Spinners vs Pacers: Who dominates the T20 format?

In the below article, we will take a look at a comparison of spinners and pacers in the T20s and who dominates the format.

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The T20 format has made its name while being a batter-friendly format. Even though the batters often enjoy the success and the highs during T20 matches, some bowlers have become a nightmare for the opposition’s batters. The T20 format demands bowlers not to be just technically sound but also be smart enough to bamboozle batters. Many great bowlers of different formats have struggled to get a grasp on the skill of bowling in the shortest format. In the below article, we will take a look at a comparison between spinners and pacers in the T20 format.

Spinners in T20s

Spinners have unarguably found much more success in T20s in comparison to the other two formats. Leg-spinners or wrist spinners in particular have been a regular feature in almost every team in the format. Wrist spinners had been a rarity in the longer formats before the advent of T20 cricket. In the pre-T20 era, the most prominent leg spinners who played test cricket were Shane Warne and Anil Kumble. But how have spinners performed in T20s? There are four spinners among the top five highest wicket-takers in T20s. 

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Rashid Khan, Sunil Narine, Imran Tahir and Shakib Al Hasan are the four spinners who are among the highest wicket-takers. Dwayne Bravo the only pacer in the top five leads the pack with 619 wickets to his name. 

Among the seven bowlers who have taken 400 wickets, Rashid with 556 wickets to his name has the best strike rate of 17.0. It means that the Afghan spinner picks up a wicket every 17th ball in T20s. Being economical and bowling quiet overs is also a skill that one needs to master to perform better in T20s, Narine with 525 wickets to his name has the best economy among bowlers with at least 200 wickets. The mystery spinner has a miserly economy of just 6.12 runs per over (RPO). Mystery spinners like Narine too have found a niche for themselves with the T20 format and have enjoyed a lot of success.

Pacers in T20s

Dwayne Bravo, the highest wicket-taker in T20s has been one of the best and consistent performers in the format. Bowling in death overs, Bravo has an impressive strike rate of 17.6 along with 619 wickets. The all-rounder from West Indies is the only bowler to take 600 wickets. Bravo has mastered the art of bowling in death overs with unconventional and untraditional deliveries like off and leg cutters.

Lasith Malinga despite playing just 295 matches has been a very efficient bowler in T20s. Malinga picked up 390 wickets at a strike rate of just 16.6 with an average of just 19.68. His stats show how in spite of often bowling with the new ball and in the death, he has been economical. Malinga in his T20 career, had an economy of just 7.07 RPO. Malinga too like Bravo has been a great bowler in death overs with his off-pace as well as speedy toe-crushing yorkers.

Spinners vs Pacers: Who is better?

There is no absolute answer to the never-ending debate and comparisons between spinners and pacers in T20s. One thing that can be said with conviction is that spinners have found more success in T20s than in Tests and ODIs. Every team has some spinners who have solidified their positions in the team despite playing conditions. Talking about the pacers, they still remain the most important bowlers in the format. Bowling in the opening powerplay with the new ball, a fast bowler is a vital cog in a team. Fast bowlers are also used while bowling in the death overs.