The T20 World Cup 2024 wrapped up at the Kensington Oval in Barbados with India clinching the title by defeating South Africa. This was India’s second T20 World Cup win, their first since MS Dhoni led them to glory in 2007.
But as with any tournament, there were players who did not quite live up to the hype. Here is the Flop XI, featuring players who had a disappointing T20 World Cup 2024 campaign.
Reeza Hendricks
Expectations were high for Reeza Hendricks, especially with South Africa reaching the final. However, the right-handed batter couldn’t produce any memorable innings and remained a weak link in the Proteas line-up throughout the tournament. In nine matches, he scored only 113 runs at an average of 14.12 and a strike rate of 87.59. In the final, he managed just four runs.
Mohammad Rizwan (WK)
Mohammad Rizwan, one of the top-rated T20I players, failed to shine when it mattered most for Pakistan, as a result, the Green Shirts crashed out from the Group stage. He scored 110 runs in four innings, averaging 36.66 with a strike rate of 90.90. His critical dismissal against India, where he scored 31 runs, cost Pakistan dearly in a match they could have won.
Mitchell Marsh (C)
Australia’s Mitchell Marsh came into the World Cup after an injury in the IPL 2024. He couldn’t bowl until the Super 8s and had a lacklustre performance with the bat, scoring 125 runs in seven innings. His contributions of 12 and 37 in the crucial matches against Afghanistan and India were not enough.
Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson, a key member of cricket’s ‘Fab Four’, had a disastrous tournament as he led New Zealand in his last T20 World Cup as captain. Unfortunately, the Black Caps exited in the group stage after losses to Afghanistan and the West Indies. Williamson managed only 28 runs in three innings, sealing his side’s early exit.
Shivam Dube
Shivam Dube was considered the only weak link in the dominant Indian side and his place was in question throughout the tournament as he was preferred over fan-favourite Rinku Singh. Despite criticism, the team management showed faith in Dube after a great IPL in 2024 and played him in all games. However, the all-rounder couldn’t replicate his IPL form, scoring only 133 runs in eight innings and failing to make a significant impact for India.
Shadab Khan
Shadab Khan, one of Pakistan’s most senior players, had a forgettable tournament. With the bat, he scored 44 runs in three innings, with his highest score being 40 against the USA. He failed to pick up any wickets in the three matches he bowled.
Liam Livingstone
Liam Livingstone was expected to deliver both with the bat and ball for England. However, he managed just 72 runs in four innings and picked up only three wickets. His underwhelming performance in the semi-final against India, where he scored just 11 runs, was a critical blow for England.
Sam Curran
Sam Curran, the Player of the Match in the 2022 T20 World Cup final, had high expectations on his shoulders. Yet, in five matches, he picked up only three wickets, two against South Africa and one against India in the semi-final, failing to make a significant impact.
Mitchell Santner
Despite favourable conditions for spinners in the West Indies, Mitchell Santner struggled and managed only four wickets in four games. Although he maintained a good economy rate (5.56), he couldn’t take enough wickets to support his team. He went wicketless against Afghanistan and picked up just one against the West Indies.
Matheesha Pathirana
Matheesha Pathirana had a heavy responsibility on his shoulders to lead his side’s pace attack in the T20 World Cup after a brilliant IPL season. The 21-year-old is known for his prowess in shorter formats, however, he failed to replicate his IPL success in the World Cup. In three matches, he took only three wickets, with two against the Netherlands, and went wicketless against South Africa.
Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc, known for his ferocious pace bowling and his top-notch performances in ICC tournaments, had a disappointing run in the T20 World Cup. He managed to take only five wickets in five matches. But the more disappointing factor is his economy rate, which is 8.55. He was also smashed for 29 runs in an over by Indian captain Rohit Sharma in the Super 8 match.
These players, despite their reputations and past performances, couldn’t deliver when it mattered most in the T20 World Cup 2024. The cricket world will be watching closely to see how they bounce back in future tournaments.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.