T20 World Cup 2022: Cricket Australia name their team of the tournament

England emerged as the 2022 T20 World Cup winners after edging Pakistan in a low-scoring contest at the MCG on Sunday, November 13. The recently concluded tournament saw numerous thrilling matches, with several players rising to the occasion, and compiling decisive performances for their sides. While the ICC named the official team of the tournament in the aftermath of England's success, cricket.com.au has put forward their best XI of the tournament, with a surprise inclusion.

Alex Hales (England)

From missing the 2019 World Cup amid controversial circumstances to clinching the T20 title, Alex Hales has had a roller-coaster ride in the last three years. He was a late inclusion in the side after the unfortunate injury to Jonny Bairstow ruled out the explosive batter from the tournament.

Jos Buttler (England)

England's white-ball skipper Jos Buttler joins his opening partner on this list as he has been a crucial part of the side after taking over from the recently retired Eoin Morgan. After losing the first two white-ball series at home, Buttler himself wouldn't have predicted his side's triumph. But the wicketkeeper-batter marshaled his troops commendably, leading them to a second T20 title.

Virat Kohli (India)

Virat Kohli's love affair with the Australian venues continued in the recently concluded tournament as the Indian batting ace finished as the leading run-getter in the tournament with 296 runs to his name with four half-centuries. He started the campaign with a miraculous 82* against arch-rivals Pakistan at the MCG and continued to churn out runs for fun.

Suryakumar Yadav (India)

The no.1 T20I batter in the world Suryakumar Yadav is arguably the most entertaining batter in the world at the moment. His breathtaking display in the 2022 T20 World Cup drew comparisons with South Africa's batting great AB de Villiers. He scored 239 runs for the Men in Blue at an astonishing strike rate of 189.68.

Glenn Phillips (New Zealand)

New Zealand flattered to deceive at yet another ICC tournament after a lackluster performance against Pakistan saw them bow out at the semi-final stage of the tournament. However, they have found a new star in Glenn Phillips, who showcased his power-hitting abilities by smashing a glittering ton against Sri Lanka. 

Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe)

A man for all occasions, Zimbabwe's Sikandar Raza further enhanced his reputation as a white-ball star in the T20 World Cup. He contributed handsomely to his side's chances with 219 runs in eight matches along with ten wickets with the ball.

Shadab Khan (Pakistan)

The Men in Green found themselves in the final of the tournament after a bit of luck and some exceptional bowling performances. While the Pakistani pacers usually take the plaudits, it was their star spinner Shadab Khan who was one of the most consistent players of the tournament. Shadab scalped 11 wickets in the campaign and even contributed with a couple of handy cameos with the bat in hand.

Sam Curran (England)

He has to be in here, doesn't he? The player of the tournament for this year's edition, Sam Curran, was England's go-to man with the ball. He was effective with the new ball, but it was his death bowling exploits that propelled England to the finals. His 3/12 in a memorable finale at the MCG earned him a player of the match award as well.

Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh)

Now this one is just out of the blue. Bangladesh's Mustafizur Rahman finds a place in Australian Cricket's team of the tournament despite a modest return of just three wickets in the World Cup. However, the gifted left-arm pacer was one of the most economical bowlers at the tournament, with an economy rate of 5.60.

Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan)

Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi peaked at the right moment for the Men in Green as his menacing performances with the ball in do-or-die matches propelled Pakistan to the final. Unfortunately, the pacer could not add to his tally of 11 wickets after limping off in the finale against England.

Anrich Nortje (South Africa)

South Africa's T20 World Cup campaign found a familiar fate as they failed to make it to the knockout stage of the competition after being billed as one of the tournament favorites. However, Anrich Nortje had a memorable tournament, blowing away the batters with his blistering pace and scalping 11 wickets. He also boasts the best economy rate by a bowler with more than 15 overs in the tournament.