Top Bowlers to Watch in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024

The ICC T20 World Cup 2024 is set to be a thrilling spectacle, where bowlers, particularly spinners, are expected to dominate the tournament. This shift from the high-scoring matches witnessed in the IPL 2024 is largely due to the slower pitches anticipated in the West Indies, one of the host nations. Veteran cricketers like Mitchell Starc have highlighted the significant difference that the absence of the ‘Impact Player Rule,’ used in the IPL, will make. This rule allowed teams to bring in a specialist batsman or bowler depending on the match situation, potentially inflating batting scores. In the World Cup, with one less batsman in the line-up, Starc predicts a decrease in overall team totals. Let’s delve into the Top Bowlers to Watch who are poised to make a significant impact in this prestigious tournament.

Jasprit Bumrah (India)

Since his debut in 2016, Jasprit Bumrah has cemented his position as one of the world’s premier T20 bowlers. Known for his express pace and variations, Bumrah has consistently troubled batters worldwide. His ability to deliver deadly yorkers and deceptive swing makes him a complete package capable of dismantling any batting line-up.

Bumrah’s recent IPL performance, where he took 20 wickets in just 13 matches with an exceptional economy rate of 6.48, is a testament to his brilliance. He holds the best economy rate (6.55) among pacers with over 50 T20I wickets, underscoring his ability to choke runs in the Powerplay and master the death overs with pinpoint yorkers. This year, with his red-hot form and peak fitness, Bumrah has a chance to rewrite history and help India secure the elusive World Cup trophy.

Matheesha Pathirana (Sri Lanka)

Matheesha Pathirana is set to be one of the most exciting bowlers in the T20 World Cup. The 21-year-old Sri Lankan speedster is known for his unorthodox slinging action, which leaves batters bewildered as they try to decipher his deliveries. Pathirana’s raw pace, consistently exceeding 145 kmph, keeps batters on their toes.

Despite battling injuries and national duty, Pathirana’s brief IPL stint with the Chennai Super Kings was phenomenal, taking 13 wickets in just six matches. His recent performances, including 20 wickets in his last 10 T20 matches, highlight his potential to be a game-changer for Sri Lanka in the World Cup.

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Mitchell Starc (Australia)

Mitchell Starc epitomizes the ability to perform on big occasions. Over the years, Starc has consistently delivered match-winning performances for Australia, especially in major tournaments. His left-arm pace and ability to take crucial wickets make him one of the most feared bowlers in white-ball cricket.

Starc’s record speaks for itself, with 74 wickets in 60 T20I matches at a strike rate of 18.2 and an economy rate of 7.67. Despite a challenging IPL season, his proven track record in high-pressure situations makes him a crucial asset for Australia as they aim for another T20 World Cup title.

Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)

Rashid Khan is synonymous with brilliance in T20 cricket. His leg-spin sorcery transcends leagues, consistently leaving batters in awe. As the captain of Afghanistan, Khan’s leadership and bowling will be pivotal for his team’s success in the T20 World Cup.

Though recent injuries have caused setbacks, Khan’s talent remains undeniable. Beyond his wicket-taking prowess, his lower-order batting can swing momentum in Afghanistan’s favor. For Afghanistan to succeed, Rashid Khan must be at his absolute best, weaving his deceptive magic and providing tactical leadership.

Jofra Archer (England)

Jofra Archer’s return from injury is a significant boost for England’s title defense. Known for his searing pace, Archer’s express deliveries, consistently exceeding 145 kph, pose a constant threat to batters. His recent comeback showcased his form, picking up wickets and proving his worth with the bat.

Archer’s intimate understanding of West Indian conditions, being born in Barbados, could be a crucial factor for England. As England chase a historic third T20 World Cup title, Archer’s presence in the bowling attack will be pivotal.

Adam Zampa (Australia)

Adam Zampa played a crucial role in Australia’s triumph in the 2021 T20 World Cup, consistently delivering when it mattered most. Despite a higher T20I economy rate of 7.5, his wicket-taking ability remains undeniable, with an average of 22.

Zampa is Australia’s go-to white-ball spinner, and his performance will be critical for Australia’s success in the T20 World Cup. His ability to pull Australia back from precarious situations makes him a bowler to watch.

Trent Boult (New Zealand)

Trent Boult is a nightmare for openers from the very first ball. His ability to take early wickets is unmatched, boasting 97 dismissals in the Powerplay with an economy rate of 7.2. Boult’s exceptional form in the 2021 T20 World Cup, where he took 13 wickets in seven matches, highlights his potential to propel New Zealand to success.

Boult thrives under pressure, and his ability to take quick wickets will be crucial for New Zealand’s title aspirations in the T20 World Cup.

Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan)

Shaheen Shah Afridi is a wicket-taking machine in T20 cricket, with 91 scalps in just 66 appearances for Pakistan. His ability to grab early wickets, especially in the first over of his spells, makes him a formidable force.

Afridi’s exceptional performance in the 2022 T20 World Cup, leading Pakistan to the finals with 11 wickets in seven matches, underscores his potential to electrify the tournament and strike fear in the hearts of batters worldwide.

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Gerald Coetzee (South Africa)

South Africa’s pace attack is brimming with young talent, and Gerald Coetzee is at the forefront. Known for his toe-crushing yorkers and exceptional death bowling skills, Coetzee has rapidly established himself as a crucial player for the Proteas.

Coetzee’s impressive performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he was South Africa’s leading wicket-taker, highlights his potential. Despite limited international experience, Coetzee’s ability to take wickets consistently makes him a bowler to watch in the T20 World Cup.

Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)

At 37, Shakib Al Hasan continues to impress as one of the finest all-rounders in cricket. His remarkable career spans 122 T20 internationals, making him one of the most experienced players in the T20 World Cup.

Shakib’s versatility and experience make him Bangladesh’s most successful bowler in T20 World Cups, with 47 wickets in 35 innings. His leadership and skill will be crucial for Bangladesh’s success in the upcoming tournament.

Kuldeep Yadav (India)

Kuldeep Yadav’s return to form has been nothing short of remarkable. The left-arm spinner has re-emerged as a vital cog in India’s T20 machine, with his ability to bamboozle batters with his variations and maintain accuracy.

Kuldeep’s impressive record since the last World Cup, with 15 wickets at an average of just 14, underscores his potential. The Caribbean pitches, known for assisting spin, could be his playground, making him a crucial player for India’s World Cup campaign.

Shamar Joseph (West Indies)

Shamar Joseph’s debut Test series against Australia was nothing short of sensational. The young Guyanese quick’s fiery pace and pinpoint accuracy were instrumental in securing the West Indies’ first Test win Down Under in 27 years.

Although Joseph has limited T20 experience, his potential to make an impact in the shortest format is undeniable. Playing on home soil, with the backing of the passionate Caribbean crowd, could be just the spark he needs to ignite his T20 career.

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Summing it Up: Top Bowlers to Watch in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024

The ICC T20 World Cup 2024 promises to be a tournament where bowlers, particularly spinners, will play a pivotal role. The slower pitches in the West Indies are expected to offer significant advantages to bowlers, shifting the focus from the high-scoring matches witnessed in the IPL 2024. With the absence of the ‘Impact Player Rule,’ teams will need to rely heavily on their bowlers to restrict opposition totals. From Jasprit Bumrah’s deadly yorkers to Rashid Khan’s leg-spin sorcery, the tournament will showcase some of the best bowling talents in the world. As we look forward to the T20 World Cup, these are the Top Bowlers to Watch, who will be crucial in their respective teams’ quest for glory.