Top Ten Bowlers of T20 World Cup

Twenty20 world cup 2010 got underway on Friday (30 April). Cricket fans are pretty much excited to watch some nail-biting matches. The previous two editions of this tournament were very successful in terms of competition among the teams. The same is now being expected this year too. Earlier, we presented you an article on the top ten batsmen of twenty20 world cup. Now, it is bowlers’ turn.

I have made a list of top ten bowlers of twenty20 world cup. Before going through the article, I would like to say that the list is based on my personal opinion which you may not agree with. While selecting the bowler, I considered the number of wickets, average, economy rate, strike rate and their contribution to the success of their teams. I hope you will enjoy it. You can share your opinion in the comment section. So, here is the list:

Umar Gul

The Pakistani pacer is arguably the best bowler in twenty20 cricket today. He was instrumental in Pakistan’s triumph in ICC World Twenty20 2009 in England where he became the highest wicket taker with 13 wickets to his credit. This was the replication of his success that he achieved two years back in 2007 in the inaugural edition of twenty20 world cup in South Africa where he also claimed 13 wickets to become the highest wicket taker of the tournament, and thus, helping Pakistan to reach the tournament final. Overall, Umar Gul’s 26 scalps in 14 matches have ranked him at number 1 among the top wicket takers of twenty20 world cup. Gul’s average of 12.03 is the highest among the top five wicket takers of the tournament. Besides, he has an impressive economy rate of 6 and strike rate of 12. Umar Gul’s 5 for 6 against New Zealand in the Super Eight round of the 2009 tournament is a record in twenty20 international.

Shahid Afridi

A very effective all-rounder, Shahid Afridi is best known for his hard-hitting batting in international cricket. However, his leg spin played a big role in Pakistan’s successive appearance in the tournament finals of the previous two T20 world cups. With 23 wickets at 14.65, Afridi is the second highest wicket taker in twenty20 world cup. He also holds a very good economy and strike rates of 6.01 and 14.6 respectively. Besides his explosive batting, Afridi has been proven to be a very effective spinner who can restrict the batsmen from hitting boundaries and pick up wickets at crucial times. He was awarded the man of the series award in ICC World Twenty20 2007.

Lasith Malinga

Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga was instrumental behind Sri Lanka’s appearance in last year’s twenty20 world cup final. The stylish pacer took 12 wickets from 7 games, and thus, taking his wicket tally to 19 from 13 T20 world cup matches at an average of 16.52. His economy rate of 7.27 may not be great compared to other top wicket takers, but he was very effective in the 2009 tournament as he picked up crucial wickets for Sri Lanka, and thus, helped his team to reach the tournament final. His strike rate is 14.6 and he picked up 4 wickets twice. Lasith Malinga’s biggest strength is his quick yorkers that he can deliver with sheer perfection and he can bowl in the block holes consistently in the slog overs.

Daniel Vettori

The New Zealand captain is arguably the best left arm spinner today who can check the run rate and at the same time can pick up important wickets for the Kiwis. The spinner has 15 wickets from 9 twenty20 world cup matches and he is ranked 4^th among the top wicket takers of the tournament. Among the top ten wicket takers of this tournament, Vettori’s economy rate of 5.63 is best, and he also has a very good average of 13.53 and strike rate of 14.4. Vettori guided New Zealand to the semi final of the inaugural T20 world cup in 2007.

RP Singh

Rudra Pratap Singh, better known as RP Singh, played a big role behind India’s triumph in 2007 twenty20 world cup in South Africa. The left-arm pacer picked up 12 wickets from 7 matches in that tournament and his 4 for 13 against South Africa ensured India’s semi final progress. Overall, RP Singh has 14 wickets from 9 T20 world cup matches at an average of 13.28. His economy rate of 6.41 and strike rate of 12.4 are also impressive. The young pacer, however, failed to replicate his success in the next world cup in 2009. Unfortunately, RP Singh has been excluded from Indian squad for twenty20 world cup 2010.

Ajantha Mendis

Sri Lanka’s mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis was another bowlers who helped Sri Lanka reach the final of 2009 T20 world cup. Though the Lankans failed to clinch the title after losing to Pakistan, Mendis was impressive throughout the tournament picking up 12 wickets from 7 games at an average of 11.91. Overall, he has 13 wickets from 8 games including the opening game of T20 world cup 2010 with an average of 13.61. His economy rate of 5.90 is very impressive alongside a strike rate of 13.8. It would be interesting to see if he can continue his success in this year’s tournament.

Stuart Clark

The Australian pacer took part in the 2007 twenty20 world cup where he picked up 12 wickets from just 6 matches at an average of 12. His economy rate of 6 and strike rate of 12 also prove his talent. However, the pacer has been out of sight as he did not take part in 2009 tournament and is missing the ongoing world cup too. Clark was rated one of the new star of Australian cricket, but the pacer failed to live up to the expectation. However, I did not hesitate to include him in the list because of the influence he could make on the Australian team within a very short time.

Saeed Ajmal

I already mentioned that Umar Gul and Shahid Afridi were the instrumental behind Pakistan consistent performance in twenty20 world cup so far including last year title win. However, it would be unfair if I do not mention off-spinner Saeed Ajmal who played tremendously well throughout the 2009 tournament claiming 12 wickets from 7 matches at an average of 13.58. His economy rate of 5.82 would also give you a hint of his dominance in the tournament. His strike rate is 14. Ajmal won Pakistan a number of games in 2009 T20 world cup.

Irfan Pathan

I already said that RP Singh was the bowler who played the biggest role in India’s title win in the 2007 T20 world cup. However, you can not deny the contribution of his first bowling partner Irfan Pathan who picked up 10 wickets from 7 games at an average of 14.90. He may not have bagged more wickets than RP, but his wickets at crucial moments played a big role behind India’s success. He was the man of the final for his match winning 3 for 16. Though he failed to do well in 2009 T20 world cup, no body can rule out his contribution to India’s victory in twenty20 world cup 2007. Overall, Irfan Pathan has 11 wickets from 10 matches at an average of 18.18. His economy rate of 6.89 and strike rate of 15.8 are also pretty good.

Roelof van der Merwe

The South African spinner had a very successful tournament last year when he picked up 10 wickets from 6 games in the twenty20 world cup 2009. With an average of 13.50 and an economy rate of 5.62, the spinner impressed everybody, and along with Wayne Parnell, Merwe guided South Africa to the semi final of the tournament. Last year, it was his first world cup tournament and it would be interesting to see if he can continue his success in the currently ongoing T20 world cup in the Caribbean.

For information, I used Cricinfo’s record section.

**All the information is based on the T20 world cup matches until 30 April 2010.

Robin Uthappa and Some Points on Indian Team Selection

Another twenty20 world cup is now knocking at the door. All the participating teams have already announced their final squad for the tournament. India, who were the champion of the inaugural edition of the competition in 2007, are aspiring to retain the title this year. India is also considered among the top favorites with some inform players being in the team.

However, I have some question over the team selection. First of all, I was really surprised to see that Robin Uthappa was left out from the 30-member initial squad. Uthappa was one of the top Indian performers of IPL 2010. In fact, he hit highest 27 sixes in the tournament which proves his big hitting ability. Moreover, scoring runs at a strike rate near 200 is not what every Tom, Dick and Harry can accomplish. Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, made it to the squad despite having any significant performance of recent. Ray Jennigs, the coach of Bangalore Royal Challengers, also said that India would miss the service of Robin Uthappa in the twenty20 world cup 2010. His presence could fill up the gap of hard-hitter Virender Sehwag, who would miss the tournament due to shoulder injury.

Another thing that surprised me is the inclusion of all rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Well, there is no doubt, he has been in good form with Indian team recently, but the player could not take part in IPL 2010 as he was banned from the tournament over a controversy regarding his move to another club. Now, my question is how selectors can keep faith on someone who was out of action for sometime before an important tournament like world cup. Was his crime as punishable as to get banned from the entire tournament? Moreover, India will not play any warm-up game before the tournament. That means, Jadeja would go into the tournament without having enough match practice.

Selectors should have thought about it while naming him in the final squad. Even if he was good enough to be selected, then why selectors did not step up when he was imposed a ban on him.

India would not play Practice Match ahead of T20 World Cup 2010

Indian cricket team would not play any warm-up games ahead of upcoming Twenty20 world cup 2010 which starts from 30 April in West Indies. The decision was taken considering the fact that Indian players would reach the Caribbean shore just 2 days prior to the tournament. Almost all the members of Indian squad were busy playing in IPL 2010 and that is why, Indian team management decided not to play any game before the tournament begins in order to give some rest to the players.

Well, there are many who believe that IPL tournament would help India win the T20 world cup this year. However, you can not overlook the factor that Indian players did not get enough rest because of IPL and I would not be surprised if Indian players suffer from tiredness. You should remember that these players did not get any rest since the beginning of IPL3 on 12 March. Now, let us see if Indian players can give their 100 percent and replicate their 2007 performance this year.

Related article:

cricketnext

England Squad for Twenty20 World Cup 2010

This year England cricket team has the best possibility to win the ICC Twenty20 World Cup 2010. Ahead of the shortest version of cricket game, England selectors named a strong 15-man squad where Andy Flower will stay as a coach. Here are the players:

England squad for T20 World Cup 2010: Paul Collingwood (captain), Kevin Pietersen, Michael Lumb, Ravi Bopara, Eoin Morgan, Craig Kieswetter, Michael Yardy, Ajmal Shahzad, Tim Bresnan, Luke Wright, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Ryan Sidebottom, Graeme Swann, James Tredwell.

This team has been put in Group D with West Indies and Ireland. England will start their campaign against Ireland on May 1, 2010 in group stage.

Since the birth of shorter and shortest version of cricket format, England cricket team has not won any cricket world cup. It is shocking because they invented cricket. They will try their best to get one world cup trophy and it can be possible in the third edition of the twenty20 world cup. England cricket team looks very strong compare to other cricket teams. England players’ performances in all forms of cricket game are good enough in recent times. They defeated mighty South Africa and then weak team Bangladesh. England also regained their Ashes trophy at home. Despite their good performance, they failed to hold any good position in any form of cricket ranking.

England hosted the second edition of Twenty20 world cup. Despite being the host team, England could not do well. They went up to the super eight round. It was their best performance in previous two t20 tournaments. It will be interesting to see if they can move further in the upcoming tournament.

Paul Collingwood was named captain of England cricket team. He is a good all rounder. He is an effective right handed middle order batsman and right arm medium pace bowler. It is expected that he will play an important role for his team. Now, millions of fans will eagerly wait to see if he can lead his team to get a world cup trophy for the first time in the history of England cricket.

Michael Lumb is the new inclusion of England squad. This 30-year-old right handed batsman is likely to make his debut in the shortest format of cricket game. He has averaged 34.08 in first class cricket and 32.32 in List A cricket. However, he is also an important player in one of the IPL franchises, Rajasthan Royals.

England has a strong batting line up. Kevin Pietersen is one of the most important batsmen in the squad. He has the experience to play for England in all forms of cricket game. No doubt, he is a big asset for his team. Now, fans will be watching if he can lead the national cricket team successfully.

Ravi Bopara and Michael Yardy have been re-called in the final squad. Their good performance in the county cricket forced the selectors to select them. It is a big challenge for these two players if they can secure their places in the national squad. Ravi Bopara last played against Australia in 2009. On the other hand, Michael Yardy last played against West Indies in 2007. Ravi Bopara is known as a hard hitter batsman. It is important for the shortest version of cricket game.

Craig Kieswetter is another player who has been included in the squad. However, he has already played 3 ODI matches. Now, he is perhaps going to make his T20 debut with this tournament. He has been included as the wicketkeeper ahead of the Matt Prior. The exclusion of Matt Prior shocked me. He is considered as an experienced and important wicketkeeper-batsman in modern times. There is no confusion that Craig Kieswetter will have to struggle a lot to show that his inclusion was not wrong decision. If Craig Kieswetter is injured, then Eoin Morgan will be keeping wicket.

I cannot see any good bowler in England cricket team. It seems that selectors did not give much importance about selecting quality bowlers. However, Graeme Swann is a good bowler in this squad. He is a leading wicket taker. This Offspinner will keep an important role in his team’s victory. Both Stuart Broad and James Anderson are good bowlers. They are the permanent members of England squad.

Let’s see if England cricket team can win this T20 World Cup. I don’t see any possibility for them to win this tournament.

Bangladesh Squad for Twenty20 World Cup 2010

A 15-man squad of Bangladesh cricket team, for the upcoming ICC Twenty20 World Cup 2010, was announced by the Bangladesh Cricket Board. In this squad, only two new players have been included.

Bangladesh Squad for T20 World Cup 2010: Shakib Al Hasan (Captain), Mushfiqur Rahim (Vice-Captain/WK), Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Mohammad Ashraful, Aftab Ahmed, Mahmudullah, Naeem Islam, Masrafe Bin Mortaza, Abdur Razzak, Shafiul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Syed Rasel, Md. Sohrawordi, Jahirul Islam.

Shakib Al Hasan was named captain and Mushfiqur Rahim vice-captain. All rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, is one of the key players in Bangladesh cricket team. This world number one all rounder in Test cricket will have to carry a big burden this year. For the first time, he is going to lead his national team in any big tournament. Let us see how he performs as captain.

Mushfiqur Rahim is a very young but talented player in Bangladesh cricket team. He has a lot of potential. He is a wicketkeeper and good batsman in the middle order position. No doubt, he will have to play very important role if he wants to take his country in a top position.

The two new players in this squad are Jahirul Islam and Md. Sohrawardi Shuvo. Top-order batsman Jahirul Islam made his Test debut against England earlier this month. He was the highest run scorer in the first class cricket. He is capable of playing big shots. He has made his place in the squad after showing his consistent performance over the years at first-class, academy and club level of cricket game. He has been placed as an alternative opener and wicketkeeper.

Md. Sohrawardi Shuvo is an all rounder. He made his international debut against England in the recently concluded home series. It is expected that he will be an effective all rounder with the bat and ball. He was named captain of the Bangladesh U19 squad.

Fast bowler, Masrafe Bin Mortaza, and hard hitter batsman, Mohammad Ashraful, have been recalled in the national squad. Masrafe Bin Mortaza is the main bowler in Bangladesh cricket team. He is also a good batsman in the lower order position. He was out of the squad for a long time because of his injury. Since returning from injury, he played the opening ODI match against England. He is now totally fit. We will see him again in the field. His inclusion in the main squad will boost Bangladesh cricket team’s confidence.

Mohammad Ashraful is one of the most experienced players in this 15 players list. He has the experience to play the last two versions of T20 World Cup. Thinking about his experience and skill, selectors selects him. It is expected that he will regain his form in this shortest version of cricket game. You should know that Mohammad Ashraful is facing a tough time. He is not in his prime form. Because of his bad performance, he had been excluded from both Test and ODI squad against England. No doubt, he is the big hope for Bangladesh cricket fans. It will be interesting to see if he can bring some momentum in the game.

Aftab Ahmed is the only rebel player who has been selected for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Aftab Ahmed is well known for his hard hitting batting style. However, he was banned by the BCB after joining unauthorized Indian Cricket League (ICL). However, he finished his contract with ICL and return to the national cricket.

Another rebel player, Alok Kapali, could not find his place in the final squad. His exclusion from the squad made me surprise. He is very talented batsman. He played well in ICL and scored a hundred.

Bowling line up in Bangladesh cricket team looks neither good nor bad. Four pace bowlers have been chosen for this tournament. They are: Masrafe Bin Mortaza, Shafiul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Syed Rasel. Shafiul Islam played only one T20 match against New Zealand. Abdur Razzak is the only spinner in the players list. They are not good bowler but they can make strong protest against the opponent teams.

Bangladesh cricket team has been put in Group A with the defending Champion, Pakistan, and Australia. It is obviously a strong group. Fans will be waiting to see if Bangladesh cricket team can make upset against any of the two teams in group round. Bangladesh will first face Pakistan on May 1, 2010. This match will be played at the Beausejour Stadium in St Lucia.