Guwahati: War-torn Afghanistan, which made its debut in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup, topped the chart of most online searches among the new and lesser experienced teams.
According to a latest analysis of online trends by global giant Google, there is a growing interest and increase in search queries for the new teams compared to the old and experienced ones.
"Interestingly and basis the efforts and enthusiasm that team Afghanistan has displayed on the field, this team has witnessed the highest search interests among the minnows," Google said.
The war-ravaged Afghanistan is the newest team making its debut in this World Cup.
"Bangladesh comes second on the list followed by Ireland, the UAE and finally Scotland. Surprisingly Scotland surpasses Zimbabwe when it comes to online search trends as Zimbabwe stood last in terms of search interest online," the analysis pointed out.
The study said that the new teams have their share of great players and have proved on more than one occasion that whether experienced or not, they are no walk-overs.
"The minnows have consequently sprung a surprise or two against older and more experienced teams," Google said.
On the most searched players in the lesser experienced teams, the study said Shakib Al Hasan of Bangladesh lived up to his reputation in this World Cup and topped the chart.
"The best batsman in the Ireland batting line up Ed Joyce takes the second spot followed by Bangladesh Captain Mushfiqur Rahim, who comes in at third position," it added.
The search engine further said Afghan pacer Shapoor Zadran, who is ranked among the top 10 wicket-takers in the World Cup, also gained a lot of interest online, placing him at fourth position on the online popularity charts.
"The tournament's oldest player Khurram Khan, the 43-year old batsman from UAE, comes in at number 5 on the search charts," it added.
Meanwhile, South African captain AB de Villiers continued to live up to his fearsome reputation and infuse enthusiasm among cricketing fans worldwide by remaining as the top searched batsman among the leading scorers and hard hitters in this World Cup.
"Second on the list is West Indian giant Chris Gayle followed by Hashim Amla (South Africa), Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) and David Warner (Australia)," Google said.
On the most searched wicket-takers, Indian pacer Mohammed Shami leads the online trends, followed by Indian spinner R Ashwin, it added.
