ICC unveiled Team of the Tournament after the conclusion of the cricketing extravaganza featuring best performers of the tournament. However, there are players who failed to live up to the expectations during the mega-event, hence made it into the into the Flop XI of ICC World Cup 2023.
Amidst the triumphs lies a shadow, casting its silhouette over seasoned players who found themselves on the darker side of expectations.
Let’s take a look at the Flop XI of the World Cup 2023, a roster featuring cricketers who struggled to leave a mark during the league stage.
Temba Bavuma (c)
The South African skipper, despite arriving with impressive credentials, failed to shine on the grandest stage. Scoring a mere 145 runs across eight matches at an average of 18.12, the 33-year-old couldn’t match the expectations laid upon him.
Imam-ul-Haq
Once ranked as the third-best batter in the ICC rankings, Imam-ul-Haq failed to live up to the hype. With only 162 runs in six innings at an average of 27.00, the 27-year-old couldn’t replicate his prior success.
Harry Brook
Possessing a formidable range of shots, Brook had the potential to dominate the World Cup stage. Yet, his performance fell short, managing only 169 runs in six matches at an average of 28.16, leaving the struggling English side wanting for more.
Steve Smith
Despite being part of the victorious Australian team, Smith’s contributions were relatively subdued. With 302 runs at an average of 33.55, the majority of his runs came against the Netherlands and Bangladesh, casting a shadow over his overall impact.
Tom Latham
Known for his expertise against spin, Latham’s World Cup outing yielded 155 runs at an average of 25.83. While he secured two fifties, they came early in the tournament, raising questions about his consistency.
Jos Buttler (wk)
Once England’s unsung hero, Buttler’s performance in this tournament fell below par. Scoring a mere 138 runs at an average of 15.33, the 33-year-old failed to replicate his previous impactful performances.
Shadab Khan
Expected to deliver both with the bat and ball for Pakistan, Shadab Khan’s contributions remained lackluster. Scoring 121 runs and securing only two wickets in six matches, the 24-year-old struggled to make a significant impact.
Mark Wood
Despite his good form in Ashes, Wood failed to replicate it in the World Cup and failed to soar in the mega-event. With only six wickets in seven matches and conceding 349 runs, his bowling lacked the spark witnessed in previous tournaments.
Mustafizur Rahman
Leading Bangladesh’s pace attack, Rahman’s underwhelming display affected his side. Bagging only five wickets in eight matches and conceding 398 runs, the experienced pacer struggled to deliver in crucial moments.
Maheesh Theekshana
Returning from an injury, Theekshana’s role in Sri Lanka’s bowling lineup fell short of expectations. Securing six wickets while conceding 382 runs in 71.2 overs, the 23-year-old couldn’t provide the breakthroughs anticipated.
Haris Rauf
Despite claiming 15 wickets, Rauf’s performance had a flip side. Conceding the most runs in a single edition of a mega event, the 30-year-old struggled to contain opposition batsmen, tarnishing his otherwise impressive wicket-taking spree.
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