So far, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has selected his top three players for the ODI World Cup in 2023. The competition has produced a number of noteworthy performances, with hitters and bowlers breaking records.
With only a few league-stage matches remaining in the 2023 ODI World Cup before the elimination round, two South Africans and one Australian spinner have captured Ponting’s attention.
According to Ricky Ponting, the trio of Quinton de Kock, Marco Jansen, and Adam Zampa has impressed him the most thus far in the event.
Zampa had a difficult start to the World Cup, which placed Australia under strain because he is their only specialist spinner. However, he has turned things around and made the most of the situation, taking 18 wickets in his past five outings and ranking among the tournament’s top wicket-takers.
Regarding Zampa’s recent form surge, Ricky Ponting told ICC:
“It’s very hard to go past Adam Zampa, the leading wicket taker in the tournament. He played the first two games and took no wickets and he has bounced back now sits up top with 18 or 19 wickets. He has been outstanding.”
Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting’s next choice was De Kock, the World Cup’s leading run-scorer. The Proteas’ opening batsman has been outstanding in his final ODI assignment, amassing four hundreds and loving the team’s strong march to the knockout stage.
“Quinton de Kock has four hundreds in this World Cup and it’s probably his last World Cup. It’s very hard to go past him as he has led a very strong South African batting brigade.”
Ricky Ponting
Finally, Ponting chose South African all-rounder Marco Jansen as one of the tournament’s outstanding players.
“The last one, I’m actually going for another South African in Marco Jansen. What he has been able to provide South Africa with the new ball taking wickets upfront, setting up their bowling innings with Powerplay wickets and also contributing with some handy low order runs.”
Ricky Ponting
Jansen has played an important role as the connector between South Africa’s batting and bowling units. He made early inroads with the new ball by moving it both ways, and he has proven to be an invaluable addition to captain Temba Bavuma.
South Africa Secure Semi-Final Spot, Australia on the Verge of Qualification
After New Zealand’s defeat to Pakistan in Bangalore last Saturday, South Africa secured a place in the semi-finals. They came in second after India. If the Proteas beat the undefeated Indian team at Eden Gardens on Sunday, they could top the table.
Meanwhile, Australia celebrated five straight wins, the most recent against England in Ahmedabad. With Pat Cummins as captain, the team has a high likelihood of entering the final four. They have upcoming games against Afghanistan and Bangladesh.