Associate Nations World T20 team of the tournament

Barnaby Read 15:07 13/03/2016
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MOHAMMAD SHAHZAD (wk) (AFG)

Shahzad is ready made for T20 cricket and showed his incredible ability in the qualifiers with 142 runs in Afghanistan’s three matches.

The burly opener is destructive at his best and is also a very handy gloveman who has three dismissals to his name in India.

The 28-year-old is an integral part of an Afghanistan team that has now reached the Super 10s stage and he is likely to make the move into franchise cricket soon.

JAMIE ATKINSON (HK)

Despite Hong Kong’s struggles at this tournament, Atkinson has somewhat fired at the top of the order.

His 53 against Zimbabwe was a sign of Atkinson’s talent has and at 25 is very much a part of Hong Kong’s future.

Another ‘keeper, he can take the gloves in case Shahzad needs a break.

MOHAMMAD NABI (AFG)

The off-spinning all-rounder has had a fantastic start to life at the World T20, hitting 52 against Zimbabwe in his side’s decider and taking six wickets in three matches.

His best spell with the ball came against Zimbabwe when he registered 4-20.

A number three who can score runs and is a real wicket-taking threat with the ball is some luxury to have.

MARK CHAPMAN (HK)

Chapman is a huge prospect for Hong Kong and has been touted as one of the most promising associate players to come through in recent memory.

The 21-year-old hasn’t quite fired as his team struggled in India but did show his class in a knock of 40 against Scotland.

Now going back to complete his studies, Chapman will have some stories to tell his fellow students.

GARY WILSON (IRE)

Although Wilson has only played one innings in this tournament – in his country’s defeat to Oman – that knock oozed class and makes him a very handy player in the middle order, although he prefers three.

Having played 63 ODIs and 45 T20Is, Wilson’s experience will be vital in the middle overs.

A third player who can don the gloves, if the other two don’t fancy it then Wilson will take on ‘keeping duties.

PETER BORREN (c) (NED)

Taking 1-9 and hitting 30 in his side’s loss to Bangladesh was enough for the Associates XI selectors to stand up and take note.

And as soon as Borren emotionally hit out at the ICC and its treatment of associate nations, it was clear he was the man to lead this merry band of cricketers.

Borren’s experience, leadership and ability with bat and ball make him a pivotal part of this side.

AMIR ALI (OMA)

The bespectacled genius of Amir Ali was shown to the world in Oman’s win over Ireland and boy are we glad to have seen it.

On first glance Amir appears the most unlikely of cricketers, but anyone who saw his breathtaking innings against Ireland will know he means business.

Floating around the order, Amir is there to be unleashed as and when the situation needs him and he can chip in with a couple of overs of off-spin if needed.

RASHID KHAN (AGH)

The 17-year-old has made quite the impact with his leg-breaks in India, taking six wickets Group B and leading Afghanistan’s charge with the ball alongside Nabi.

Everyone loves a leg-spinner and his variety alongside a very deep spin department make him a potential match winner.

In 10 T20Is so far, Khan’s average is just 18.21. Potent.

MARK WATT (SCO)

A slow-left-armer now thrown into the mix to make up a real liquorice allsorts of a spin unit designed to unite and bamboozle.

Watt took four wickets in the group for Scotland and never went for more than 30.

Another young lad at 19, Watt fits in with the youth policy of the side.

TIMM VAN DER GUGTEN (NED)

The fast-medium Dutch bowler will have to be on the money with a dearth of seam bowlers in this side.

However, if he produces spells like his 3-21 against Bangladesh then the Associates XI should be fine.

A bit of cloud cover at the start will help his cause.

PAUL VAN MEEKEREN (NED)

The 23-year-old Dutch seamer was highlighted by Borren as one that would be unlucky to miss out on future world tournaments due to reduced numbers of associates but his performances here will have notified the world of his talent.

He took 2-17 in a superb spell against Bangladesh in their first game before registering figures of 4-11 in his two overs of the six-a-side contest with Ireland.

Another youngster to ensure the team’s legs are fresh and have plenty of time to improve.

COACH: ANTON ROUX (NED) – Gave an insightful presser this week and seems a true student of the game, determined to see it spread across the world.

TEAM MANAGER: JAMEEL ZAIDI (OMA) – Great fun and a great help to everyone that needed pointing in the right direction. Players obviously love him too.

MEDIA OFFICER: BARRY CHAMBERS (IRE) – An understated man, Barry was by far the most polite and courteous men in the room during press conferences and regularly shared training information and thanked media for their coverage during the tournament. Pro.

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