IPL: Which pacer has most wickets in middle overs?
The middle overs (7-16) in T20 cricket play a crucial role in the construction of an innings. Just like the other two (Powerplay and death overs), the middle-over phase can make or break a side. While spinners cash in during the middle overs, there are some pacers tailor-made for this. Dwayne Bravo leads this tally of pacers in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Dwayne Bravo: 71 wickets
As mentioned, former Chennai Super Kings all-rounder Bravo has the most IPL wickets among pacers in the middle overs. Mahendra Singh Dhoni often called Bravo to provide a breakthrough in this phase. The latter's ability to vary his pace and bowl vicious slower balls stood out. Bravo owns 71 wickets in this regard and has an economy rate of 7.60.
Harshal Patel: 58 wickets
In 2021, seamer Harshal Patel became the Indian version of Bravo. Like the Caribbean seamer, Harshal too deceived the batters with slower balls. Harshal took 32 wickets in IPL 2021, the joint-most in a season with Bravo (2013). Harshal, who now plays for Punjab Kings, has taken 58 wickets at 25.96 in the middle overs. The tally includes an economy rate of 7.84.
Rajat Bhatia: 53 wickets
Veteran all-rounder Rajat Bhatia, who played for several franchises, is the only other seamer with over 50 middle-order wickets in the IPL. Bhatia took 53 wickets and maintained an economy rate of 7.22 in this phase. The all-rounder, who bowled medium-pace, often outfoxed the batters with his lack of pace. His tally includes 413 dot balls.
Jasprit Bumrah, Kieron Pollard: 49 wickets
Jasprit Bumrah is arguably the best pacer at present in the IPL. His ability to produce breakthroughs against the run of play has bolstered MI. Bumrah bowls toe-crushing yorkers even in the middle overs to turn the tide. He owns 49 wickets and has the lowest economy rate among pacers in the middle overs (6.63). Former all-rounder Kieron Pollard also has as many wickets.
