Best and the worst at World Cup

Players who have succeeded

Imran Tahir (South Africa): The journeyman bowler, 31, made his international debut at the World Cup. With 12 wickets in four matches (impressive strike rate of 15.2), Tahir has to be the standout performer of the tournament.

Shahid Afridi (Pakistan): He is well known for being an explosive batsman but few would have bet on him being the leading wicket taker at the end of the group stages (17 wickets at an economy of 3.54). He was instrumental in Pakistan claiming top honours in Group A despite several chinks in the team.

Tim Southee (New Zealand): With 14 wickets at an economy of 3.95, Southee was not expected to be one of the leading pacemen in the World Cup. He has ensured that his line, length and height have earned New Zealand the best economy rate (4.2) among the fast bowling units of all the qualifiers.

Jonathan Trott (England): The relatively sedate right hand batsman's selection for the World Cup was the subject of some debate, despite an impressive Ashes. With 336 runs/82.55 strike rate, he is second on the list of leading run getters despite not hitting a single six yet.

Yuvraj Singh (India): With three man-of-the-match awards, 284 runs/94.66 average (one century, three fifties) and nine crucial wickets, Yuvraj is shaping up to have a key say in India's campaign. - -