Top 3 Match-Winning Bowling Spells Of 2019: Bowling is quite an underrated job in cricket as bowlers are often not given enough credit that they richly deserve for their contribution towards the game. And especially fast bowling, which in the most demanding job in cricket. Fast bowlers, on most occasions, fail to get the recognition for their tireless job that they do for their respective teams.
Even in 2019, the year saw some of the most mesmerizing spells ever bowled on a cricket field. One-day Internationals in 2019 was in special focus as the format was followed closely due to the scheduled ICC Cricket World Cup in England. In order to create a huge impact in the format, we witnessed some great spells of bowling that were capable of running through the opposition batting line-up.
Here’s a look at 3 such bowling performances which were crucial in a team’s winning effort:
1.Yuzvendra Chahal – 6/42 vs Australia in Melbourne
The Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who has been a vital cog in India’s limited-overs success in the past two years, demolished Australia in the third and the final ODI on India’s tour down under. The series was leveled at 1-1 and the visitors needed a match-winning performance from one of their players to coast the side to a comfortable position at the MCG.
Chahal, who was sitting out in the first two matches, conquered the Aussie territory to return with his best figures in international cricket. His spell of 6/42 didn’t allow the hosts to post any big score on the board as India chased it easily with wickets in hand. The 29-year was named the ‘Man of the Match’ as the tourists claimed the series 2-1. It was one of the best bowling spells of 2019.
2. Trent Boult – 5/21 vs India in Hamilton
One of the best exponents of swing bowling, Trent Boult was at his imperious best in the 4th ODI against India at Seddon Park in Hamilton. After being 3-0 down in the five-match ODI series, Kiwis had nothing to lose as they came all guns blazing to dent India on more than occasions in the first half-hour of play. Trent Boult was the chief operator as none of the Indian batsmen could survive his menacing spell.
India were 35 for 6 before they were eventually bowled out for 92 inside 31 overs. Boult managed to pick 5 wickets giving away only 21 runs in his ten overs. He was well supported by Colin de Grandhomme who himself took three wickets. Boult was named the Man of the Match as New Zealand restored some pride by winning the fourth ODI.
3. Mitchell Starc – 5/46 vs West Indies in Nottingham
The Aussie left-arm speedster, Mitchell Starc emerged as the highest wicket-taker in Cricket World Cup 2019 as his journey began with a five-wicket haul against West Indies at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. Chasing 289 to win, West Indies were cruising at one stage and looked all set to stage an upset against the defending champions but lost way in the middle-overs courtesy a Starc spell that derailed their chase.
Starc saw the back of Jason Holder, Andre Russell, and Carlos Brathwaite in his same spell to deny West Indies a win in what could have set the tone for their rest of the World Cup campaign. The 29-year old returned with figures of 5/46 and was at his lethal best for the remainder of the tournament. He finished with 27 wickets and played a major role in taking his side to the Semi-Final before bowing out against the eventual World Champions England in a one-sided affair.
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