No Indian player was included in the T20 World Cup’s Most Valuable Team announced on Monday. Pakistan’s Babar Azam was named captain of the side while the likes of David Warner and Jos Buttler were included. 

Three Australians were named in ICC’s Most Valuable 2021 T20 World Cup playing XI. Two English players – Jos Buttler and Moeen Ali and two South Africans made the cut. Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi was named as the 12th man. 

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ICC announced the team a day after the final of the tournament. Australia defeated New Zealand by eight wickets to clinch their first T20 World Cup title at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka was also named in the Most Valuable XI. The opener finished the tournament with 231 runs at an average of 46.20. 

Buttler, who scored 269 runs at an average of 89.66 and affected five dismissals, was named as the opener alongside the 2021 edition’s second-highest run-getter – David Warner. Babar Azam, the highest run-scorer, is the No 3 batsman while Charith Asalanka and Aiden Markram are No 4 and No 5 respectively. Moeen Ali comes in at No 6. 

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The bowling line-up comprised of two spinners Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasanranga (16 wickets) and Australia’s Adam Zampa (13 wickets). Three pacers – Josh Hazlewood (11 wickets), Trent Boult (13 wickets) and Anrich Nortje (9 wickets) – made the cut. 

According to ICC, the side was selected by a team featuring commentators, former international players, and journalists.

“As with any team selection, there will be varying opinions and robust discussion on the final composition of the squad. The panel respects that, and we encourage the strong debate that will ensue,” said Ian Bishop, who was one of the members of the selection panel.

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“This team was incredibly difficult to select over such a highly competitive tournament. Selections were based predominantly on the Super 12 onward to the final,” he added.

The team of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021:

David Warner (Australia) – 289 runs at 48.16

Jos Buttler (wk) (England) – 269 runs at 89.66, five dismissals

Babar Azam (Captain, Pakistan) – 303 runs at 60.60

Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka) – 231 runs at 46.20

Markram (South Africa) – 162 runs at 54.00

Moeen Ali (England) – 92 runs at strike rate of 131.42, seven wickets at 11

Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) – 16 wickets at 9.75

Adam Zampa (Australia) – 13 wickets at 12.07

Josh Hazlewood (Australia) – 11 wickets at 15.90

Trent Boult (New Zealand) – 13 wickets at 13.30

Anrich Nortje (South Africa) – nine wickets at 11.55

12th player:

Shaheen Afridi (seven wickets)