Babar Azam
Pakistan

ARGUABLY the mainstay of Pakistan batting who is now overdue for a three-figure knock in this World Cup to add to his nine ODI tons, Babar Azam often flatters to deceive after getting his eye in. The talented 24-year-old is only top-order batsman from his team to reach double figures in all five previous innings. The right-hander holds the key to Pakistan’s outside chance of reaching the semi-finals.

Colin de Grandhomme
New Zealand

NEW Zealand’s journeyman is the Harare-born Colin de Grandhomme, who moved from Zimbabwe to Auckland in 2006 and made international debut for the adopted nation against the country of his birth in February 2012. It took de Grandhomme to command a regular spot in the New Zealand across all three formats. The Black Caps are fortunate to have an all-rounder who has contributed regularly in this World Cup.

Published in Dawn, June 26th, 2019