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In any form of the game, World Cup always discover new gems. Throughout the years, this has been the stage where many youngsters have proven themselves to be the next big thing and announced their arrival.
World T20 this year also features some of these gems who already showed their potential through their performance but will look up to this platform to announce to the world - “We are here!”
FE picks some of those young talents who are already doing well and expected to be successful in the rest of the games of the tournament.
Afif Hossain
One of the most positive aspects of Bangladesh cricket this year is Afif Hossain. This young lad has taken Bangladesh’s shortest format scenario by storm.
At the age of 22, Afif has already established himself as one of the main pillars of the Bangladesh batting lineup. His batting skills, mentality and attitude already show that he is destined for greatness.
He has also enjoyed good form this year with 260 runs from 14 innings, averaging 23.63 with a strike rate of 124.40 batting at no. 5 or 6. Bangladesh will look up to him big time for their success in the rest of the campaign.
Mujeeb ur Rehman
Already hailed as one of the best spinners of the world, this 20-year-old often remains under the shadow of the likes of Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi.
But Mujeeb has been influential for Afghanistan’s shorter version success in recent years. Basically, he restricts the opponent batsmen in the powerplay.
He already has 25 wickets in a 19 match T20I career. Also, his franchise cricket career is something that cannot be overlooked. He has already shown what he can do taking 5 wickets for 14 runs against Scotland in Afghanistans’ first Super 12 game.
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Pakistan has seen their ups and downs over the years. But producing charismatic quick bowlers was never a part of it.
Shaheen Shah Afridi has been the latest inclusion in an absolutely aristocratic list. He made his debut in 2018 and already established himself as the strike bowler of Pakistan.
This 21-year-old 1.98m tall pacer can run riot on any batting line-up with his crafty left-arm seam bowling. His 10 wickets in 12 matches this year also shows that he is hungry for more in the world cup.
Rahul Chahar
Another bright talent of India’s almost never-ending player producing pipeline. This leg-spinner can be one of the X factors for India.
He has a very short international career but his IPL excellencies earned him the trust of team management. He enjoyed his most productive IPL in 2021 with 13 wickets from 11 matches.
In a time where cricket is dominated by leg-spinners and in a condition where spinners are more likely to rule, this 22 year old leggy could become handy for India.
Although he didn’t feature in India’s playing XI in their first Super 12 game against Pakistan, he is expected to make his World T20 debut in the next game.