Fast bowlers aren’t just supporting players during the middle overs anymore; they now play a big role in taking wickets. From 2010 to 2018, fast bowlers had an average of 37.4 and a strike rate of 39.2. Since then, these numbers have improved to 33.2 and 34.7.
Because of this significant change, the upcoming World Cup is likely to be dominated by teams with strong fast bowling line-ups.
Here’s the list of top 5 teams with the best fast bowling units for the World Cup
5. South Africa
The South African cricket team didn’t do well in the 2019 World Cup because their fast bowlers were not at their best. However, for the upcoming 13th edition, they have a strong group of fast bowlers who can perform well in India.
Bowlers like Rabada, Nortje, Ngidi, and Jansen, who are likely to be the main choices, have good experience playing in India. Rabada, Parnell, and Ngidi can handle the new ball, while Jansen and Nortje can be very effective in the middle overs.
ALSO READ: Top 5 Highest Run scorers for India in T20 World Cup
4. New Zealand
New Zealand’s cricket team, which usually surprises everyone by doing better than expected, came very close to winning the World Cup four years ago. This time, they hope luck will be on their side and they’ll finally win, especially since they were second best in the last two World Cups. To achieve this, their fast bowlers need to perform well together.
Two of their best bowlers, Boult and Southee, will probably play together for the last time in the World Cup. They really want to win the trophy this time.
The Kiwi pace attack is strong, and most of the bowlers know how to play in Indian conditions. Boult, Henry, and Southee are great at getting wickets with the new ball, Fergusson and Milne have fast deliveries that can trouble any team in the middle of the game, and Jamieson’s height and style give him a special advantage.
3. India
India, who have won the championship two times before and are hosting the 13th edition, will enter the competition with a strong group of fast bowlers. Bumrah, who had been out due to injuries, is now back and the team looks strong again. Their fast bowling team is considered one of the best.
How well India does in the tournament will depend a lot on their fast bowlers. They haven’t played together for a while, but with the Asia Cup coming just before the World Cup, they have a chance to get into good form.
Siraj was recently ranked as the best ODI bowler, and he will probably start the game with Bumrah. Shardul, who is good at taking important wickets, can bowl whenever needed.
2. Pakistan
Pakistan is really good at cricket, especially with their fast bowlers. They did well in recent big cricket tournaments. Last time, they almost made it to the semi-finals in the World Cup.
This time, they have a good chance to win the cup. A lot depends on how their fast bowlers perform.
Shaheen Afridi is one of the best bowlers in the world right now. People expect him to do well, especially in conditions similar to those in his home country.
Naseem is also really good at bowling. He’s consistent and can control the ball well. He works great with Shaheen at the start of the game. Rauf is known for bowling fast and getting the ball to bounce awkwardly.
Together, they can bowl really fast, accurately hit the target, and make the ball move in the air. Every team would love to have bowlers like them.
ALSO READ: Top 5 T20I batsmen with highest strike-rate
1. Australia
Australia is really good at cricket. They have amazing players in every part of the game. They especially have great fast bowlers, who are used to playing in India. The three main bowlers, Starc, Hazlewood, and Cummins, are some of the best in the world. They always perform well, especially in important matches.
Their captain, Pat Cummins, is very accurate when he bowls. He, along with Stoinis and Marsh, will take care of the game during the middle. Even the backup bowlers, Ellis and Abbott, are very good and could easily play in other teams.
During a long tournament like the World Cup, teams might want to rest some players. Australia can do that without losing their quality because they have such good backup players. So, overall, their bowling is the best in the tournament.
READ MORE:
