Batsmen often take the limelight in Twenty20s for their dazzling array of strokes that entertain and provide colour to a contest. Bowlers seemingly play a more plebeian role; they aren’t the men of glory, but cannon fodder or those necessary personnel who check the batsmen’s prowess or steal their thunder, a clear distinction in class. The margin of error, it seems, has lessened to such an extent that no bowler is immune to thrashings.
So when Rashid Khan, the spinner known for his hypnotising spells, unravelled against Chris Gayle on Thursday, there shouldn’t be much surprise. Therefore, the fact that Shakib Al Hasan (Sunrisers Hyderabad) and Dwayne Bravo (Chennai Super Kings), two limited-overs specialists, have also been on occasions manhandled by batsmen shouldn’t be seen in a different light either. The two have delivered useful spells, especially Shakib against Kolkata Knight Riders (2 for 21), and remain useful cogs in the machine for their respective sides.
Moreover, their value rises owing to their batting capabilities. Bravo displayed he possessed the capability to completely turn a contest around with an unbeaten 68 that lifted his side to victory from a hopeless position. Although employing a different style, Shakib can also turn the tables on the opposition. Both can do it with bat and ball.
However, only one team can win on Sunday, when Sunrisers hosts Super Kings. All eyes will be on these key men, among others, to light up the cricket field.
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