Bowlers win T20 matches

A new blog I have picked up on recently is Danny Pugsley.  His latest entry highlights some interesting stats from the World T20 so far.  Whilst we are all eulogising about the big-hitting powers of a Sehwag, de Villiers or McCullum, it is the bowlers who are having the greatest influence on the tournament so far.

Anyone who witnessed South Africa’s mauling of England will know that they have a formidable bowling attack, and it is this that is propelling them through the tournament.  Arguably, they are now favourites.

Sri Lanka are another who should reach the semi-finals on the basis of a strong bowling attack.  Their three Ms, Mendis, Muralitharan and Malinga, are generally the key to success both for and against Sri Lanka.

The improvement of Stuart Broad and James Anderson ensure that England are a little more competitive than they were, although they still struggle to compensate for their batting lineups inability to dominate against better bowlers.

Teams will still win matches through their batting, such as when Chris Gayle went ballistic against Australia, but the influence of a strong bowling attack seems to be gaining in importance as Twenty20 continues to develop.