In the era where the boundaries are becoming smaller and the bats thicker. One could say the game now belongs to the batsmen. Though, few bowlers oppose that and come out with amazing stats that prove the theory completely wrong.
It is no doubt that one of the most difficult tasks as a bowler is to bowl during the death overs. Where the batsmen will be waiting to prey on each and every delivery bowled to them. Cricwizz, takes a look at the bowlers who have mastered the most difficult task.
1) Rashid Khan (7.25)
No surprises. It is the Afghanistan prodigy Rashid Khan who tops the list and he is also the owner of the best economy rate in Indian Premier League. Over the years the leggie has turned out to be the one of the finest limited overs players and has an arsenal of deliveries with him. The 21-year old has bowled 144 balls in the death overs and given away 174 runs at a stunning economy of 7.25.
The Sunrisers star has played 46 matches in the IPL and claimed 55 wickets at a strike-rate of 20 and brilliant economy of 6.55.
2) Ravichandran Ashwin (7.77)
The vastly experienced off spinner grabs the second spot in our list. The former CSK regular and KXlP captain is one of most reliable spinners in the game. With both experience and ability to read the batsmen well the 33- year old is one of the best death overs bowlers.
Ashiwn has played 139 matches in the IPL and claimed 125 wickets at a strike-rate of 23 and economy of 6.80. His economy is the third best in IPL among the current players and in the death overs he maintains an economy of 7.77.
He was bagged by Delhi Capitals in the auctions for a whopping 7.6 crs.
3) Lasith Malinga (7.82)
The Sri Lankan legend is one of the toughest to get away in the death overs. His pinpoint yorkers are one of the toughest deliveries to face and his accuracy rate has been phenomenal too. The 37-year old also holds the record for the highest wicket-taker in IPL.
The Mumbai Indians star has 122 matches in the IPL and claimed 170 wickets at a strike-rate of 16 and economy of 7. One of the go-to death bowlers, Malinga has bowled 917 balls in the death giving away 1196 runs at an excellent death overs economy of 7.82.
4) Mitchell Starc (7.83)
The Australian Pacer bowls some unplayable deliveries at the death with consistency. His consistency and accuracy has made him one of the toughest bowlers to play. The 30-year old has bowled 190 balls in the death giving away 248 runs at an economy of 7.83.
Starc has played 27 matches in the IPL claiming 34 wickets at a strike-rate of 17 and economy of 7.17.
5) Sunil Narine (7.88)
The West Indian is one of the toughest to read. With many variations in his pocket and ability to bowl at different pace makes the batsmen struggle against him. He is also the only bowler till date to bowl a maiden super over. The 32-year old has bowled 619 balls in the death giving away 813 runs at a strike-rate of 7.88.
The KKR star all-rounder has played 110 matches in the IPL claiming 122 wickets at a strike-rate of 21 and a stunning economy of 6.68. He has the second best economy among the current players in IPL.
Cover Credits: IPLT20
