The Super 12 stage of the 2021 T20 World Cup is done and dusted. Hello, last four.

The remaining sides are Australia, Pakistan, New Zealand and England, but before we look forward, it’s time for a bit of reflection.

We’ve put together an XI of players who put in some sparkling performances in the earlier stages of the tournament, but whose campaigns have now come to a close.

Here’s to the men who didn’t deserve to go home so soon.

KL Rahul – India

5 matches, 194 runs @ 48.50, SR: 152.75

He couldn’t fire against Pakistan and New Zealand, but Rahul rediscovered his touch during India’s winning streak, reeling off three consecutive half-centuries.

Charith Asalanka – Sri Lanka

6 matches, 231 runs @ 46.20, SR: 147.13

The 24-year-old entered the tournament with three T20I caps to his name but proved to be a find for Sri Lanka, ending as his side’s leading run-scorer. A 49-ball 80* delivered victory over Bangladesh while West Indies were treated to a 41-ball 68.

Rassie van der Dussen – South Africa

5 matches, 177 runs @ 59, SR: 116.44

An explosive 51-ball 101* in a warm-up win over Pakistan meant van Der Dussen entered the campaign in form, but similar fireworks didn’t take place till his side’s final match, when he reeled off a 60-ball 94* against England.

Aiden Markram – South Africa

5 matches, 162 runs @ 54, SR: 145.94

Markram has moved down the South Africa batting line-up and developed into a powerful operator in the middle order. He dragged his side to respectability in their opener against Australia but was particularly explosive in wins over the West Indies and England, striking a 26-ball 51* against the former and a 25-ball 52* against the latter.

Najibullah Zadran – Afghanistan

5 matches, 172 runs @ 34.40, SR: 135.43

The freewheeling left-hander finished as Afghanistan’s leading run-scorer and was the high note in a tame finish against New Zealand, striking a 48-ball 73 in a total of 124. The next highest score was 15.

David Wiese – Namibia

8 matches, 227 runs @ 45.40, SR: 127.52 | 6 wickets @ 34.66, ER: 7.42

The ex-South Africa international was talismanic for Namibia in a groundbreaking campaign, finishing comfortably as their leading run-scorer. His power-packed knocks combined to produce 11 sixes – only Jos Buttler has hit more sixes in the tournament so far.

Wanindu Hasaranga – Sri Lanka

5 matches, 16 wickets @ 9.75, ER: 5.20 | 119 runs @ 23.80, SR: 148.75

The 24-year-old leg-spinner reached the landmark of 50 T20I wickets during the tournament and currently holds a sparkling record in the format, with his 52 scalps delivered at an average of 13.71 and economy rate of 6.21. He showed off his wicked googly in the tournament, claimed a hat-trick against South Africa and delivered a brilliant 47-ball 71 against Ireland from No.5 in the order after his side were in strife during the Powerplay. A very promising all-round talent.

Shakib Al Hasan – Bangladesh

6 matches, 11 wickets @ 11.18, ER: 5.59 | 131 runs @ 21.83, SR: 109.16

A hamstring injury ended his tournament prematurely, but not before he’d spun Bangladesh through to the Super 12 stage. His ability to steady the ship waned as the tournament progressed, but 11 wickets for very little still merits recognition.

Dwaine Pretorius – South Africa

5 matches, 9 wickets @ 11.12, ER: 6.88

The canny medium pacer was another success story in a South Africa side that was desperately unlucky to not advance to the semi-finals. Digging his slower balls into the pitch, Pretorius took figures of 3-17 against both West Indies and Sri Lanka.

Rashid Khan – Afghanistan

5 matches, 8 wickets @ 14, ER: 6.10

The wizardly leg-spinner couldn’t conjure up something special against India but still had his magical moments. Beyond four wickets against Scotland, there was a sumptuous spell against Pakistan which involved a fine duel with Babar Azam. Rashid was the winner.

Anrich Nortje – South Africa

5 matches, 9 wickets @ 11.55, ER: 5.37

Bowling serious heat, Nortje was close to unplayable at times during the tournament. He went at less than a run a ball in three of his five appearances, translating his IPL form with Delhi Capitals to the international stage.