The ICC World T20 was supposed to be held last year but due to Covid was canceled last year. However, the biggest marquee ICC event is all set to begin in less than a month. All teams have been announced and it looks unlikely for any massive changes from here on but a few tweaks could be done considering the IPL performances. All teams will attempt to put their best foot forward. Some teams look fantastic on paper and should be in the top 4 sure shots. Matches would be played in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Muscat.
The world cup is being preceded by the IPL which is currently nearing its knock-outs. The pitches in the IPL have not looked lively and are suitable for T20 games. It would be a damp squib if big scores are not put on the board in the world cup. We look at 5 left-handers who would ensure that the world cup has matches with big totals put up on the scoreboard and are definitely capable of creating havoc in the world cup.
In this article, we look at 5 Left-handed batsmen who might wreak havoc in the T20 World Cup.
1. Shimron Hetmyer
This man has made a huge name for himself as a clinical finisher and big-hitter in white-ball cricket. He gets far less credit than he is due for. His ability to finish games on his own is undisputed. Delhi Capitals had the services of Steven Smith but they could not bench Hetty for long and he forced his way back into the squad. He has averaged 40 this IPL and has scored at a strike rate of 180 which is evidence of his destruction and range.
2. Rishabh Pant
The captain for Delhi Capitals has been calm and composed in this year’s IPL. That could be because he is now burdened with responsibility now and hence has to be more careful. However, going into the world cup there would be no such shackles for Pant. He is one of the most fearless cricketers of this generation. He has played 33 T20s for India till now and has a healthy strike rate of around 125. His strike rate of 70 should be a better indicator of his penchant to keep the scoreboard constantly ticking.
3. Nicholas Pooran
The West Indian vice-captain had a horror show in the India leg of this IPL but with ample match time against Australia, South Africa and Pakistan, Pooran is back in business. He has regained his confidence and much like Pant, he too plays a fearless brand of cricket. He may not have had the most sensational IPL this year but he still bats at a strike rate of 150 in the IPL. His T20 strike rate in internationals is impressive at 125. If he strikes the ball well for Windies, no total could be safe for the opposition in the world cup.
4. Quinton De Kock
De Kock has been in sublime form after giving up his captaincy duties. He has been striking the ball better than ever and has averaged 56 in international T20s. He has batted with a strike rate of more than 135 and has 5 half-centuries in 10 games. His performance in ODIs is no different. If he can continue his international form in the world cup, it would be a phenomenal boost to the fragile South African batting line-up. With him as their opener, the team would be expecting him to tear through the bowling line-ups of the opposition teams.
5. Devon Conway
He is the most unknown commodity in the international arena but it would be foolhardy to take him lightly. His pedigree and credibility as one the most technically sound batsman is long known. He has thus far played 14 T20 internationals and has scored at an average of 60 and a strike rate of 151. Any team that takes the Kiwi opener lightly could be in for a rude shock since he possesses the ability to single-handedly to take the game away from the opposition.
