3. Ricky Ponting, captain: 539 runs at 67.37; one hundred and four fifties

Nerves? What's that? Every single time Ricky Ponting came out to bat, he attacked the bowling, and most of the time, he succeeded in breaking it. After an early hundred against Scotland, he pumped out aggressive fifties against South Africa (group stage), England, Sri Lanka (Super-Eights) and New Zealand, and extinguished hope. He had a swagger around him that reeked not of arrogance but of inevitability. And his batting was a delight to watch.

4. Scott Styris: 499 runs at 83.16; one hundred and four fifties

He was New Zealand's best player, taking charge when the top three failed, as they did so often. He hit up runs against key opponents - England, West Indies, Sri Lanka (Super-Eights) and South Africa, and it is a reflection of his importance that it was his wicket in the semi-final that Sri Lanka celebrated the most. It is a myth that New Zealand have no world-class players, and play on team-spirit and attitude: Styris would walk into most sides in the world.

Text: Amit Varma
Amit Varma runs the website, India Uncut.

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