Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Imran Tahir
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Cricket World Cups often produce unique records and “firsts.” Traditionally, the first over of a match, especially at World Cups, is bowled by a fast or fast-medium bowler. However, during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, something unusual happened when a spinner was entrusted with the very first over of the opening match. This question examines your memory of that landmark moment and the bowler involved.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
In the tournament opener between England and South Africa at the 2019 World Cup, South Africa surprised many by handing the new ball to leg-spinner Imran Tahir. By doing so, Tahir became the first spinner ever to bowl the first over of a World Cup match. Moeen Ali, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Rashid Khan are all prominent spinners, but they did not bowl the opening over of that particular match or set this specific record.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the opening match of the 2019 World Cup was England vs South Africa.
Step 2: Remember the strategic surprise when South Africa chose leg-spinner Imran Tahir to open the bowling instead of a fast bowler.
Step 3: Note that this decision created history, as it was the first time a spinner bowled the first over of a World Cup match.
Step 4: Examine the options: Moeen Ali and Rashid Khan are spinners from other teams, and Yuzvendra Chahal is an Indian leg-spinner, none of whom bowled the first over in that opener.
Step 5: Conclude that Imran Tahir is the only option that matches this historic event.
Verification / Alternative check:
Match reports, highlights, and official ICC documentation of the World Cup 2019 opening game all confirm that Imran Tahir opened the bowling for South Africa with a leg-spin over to England's batsmen. News articles and record summaries at the time described this as a notable “first” in World Cup history. These consistent accounts verify that Imran Tahir set the milestone mentioned in the question.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Moeen Ali, a spin-bowling all-rounder for England, did not bowl the first over in that match. Yuzvendra Chahal, India's leg-spinner, appeared later in the tournament but was not involved in this particular record. Rashid Khan, the Afghan leg-spinner, is famous for his own achievements but did not open a World Cup match with the first over. Therefore, none of these alternatives fits the specific description given, leaving Imran Tahir as the only accurate choice.
Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to choose a more globally prominent spinner like Rashid Khan simply due to name recognition. Another mistake is to forget that the question is about the first over of a World Cup match, not just any over or any spin-bowling record. Some candidates might also confuse different editions of the World Cup or different unusual bowling decisions. Focusing on the 2019 opener between England and South Africa and recalling the unique tactical call helps avoid these errors.
Final Answer:
The correct answer is Imran Tahir, who became the first spinner to bowl the very first over of a Cricket World Cup match during the 2019 tournament opener.
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