ICC World Cup 2015: Quarter-finals XI

With the quarter-finals done and dusted, largely on expected lines, it is fair to say that the best four teams on paper and current form have made it through to the semi-finals. The quarter-finals also signalled the end of ODI cricket for four cricketing giants of the game – Sri Lankan legends Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and the Pakistani duo of Shahid Afridi and Misbah-ul-Haq.It is perhaps sad that none of these managed to set the stage alight in their swansong, though it has to be said that Sangakkara might have, had he received more support from the other end. Unfortunately, it was not enough for him to make this team based solely on the performances of the players in the quarter-finals.However, let’s take a look at the players who did. As stated earlier, the list has only two criterions:- It is based on the performances of the players in the quarter-finals alone- This is not a list of the best XI players but a proper team capable of playing on any surface. Hence, the composition and mix of the team has been given paramount advantage

#1 Martin Guptill - 237* (163)

No prizes for guessing this one. In fact, if you thought he probably wouldn’t have made it, you are perhaps from one of the West Indian islands. Inside a glitteringly beautiful Westpac stadium, Martin Guptill churned out one of the most memorable knocks ever to ensure the home team supporters don’t stop partying well into the night.

Having lost his captain early for the second time in a row, he donned the role of a grafter and watchfully scored his first 50 runs in 64 balls. Once he reached his century in the 35th over, there was simply no respite for the bowlers thereafter.

Such was the impact of Guptill in the last 15 overs that he single-handedly scored 137 runs in the period; the rest of the team scored around half of what Guptill could achieve (69). In fact, believe it or not, he scored the next 137 runs in a mere 52 balls post his century.

There might be a sense of achievement for Guptill here as he came perilously close two years ago at the Rose Bowl against England, where he had ended unbeaten on 189.