Six Pacers to Watch Out for in the T20 World Cup

The T20 World Cup 2024 kicked off with a match between the USA and Canada. For the first time, 20 teams are participating in this ninth edition of the tournament. Co-hosted by the United States and the West Indies, each player is individually strategizing to shine in this global event.

While T20 cricket is typically dominated by batters, this World Cup features several pacers who could pose significant threats to opposing batsmen. These bowlers have the potential to dismantle wickets with their speed, bounce, in-swing, out-swing, and deadly yorkers. This article highlights six such bowlers who could make batsmen tremble and lose sleep before their matches. The list includes Jasprit Bumrah from India, Shaheen Shah Afridi from Pakistan, Trent Boult from New Zealand, Mohammad Amir from Pakistan, Fazalhaq Farooqi from Afghanistan, and Mustafizur Rahman from Bangladesh.

Jasprit Bumrah (India)

Jasprit Bumrah is undoubtedly one of the top pacers in the world. In the recently concluded IPL, he took 20 wickets in 13 matches, conceding only 6.48 runs per over, earning widespread praise. Known for his ability to deliver 3-4 perfect yorkers in an over, Bumrah's precision can be a nightmare for batsmen. As the spearhead of India's pace attack, much of India's success in this World Cup will depend on Bumrah's performance.

Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan)

Few can match Shaheen Shah Afridi's ability to unsettle batsmen with pace and swing. As the leader of Pakistan's pace unit, Afridi can single-handedly destroy opposition line-ups. With 91 wickets in 66 T20 matches, Afridi was instrumental in Pakistan reaching the final of the last T20 World Cup. Although he struggled with injuries, his captain Babar Azam has emphasized Afridi's crucial role in Pakistan's campaign this year.

Trent Boult (New Zealand)

Trent Boult is a master at taking early wickets in the powerplay, putting pressure on the opposition. Known for his impressive in-swing and out-swing, Boult has taken 74 wickets in 57 T20 matches. Despite his limited appearances for New Zealand outside World Cups, his extensive experience in franchise leagues makes him a formidable opponent. Batsmen may have sleepless nights thinking about facing Boult.

Mohammad Amir (Pakistan)

Known as a big-match player, Mohammad Amir played a key role in Pakistan's victory in the T20 World Cup during his debut, taking six wickets. After a hiatus due to a spot-fixing scandal, Amir returned to lead Pakistan to victory in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. Back from retirement for this World Cup, Amir's ability to handle pressure and deliver in crucial moments makes him a significant threat to batsmen.

Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan)

Fazalhaq Farooqi has already made an impact in his first World Cup match, taking 5 wickets for just 9 runs against Uganda. Known for his pace and variation, Farooqi can trouble batsmen in the powerplay. His ability to pose a threat to any opposition means batsmen need to be particularly cautious when facing him.

Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh)

Mustafizur Rahman had an impressive IPL season with Chennai, taking 14 wickets in 9 matches. He continued his form by taking 6 wickets for 10 runs in a recent match against the USA. The slow pitches in this World Cup suit Mustafizur’s style, making his variations and slower cutters particularly dangerous. Bangladesh’s progress in the tournament will largely depend on Mustafizur's performance, and opposing batsmen might lose sleep thinking about facing him.

These six pacers are expected to be the ones to watch out for, capable of turning matches with their exceptional bowling skills and causing headaches for batsmen throughout the T20 World Cup.