Thursday 1 March 2012

Players to watch out for in the upcoming World T20 Qualifiers...

Hamid Hassan(Afganistan)

The right-arm pacey from Afghanistan is a danger to a lot of batsmen. With his ability to swing the ball both ways, added with his 6ft height and his aggressive approach to the game. This all makes for positive results for Hassan and with the T20 format, all of his experience will be needed to help cement Afghanistan's place as one of the favourite's.

David Hemp(Bermuda)

The leader of the Bermuda squad going into the qualifiers. He is 41 years young and a very classy left-handed batsman. He has a lot of experience playing English county cricket, where he has played for Glamorgan and Warwickshire. Where even an English call up was somewhere on the radar but never went further than that. This experience will be needed if one of the outsiders of the qualifiers is planning to go far. His T20 career makes for good reading, with 952 runs and a top score of 74 at an average of 26.44.

Jimmy Hansra(Canada)

One of the better batsmen in the Canadian side. He would have hoped for a better debut than a 2nd ball duck. Though his rise to fame would come during the 2011 World Cup. With contributing some mature knocks. With a well played 43 vs Pakistan. And also a very impressive 70* vs New Zealand. He has produces some occasional bowling duties with his offbreaks.

Frederik Klokker(Denmark)

A hard-hitting top-order wicketkeeper batsman. Who first played at the 2001 ICC Trophy while producing a career best 138* vs the USA in 2005. Who has plenty of experience having made his debut in his teens. Also coming on as a substitute fielder for England at Lord's. His record at the T20 level is very impressive with 238 runs and a top score of 91* at an average of 59.50. Teams will be looking to knock him over quickly.

Aizaz Khan(Hong Kong)

The young Aizaz is a medium pace bowler. Aizaz finished as Hong Kong's top wicket-taker at the 2010 U-19 World Cup qualifiers with an impressive 15 wickets. He made his World Cricket League debut for Hong Kong in the 2011 WCL Division Three, where he was able to help them earn promotion to Division Two.

Paul Stirling(Ireland)

Paul Stirling is one of the most promising young cricketers in Ireland. Who has played for Ireland in all formats and currently is playing for English county side Middlesex. His aggressive approach at the crease mixed with his capabilities with the ball, has had comparisons made with Sri Lankan all time great Sanath Jayasuriya. He made his first International century against a Test playing nation in 2011 against Pakistan. A performance which impressed Waqar Younis.

Michael Di Venuto(Italy)

Although Di Venuto was born in Australia and even played cricket for Australia. He never quite got the consistent performances for the Aussies. He's an excellent player of the hook, pull and square shot. With many English fans knowing him from his days with Derbyshire and Durham. Including an excellent campaign leading to Durham winning the 2009 championship. With his contribution of 1,601 runs at an average of 80.05, where he destroyed bowlers right across England. Then in 2012 he made his intentions clear when he chose to play for Italy in the World Cup T20 Qualifiers. Also having scored 951 T20 runs with a top score of 95* he will be pivotal for Italy.

Hiren Varaiya(Kenya)

The left-arm spinner was given a chance in 2006 and it was a challenge he accepted. Taking a wicket with his first ball on debut against Canada. Although he struggled against Bangladesh, he had made some significant performances against other associates. He recently picked up 12-73 against the leading associate team of Ireland in a four-day game. Where he had caused trouble to the majority of the Irish batsmen.

Louis van der Westhuizen(Namibia)

Louis is a slow left-arm spinner. He was one of the outstanding players in the Qualification for the U-19 World Cup in Sri Lanka. Ensuring qualification with his 113 against Papua New Guinea. Where he also collected nine wickets during the five games. He's also a very powerful hitter, recently scoring 159 from only 70 balls in a T20 match vs Kenya, where Namibia were able to put on 262/1 from 20 overs.

Paras Khadka(Nepal)

A middle order batsman who bowls medium pace. He has represented Nepal in three U-19 World Cup, 2004/06/08 while also a regular in the senior team. He was named the captain in 2009 of the national side. While he is also a man for pressure, also being named Man of the Tournament in the U-19 ACC Trophy in 2007. With 261 runs in T20 and a top score of 47* and 16 wickets at an average of 16.56 with a best of 3-5 he looks to be a leading all-rounder for his side.

Tom Cooper(Netherlands)

The Australian born top order batsman is a crucial part of this Netherlands team. In 2010 he decided to play for the nation his mother hails from. Scoring half-centuries in each of his first three ODI's. Where he added a century in his fifth game and 97 in his seventh. With Ryan ten Doeschate opting to not play during the qualifiers, the importance of Cooper is stronger now than ever. While his T20 average is only 16.61, he has played 30 games while scoring 349 runs. Having also played in many T20 leagues around the World he is well versed to this format.

Vaibhav Wategaonkar(Oman)

The Indian born cricketer is a very hand opening batsman. With 818 runs in the 50 over format. Also contributing 212 runs at the T20 level with a top score of 56* and an average of 30.28. He is likely to be one of the leading batsman for Oman. Also his experience will be needed if Oman are to progress with them being one of the outsiders.

Geraint Jones(Papua New Guinea)

Geraint Jones returns home to his home nation. After spending many years in the English county side and also the English national side. Although his stints with the Test side weren't always the best. His return to his roots will significantly boost the hopes of Papua New Guinea. Especially with his experience of T20 cricket, having played 79 games scoring 793 runs.

Richie Berrington(Scotland)

The South African born cricketer. However he's been a part of the Scottish side since his days in the U-15 side. He made his ODI debut against Ireland in July 2008. He was later given a full-time professional contract by Scotland. His powerhouse hitting is one of his key skills. Where he recently broke Irish hearts when he smashed 56 from 23 balls to help see Scotland home against Ireland in a recent ODI game.

Benjamin Musoke(Uganda)

In a team filled with players in their 20's, Benjamin Musoke represents the experience of the side. Having represented Uganda since 2001. He's an opening batsman for Uganda, who had a lot expected of him throughout his career. With one T20 fifty to his name he will be looking to improve that come the qualifiers.

Ryan Corns(USA)

The South African born youngster shot to prominence at the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. Scoring 230 runs and picking up 13 wickets gained him the Player-of-the-Tournament title and also helped USA qualify for the World Cup in 2010. His batting style is out of the Michael Vaughan yard. At the age of 21, he appears to be heading in the right direction.

1 comment:

  1. Ryan Tendoeschate (Hope i got the spellings rite)
    is also a player to watch out for!!
    Dnt you think??

    ReplyDelete