Magnificent seven who can electrify the Cup

Dubai: They are called the hitmen of the 2011 World Cup. Extremely explosive and dangerous to the bowler, they can sabotage any team plans, irrespective of their reputation and talent.

These batsmen can play whirlwind knocks, are exciting to watch, and can enthrall fans to great extents.

In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, Brian Lara had stated that this World Cup will witness huge scores. He attributes this to the influence of Twenty20 cricket which has transformed batting styles.

Strokes which were considered incorrect and harmful by coaches are now regularly used by batsmen to fetch runs.

A slash cut by Virender Sehwag for a six and the scoop shot by Tillekaratne Dilshan are a delight to watch, much as they are often risky, become rewarding for the team. The power that Yousuf Pathan puts behind his shot and the ease with which Shahid Afridi lofts the ball makes them seem like giants amid all other batsmen.

It is indeed hard to pick these hard hitters as some teams are blessed with many; but let us take a look at the seven who can set the stadium ablaze with their breezy knocks.

Tillekaratne Dilshan

If Sri Lanka gets off to a quick start, it will mainly be due to Tillekaratne Dilshan's batting. He can shock and frustrate bowlers with unimaginable shots. His shot timings are amazing and his wrist shots are a treat to watch. Seen as one among the most adventurous batsmen in the world today, he does not hesitate to invent shots to suit the situation. The scoop shot over the wicketkeeper's head which he introduced during the 2009 Twenty20 World Cup won him many fans around the world. What makes Dilshan special is that he is not a mere slogger but a technically perfect batsman too. The first boundary he hits in the World Cup will be his 500th boundary in addition to the 31 sixes from his 194 One-day matches.

Shahid Afridi

Pakistan is blessed with a captain who can lead the way in one-day cricket. His batting style can make anyone envious. Even a short stay at the wicket can be hell for the bowlers because he can upset any field setting. Fans wait to watch him bat and the moment he walks out to the middle, the stadium reverberates with the shouts "Boom Boom Afridi," the nickname he earned through his explosive shots. Should Afridi and Abdul Razzaq, another Pakistan hard-hitter, strike form in a match, it can be a great match for Pakistan. Afridi has played in 312 one-dayers and has hit a phenomenal 602 boundaries and 288 sixes.

Chris Gayle

If there is one batsman who can singlehandedly guide his team to victory, it is West Indies left-hander Chris Gayle.

This tall batsman's intimidating presence at the wicket has often made bowlers fear to bowl at him. Almost all his shots invariably race to the boundary in a flash. One big advantage he has is that he executes shots both off the back and front foot with the same power. His cover drive invariably shoots off to the boundary within seconds.

Experts trying to study his weakness have often been baffled since most of his shots are modified to suit the type of wicket. Whether against spin or pace, his shots are always backed with immense power. No wonder then that has 923 boundaries and 166 sixes from his 223 one-dayers!

Yousuf Pathan

India has four batsmen, who on their day, can demolish any bowling side.

Yousuf Pathan is the latest to join the demolition squad that includes Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Pathan has the ability to clear the field with his mighty shots. On his own, he can virtually pull the team to a commanding position. If he clicks with the bat, it is sure to make the opponents toil hard to maintain a winning run rate. He has so far played in 45 one-dayers and averages 33.04 and is among the most priced Indian Premier League (IPL) player this season. He was picked by Kolkata Knight Riders for a whopping $2.1 million (Dh7.7 million)

Tamim Iqbal

Bangladesh is blessed with unmatchable bravery. This left-hander has time and again proved that the name and fame of a bowler does not matter to him. Opening the innings against the fastest of bowlers, he has displayed his immense talent. What makes Iqbal special is the ease with which he executes the shots. His straight drive is always a treat to watch and any bowler who wavers in length can be assured of a sizzling shot from his bat. Iqbal can bisect the fielders brilliantly and place his shots with a minimum of effort. From just 89 One-dayers, he has already hit 302 boundaries and 41 sixes. His brilliant form in the 2007 World Cup in West Indies played a big role in Bangladesh's superb performance.

Jacob Oram

New Zealand's Jacob Oram can spread fear not only with his mere presence at the wicket but also through his shots. This tall well-built batsman can keep the score board moving at a brisk pace. He plays his knocks in situations when it is most needed and if the gets going then it is almost curtains for the opposing team. Although, of late, injuries have been haunting him, he continues to hit quick centuries. From 145 one-day matches, he has 72 sixes and 164 boundaries. For those who have been fortunate to witness his first one-day century against Australia, a knock of 101 runs off just 72 balls against Australia in Perth will always reckon him as one among the most dangerous batsman in the game.

Cameron White

Australia's middle order batsman Cameron White is a big hitter, capable of tilting the balance in his team's favour. He has often used his bottom hand to devastating effect. The manner in which he punches the ball can get a bowler to think twice before pitching it up to him. If in any match, Shane Watson and White get going, then bowlers will have to run for cover. His Twenty20 knocks of 64 off just 26 balls against New Zealand, and 85 runs from 49 balls against Sri Lanka, are a testimony of his aggressiveness. From his 79 one-dayers he has 45 sixes and 137 boundaries.

Who do you think will prove to be a success in this World Cup? Will the Subcontinent's wickets curb their shot making abilities?