The group stage of the T20 World Cup wasn’t just about teams progressing — it was about individuals rising to the occasion. From fearless centuries and match-turning spells to giant-killing efforts that stunned heavyweights, several players produced performances that demanded attention. Here are TOI’s picks
Ishan KishanIndia vs Pakistan; 77 off 40 balls (10×4, 3×6)On a slow, spin-friendly surface at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, where every batter struggled, Ishan Kishan proved to be the exception.He pulled, cut, swept, reverse swept and drove the Pakistani bowlers with elan, launching his onslaught against the pace of Shaheen Afridi but then going on to dismantle the spinners as well.The rest of the batters managed just 95 in India’s total of 175/7, which proved well beyond Pakistan’s reach.Blessing MuzarabaniZimbabwe vs Australia; 4-0-17-4The 6-ft-8 inch pacer showed that he had more to him than his tall frame by producing his careerbest T20I figures to script the biggest upset of the group stage.A target of 170 didn’t look too much to chase for the Aussies but the 29-year-old’s double blow in the Powerplay, removing Josh Inglis and Cameroon Green, and then coming back at the death to remove Matt Renshaw (65) and Adam Zampa sealed the deal for Zimbabwe.Pathum NissankaSri Lanka vs Aus; 100 off 52 balls (10×4, 5×6)The 27-year-old played the innings of a lifetime to knock Australia out.The target of 182 wasn’t easy but Nissanka’s strokeplay ensured the hosts got over the line with two overs to spare.Relying on immaculate timing, he walked across the line and played some delightful pick-up shots over the square-leg fence, followed by some exquisite pulls and drives, to seal Sri Lanka’s Super 8 berth.Romario ShepherdWest Indies vs Scotland; 3-0-20-5The West Indies looked set for victory when skipper Shai Hope handed the ball to Romario Shepherd in the 16th over with Scotland needing 51 runs from 24 balls.The pacer from Guyana obliged by claiming four wickets from five balls, including a hattrick, to hasten Scotland’s end.Yuvraj SamraCanada vs New Zealand; 110 off 65 balls (11×4, 6×6)This one didn’t come in a winning cause but Samra produced an innings of great courage for the Canadians.Born in Brampton, Ontario, the teenager became the youngest centurion in a T20 World Cup at 19 years and 141 days.He also registered the best score by a player from an Associate nation against an ICC Full Member in the T20 World Cup.
