Max O’Dowd – The Netherlands

123 runs @ 41.00, SR: 116.03, HS: 70

The highest run scorer from the first round and the only player to score two half-centuries. O’Dowd’s performances were a rare highlight amidst an otherwise forgetful campaign for the Dutch as they lost all three of their matches.

Jatinder Singh – Oman

113 runs @ 56.50, SR: 148.68, HS: 73*

Singh put PNG ti the sword in the first round with a brutal 73* off just 42 ball and followed it up with 40 against Bangladesh in an innings that gave Oman hope before ultimately falling short. His first ball run-out against Scotland will be a “what if” moment for Oman as they exited the tournament.

Gerhard Erasmus – Namibia

105 runs @ 52.50, SR: 116.66, HS: 53*

A phenomenal captains’ innings against Ireland saw Namibia qualify for the Super 12s and spark emotional celebrations from the Namibian camp. He also contributed with 32 off 22 balls during their victory against the Netherlands.

Richie Berrington – Scotland

103 runs @ 51.5, SR: 137.33, HS: 70

Berrington only scored two against Bangladesh but followed it up with crucial knocks of 70 and 31* against PNG and Oman. His late hand against Oman saw the Scots to victory in a comfortable manner which belied the pressure of the occasion.

Shakib Al Hasan – Bangladesh

108 runs @ 36.00, SR: 114.89, HS: 46; 9 wkts @ 6.00, Econ: 4.5, BBI: 4-9

Arguably the best player in the first round of the competition, Shakib lived up to his reputation with match-winning displays against Oman and PNG in games his country absolutely had to win after their loss to Scotland.

David Wiese – Namibia

100 runs @ 100.00, SR: 163.93, HS: 66*; 3 wkts @ 21.66, Econ: 6.50, BBI: 2-22

A match winning 66 not out against the Netherlands combined with an all-round display against Ireland saw him take home two Player of the Match awards in two must win match matches for Namibia.

Wanindu Hasaranga – Sri Lanka

71 runs @ 71, SR: 151,06, HS: 71*; 6 wkts @ 7.50, Econ: 4.09, BBI: 3-7

A match-winning innings against Ireland came when he arrived at the crease with his team 8-3. This was paired with an exceptional bowling display against the Netherlands where he picked up three wickets (all LBW) with his fast leg-spin. Hasaranga has entered the tournament as one of the highest rated T20 all-rounders in the world and his performances so far have proven why.

Matt Cross (WK) – Scotland

82 runs @ 41.00, SR: 93.18, HS: 45; 3 cts, 1 stumping

45 against PNG as well as a composed 26 not out against Oman that saw Scotland home and through to the next round means Cross gets the nod as wicketkeeper here. His four dismissals also see him tied for second-most by a keeper in the competition so far.

Josh Davey – Scotland

8 wkts @ 8.37, Econ: 5.82, BBI: 4-18

A phenomenal group stage for the Somerset seamer. Going at less than a run-a-ball and taking eight wickets in the process. An automatic pick for this side.

Maheesh Theekshana – Sri Lanka

8 wkts @ 5.62, Econ: 5.00, BBI: 3-17

Theekshana joins the same club as Ajantha Mendis as a Sri Lanka mystery spinner who has burst onto the scene in spectacular style. His carrom ball has taken numerous wickets including two in his first over against the Netherlands.

Lahiru Kumara – Sri Lanka

7 wkts @ 5.42, Econ: 3.61, BBI: 3-7

Bowling at high pace ,Kumara was often just too good for the opposition. His highlight came against the Netherlands where he ran through the tail with a triple-wicket maiden as the Dutch were bowled out for 44.

Wisden’s Team of the First Round

1. Max O’Dowd
2. Jatinder Singh
3. Gerhard Erasmus
4. Richie Berrington
5. Shakib Al-Hasan
6. David Wiese
7. Wanindu Hasaranga
8. Matt Cross+
9. Josh Davey
10. Maheesh Theekshana
11. Lahiru Kumara