The countdown has begun as only 28 days are remaining for the ICC T20 World Cup 2022. The mega event of the shortest format of cricket kicks off on October 16 at the Land down under. Preparations and predictions have already started to take place and Sportzcraazy have listed the most dangerous and impactful bowlers that can cause problems to the Batters.
INDIA
Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Based on his recent performances during the recently concluded Asia Cup 2022, Bhuvneshwar Kumar can prove to be a problem for the Batters in the power play. The Swing sensation ended the Asia cup as the highest wicket-taker and also picked a 5 wicket haul against Afghanistan by conceding only 4 runs. Although his performances in the death overs hasn’t been very convincing in the same tournament but he has previously proved to be efficient in the last overs with his accurate Yorkers and variety of slow balls makes him one of the most dangerous bowlers in the T20 world cup next month.
Harshal Patel – If there is any bowler with most number of wickets in a single season then it is Harshal Patel with 32. The 2021 IPL season with the Royal Challengers Bangalore turned out to be his breakthrough season. He bettered Kagiso Rabada’s record of 30 wickets. Although he doesn’t have much experience playing in Australia but the selectors must have trusted him for a reason. His variations are his biggest strength and he can come handy with his batting as well. The 31-year-old will be playing his first world cup and will hope to make his mark. Since making his debut he has picked up 23 wickets with an economy of 8.58.
AUSTRALIA
Josh Hazlewood – The 31-year-old Australian International currently ranks as the number 1 ICC T20I bowler. The Tall pacer is known for his accurate line-length and pace. Hazlewood was an important part of the Australian team that won the ICC T20 world cup last year as he finished the tournament as the 5th highest wicket taker by picking 11 wickets in 7 matches. With the world cup taking place in Australia, Hazlewood can take advantage of the home conditions and help the Aussies retain the World cup.
Adam Zampa – The Leggie is known for his energetic and competitive approach and has proved himself as one of the most dangerous and smart bowlers in the world. Zampa is difficult to get away with. He knows when to take the pace off the ball and has variations that are capable of tricking any Batsmen. The 30-year-old notched 13 wickets and ended as the second most successful bowler during last year’s T20 World cup winning campaign. His recent performance against New Zealand was very impressive – picking 7 wickets in 3 ODIs including a 5-wicket haul. Just like Hazlewood, Zampa will be hoping to make an impact in home conditions and help the Kangaroos win back to back T20 world cups.
ENGLAND
Adil Rashid – The 34-year-old is by far one of the most experienced English players. The Leg spinner is included in the list of the most consecutive four wickets in T20 internationals. Rashid has great variation in his bowling and has a vast amount of experience in white ball cricket. He can bowl outstanding googlies and he is one of the most dangerous bowlers in long australian boundaries. Rashid has been serving the English cricket from a long time. He was a part of the England team that reached the T20 world cup final and also played a key role in helping England win their first ICC 50-over world cup in 2019. He has an economy of 6.36 in overall 12 World T20 matches with 19 wickets to his name.
Mark Wood – The English pacer played a major role in England’s 2019 World Cup triumph. Along with Jofra Archer, the 32-year-old made records during the tournament for bowling the fastest deliveries clicking more than 95 mph. His rigid pace makes him one of the most lethal and dangerous bowler in world cricket. Mark Wood has picked 26 wickets in 19 T20I matches for England with an economy of 8.68. New captain Jos Buttler will hope for effective performances from Wood in Australian pitches where pace plays a major role.
SOUTH AFRICA
Anrich Nortje – South Africa is known for nurturing and giving birth to the most talented and dangerous fast bowlers and Nortje is one of them. The 28-year-old has been labelled as “extremely exciting” by former South African legend Dale Steyn. The well built pacer is capable of consistently bowling at the speed 150 kph with a fearsome bouncer which will be very useful in Australian pitches. He has picked 23 wickets for the Proteas in 21 matches with an economy rate of 7.11. Captain Temba Bavuma will look forward for his performances as South Africa will try to win their first ICC tournament.
Kagiso Rabada – Much like his team mate Nortje, Rabada has made a name for himself because of his daunting pace and regularly clicks 140-150 kph. He burst onto the scene as a youngster with immense potential to become one of the most dangerous bowlers in world cricket. Rabada lived up to the expectation and was a key member for South Africa’s under-19 team that won the World cup in 2014. The 27-year-old has now become a regular for the South African team and his efficiency in the death overs is unmatched. Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje have played together for Delhi Capitals in the IPL and the duo caused a lot of problems to the batters and the same will be expected from them when the world cup starts next month.
NEW ZEALAND
Trent Boult – The 33-year-old Kiwi is one of the most menacing bowlers in world cricket. His pace, line-length and ability to swing the ball both ways in unresponsive pitches can cause major problems to the batters facing him. He has immense experience playing in the Australian soil and knows the conditions very well. Much like New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, Trent boult is a key member behind the Blackcaps’ recent success in all formats. Trent Boult’s wrist positioning is exceptional and has good control over the ball. Boult finished the 2015 World cup in Australia as the second highest wicket taker and he is also the 5th fastest bowler to pick up 150 wickets. His experience in Australian pitches is why he will be a threat to the batters facing him during the World cup next month.
BANGLADESH
Shakib Al-Hasan – Bangladesh’s disappointing performance in Asia cup saw them head out of the tournament earlier than expected. After failing to book a spot in the Super 4s, the Bangladeshi’s will look to put up a good performance in the upcoming T20 world cup. Skipper Shakib-Al-Hasan will be hoping to get every player on the same page and his performances will also be a key factor. The 35-year-old all-rounder is the most successful bowler in the history of ICC World T20 as he has grabbed 41 wickets in 31 outings. His numbers in the world cup makes him one of the most dangerous bowlers in the world cup.
