T20 World Cup 2024: Experts Back Bowlers to Dictate Scores In Super 8 Stage

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As the T20 World Cup 2024 moves into the Super 8 stage, excitement and speculation are at an all-time high. With matches now taking place in the West Indies, experts are weighing in on the likely nature of the games and the critical role of bowlers.

Former cricket stars Morne Morkel, Ian Bishop, and Krishnamachari Srikkanth shared their insights in a special edition of Star Sports Press Room for Super 8.

Morne Morkel: Expect Scores Around 160-170

Former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel believes that the wickets in the West Indies will offer something for the bowlers, ensuring that matches won't necessarily be high-scoring affairs.

"Listening to Hayden and the guys who are currently in the Caribbean, I personally don't think the matches are going to be high-scoring. There is always going to be something in the wicket. Wickets might play differently in terms of seam and might turn a little bit more, but I think the score is going to be around 160-170," Morkel said.

He emphasized the importance of bowling attacks adapting to these conditions. "It is going to be up to the bowling attacks to sum up those conditions and really execute well. From a South African point of view, they have a lot of variations and options they can turn to. Shamsi also bowled well in the last game. But I think it is going to be an even contest between bat and ball in the West Indies."

Ian Bishop: Fast Bowlers Still Crucial

Former West Indian cricketer Ian Bishop offered a slightly different perspective, suggesting that high scores are still possible. "I don't think 200+ scores have left the building yet. Hayden and I have already seen a couple of 200+ scores here in Saint Lucia. I am hoping that Antigua will also produce something similar. If not 200, certainly something in the 180s or 190s. And by some miracle, I don't know, Barbados might be better for the games in this Super 8 segment," Bishop said.

He also highlighted the importance of fast bowlers in the West Indies, which is often perceived as more spin-friendly. "Fast bowlers still play a crucial part. Even if you are playing in Saint Lucia, Barbados, or St. Vincent, fast bowlers have a role. It may not be easy on the batting pitches or the slow pitches, but they are essential."

Reflecting on the West Indies' Recent Performances

Bishop also reflected on the West Indies' performances in the previous two T20 World Cups, expressing his disappointment. "The last two T20 World Cups were disappointing for the West Indies. They fell short in preparations and didn't live up to the legacy of 1975-79, 2012, and 2016. But there's hope.

"The passion of the people in Trinidad and St. Lucia during recent matches shows that cricket still brings everyone together. This team is very aware of how the West Indies needs to get back to a point of relevance on the world stage," Bishop stated.

Krishnamachari Srikkanth: Fast Bowlers Have a Big Role

Former Indian cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth reinforced the importance of fast bowlers in the Super 8 stage. "I expect total scores of around 180 here. We have already seen two 200+ scores. Fast bowlers have a big role to play. For India, it is going to be Bumrah. If Bumrah gets going, India gets going. For South Africa, Nortje is doing well, and Rabada is there for them. For the Aussies, Hazlewood, Starc, and Cummins are crucial. You can't do anything without fast bowlers," Srikkanth said.

As the Super 8 stage progresses in the West Indies, it's clear that both batting and bowling will play pivotal roles. While there might be varied opinions on whether the matches will be high-scoring or not, the consensus among experts is that bowlers, particularly fast bowlers, will be critical in determining the outcomes.