounder, Shadab Khan failed to make a significant impact. With only 121 runs and two wickets to his name, Khan’s lackluster performance raised questions about his place in the squad.
8. Mark Wood (England): Mark Wood, expected to do wonders with the ball after the Ashes, faced disappointment as he conceded 349 runs in 54 overs bowled across seven games. His performances fell short of the pre-tournament hype.
9. Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh): Tasked with leading Bangladesh’s pace attack, Mustafizur Rahman struggled to make an impact. With only five wickets in eight matches and conceding 398 runs in 65.4 overs, Rahman’s performance was below par.
10. Maheesh Thekshana (Sri Lanka): Entrusted with the responsibility of bowling with the new ball, Maheesh Thekshana managed to take six wickets but conceded a hefty 382 runs in 71.2 overs. His return from injury didn’t meet the expectations set for him.
11. Haris Rauf (Pakistan): Despite being Pakistan’s frontline pacer and bagging 15 wickets, Haris Rauf conceded 533 runs, marking the most runs conceded by any bowler in a single edition of the World Cup. His wickets came at a high cost for the team.

In a tournament where every performance counts, these players found themselves on the flip side, unable to make a significant impact when it mattered most.

Also, see:

Top 5 batters to watch during World Cup 2023 final