ICC Cricket World Cup 2011
Scoring 100 off the last ten overs or needing 70 to win of six overs is something that has been made possible by a few batsmen who can hit the ball out of the park at will. A match is never lost as long as you have your big hitter out there in the middle. Here is a look at some of the most feared hitters to watch out for this world cup.
Also Read: Countdown To The World Cup – The All-Rounders
Yusuf Pathan (IND):
Yusuf Pathan’s place in the World Cup was under a cloud after consistent failures with the bat. However, he needed only one innings to turn it around. Chasing 316 against New Zealand, Yusuf walked into the bat at No.6 with India struggling at 108/4. He smashed seven sixes and seven fours on way to an unbeaten 123 of 93 balls as India cruised to victory with five balls to spare. He celebrated his inclusion in the World Cup squad with a similar innings scoring 105 of 79 balls against South Africa. Although India lost that match, Yusuf proved that he was not a one innings wonder and also showed his penchant for standing up when required.
Yusuf brings a different flavor and variety to the Indian line up with his sheer power and timing. He has also proved to be a wily customer with the ball and definitely could the difference between a victory and loss in a nerve wrecking contest.
Abdul Razzaq (PAK):
No match is over as long as Abdul Razzaq is at the crease. The all rounder from Lahore has fashioned innumerable comebacks for Pakistan from dead situations. Razzaq, since making his debut in 1999, has proved that he is capable of batting anywhere in the order. Pakistan utilized him at the top of the order at the start of the millennium where he didn’t do too badly. But with Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf and Inzamam in the middle order, Razzaq was moved down the order and has influenced the outcome of many a game.
He suffered a knee injury before the 2007 World Cup and his absence was felt as Pakistan crashed out in the first round. He signed up with the Indian Cricket League which kept him of the national squad for two years. He made an immediate impact on return as Pakistan won the T20 tournament in 2009. Whether it is demolishing the opposition with his batting or with his nippy pace bowling, Razzaq is Pakistan’s man to watch in the upcoming World Cup.
Kieron Pollard (WI):
Pollard is a typical West Indies cricketer – tall, bulky, and powerful. Pollard made his debut in the 2007 World Cup at home and was dropped after a disastrous campaign. Although he has played only in 32 ODI’s since his debut, Pollard is quite a popular figure around the world thanks to his big hitting prowess. Pollard has enjoyed playing on the Indian tracks and is well remembered for his exploits for Trinidad and Tobago in the 2009 Champions League and then for Mumbai Indians in the IPL and 2010 Champions League. Apart from clearing the field with ease, Pollard can trouble the batsmen with his medium pace and also is a spectacular fielder in the outfield.
Tags: Abdul Razzaq, Bludgeoners, IND, India, Kieron Pollard, PAK, Pakistan, West Indies, WI, World Cup, Yusuf Pathan
