World T20: When performance belied reputations

The World T20 has had its share of surprises.

New Zealand's unbeaten run -- on wickets the All Blacks weren't expected to thrive on -- is commendable, but South Africa's early exit is a surprise.

As we head to the head to the business end of the tournament, that involves three former champions, Bikash Mohapatra/Rediff.com glances at the players who flattered to deceive, faltering under the weight of expectations, hurting their respective teams.

A B de Villiers (South Africa)

 

He is a stalwart in One-Day cricket.

He is a formidable option in Test matches.

But when it comes to the game's shortest format, de Villiers is a disappointment so far.

His performances failed to inspire South Africa and it won't be wrong to say he is found wanting when his team needs him the most.

An aggregate of 110 runs in four games pales even further if one takes out the 64 against minnows Afghanistan.

Faf du Plessis (South Africa)

 

When you lead a side, it is your responsibility to lead by example.

Faf got it all wrong.

At a time when his team clearly needed more from him, the 31 year old disappointed.

While his numbers as a batsman aren't worthy enough to be mentioned, as a captain he failed to inspire his side.

Dinesh Chandimal (Sri Lanka)

 

It will take a long time before Chandimal takes up the places vacated by Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.

If his current performances are anything to go by, he isn't good enough to be mentioned in the same breath as Kumar and Mahela.

While 56 runs in four matches is not what you expect from a frontline batsman, Chandimal also disappointed as a captain, failing to inspire his side against South Africa.

David Warner (Australia)

 

Australia failing to make the knock-out stages of an ICC event is a difficult pill to swallow.

The champions of the 50 over format flattered to deceive, failing to mount a challenge in the only competition they are yet to win.

And David Warner's contribution to the failure was sizeable.

Batting one down, the 29 year old only managed 38 runs in four innings.

Dale Steyn (South Africa)

 

He probably still is the world's fastest bowler.

But Steyn is in the final stretch of his amazing career.

His impact, across formats, has dwindled considerably over the last couple of seasons.

In both his matches in the WT20, the 32 year old was smashed all over the park.

An economy rate of 11.33 probably explains it.

David Miller (South Africa)

 

In the coming Indian Premier League Miller will shine for sure.

But when it comes to doing his bit for South Africa in the WT20 competition, he didn't fulfill his potential.

The 26 year old scored just 48 runs.

Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)

 

He is not in this list for his performance.

Afridi did decently well with both bat and ball.

Alas! He failed as captain.

Pakistan's failure has a lot to do with a lack of effort, and motivation.

And the buck stops with the captain.

• ICC World T20: Complete Coverage