… Mujeeb, Tahir, Nabi among leading wicket-takers

By Clifton Ross

USUALLY a batsman’s competition, T20 cricket in general has become more suited to bowlers as the years progress and CPL this season is a clear confirmation as ball operators, especially those of the slower, cunning nature, have dominated the leading wicket-takers’ chart.

With this season being played at just two venues in one country, compared to the past non-pandemic-afflicted seasons, which had matches played all across the Caribbean, it seems that the spinners have utilised their familiarity of the pitch after about 20-odd matches being played to date.

The venomous pacers, the quality of Fidel Edwards (8 wickets), Alzarri Joseph (3), Romario Shepherd (2) or even more moderate fast-bowlers such as, Jason Holder (7), Keemo Paul (7), Dwayne Bravo (5) are prime examples of seamers having to work extra hard for their wickets.

Rather, this season has been gifted some magic by a wide array of spinners of all types and styles, who have spun webs around most of the top batsman in West Indies and the few international ones on board for this bio-secure edition.

Leading wicket-taker, Jamaica Tallawahs Mujeeb Ur Rahman has bamboozled the competition by snapping up 13 wickets from 7 matches played. The 19-year-old Afghan Test off-break bowler has three 3-wicket hauls thus far which is comparable to a capturing 5 wickets or so in a 50-Overs game and one 2-for.

Not only has Mujeeb managed to out-bowl his fellow bowlers, he also has the best average of any bowler in the competition with 9.15. Mujeeb is followed closely by the 41-year-old Imran Tahir, who comes is in at 3rd place but tied on 11 wickets apiece with 2nd-placed Scott Kuggeleijn.

Guyana Amazon Warriors/South African international leggy has been outstanding in his campaign this season and remains a key candidate as one of the tournament’s leading wicket-takers by the time curtain is brought down on this year’s festivities.

Another Afghanistan international off-break spinner has become a key man for their franchise and one of the season’s premier bowlers. Fourth place Mohammad Nabi, the 35-year-old all-rounder has continued his impressive from in the CPL and highlighted the season with a mindboggling haul of 5-15 – the only 5-wicket haul by a thus far.

Nepalese international Sandeep Lamichhane remains a thorn in the side of the batsmen, coming in 5th place as one of 4 bowlers to have 10 or more wickets to date and only the second spinner on that list.

Apart from Kuggeleijn, who has been one of the top bowlers in the competition with decent speed, 6th and 7th spots respectively are occupied by relatively cunning medium-pacers Rayad Emrit and Kesrick Williams.

Emrit, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots captain is regarded as one of the craftiest T20 bowlers, whether in regional or international cricket. Along with Williams, another CPL and Windies limited-over, slow-ball specialist who seals off the list of bowlers in double figures; teams who use less pace and more craft this season will have a successful bowling attack.

Also, with crunch time currently in progress, it is left to see which of the two bubble venues –  the Queen’s Park Oval or the Brian Lara Cricket Ground – will slowly be transformed into the ideal hunting ground for spinners.

Given the current form of the leading wicket-takers, it is likely that should franchises with key spin pieces progress, winning this year’s title will a world-class spin unit to back up the efforts provided by those with the bat.