Former South African pace bowler Dale Steyn has heaped praise on Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood for their extraordinary powerplay performance against Delhi Capitals in the ongoing Indian Premier League season. Steyn also lauded compatriot Kagiso Rabada and England's Jofra Archer for creating what he described as 'genuine fear' among batters with their relentless hard lengths, despite the tournament's high-scoring nature.
Bhuvneshwar and Hazlewood's Destructive Spell
Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood took turns troubling the Delhi Capitals batters, cleverly mixing traditional Test-match lengths with a probing line outside off stump. Their relentless spell wreaked havoc in the powerplay, reducing Delhi Capitals to 13 for 6 at the end of six overs, the worst powerplay score in IPL history. Delhi Capitals were eventually bowled out for just 75, a target the defending champions chased down with ease.
Steyn's Tribute on Social Media
Taking to X, Steyn wrote, 'Watching Buvi, Hazelwood, throw KG and Archer in there too, there's a genuine fear from batters not because they scared, but they know exactly where these greats are going to bowl but don't practice enough in that area to have answers. The fear is technical skill, too deep into the tournament to change now, watch these bowlers continue to dominate. It's called a HARD length for a reason...'
Bowling Statistics This Season
Bhuvneshwar Kumar currently holds the Purple Cap this season, with 14 wickets in eight innings at an average of 16.85 and an economy rate of 7.61, including best figures of 3 for 5. Josh Hazlewood has picked up eight wickets at an average of 19.25, maintaining an economy rate of 7.89, with best figures of 4 for 12.
Kagiso Rabada has been exceptional in the powerplay, claiming 13 wickets at an average of 22.61 and an economy rate of 9.48, with best figures of 3 for 25. Jofra Archer has also thrived with his raw pace and traditional lengths, particularly against top-order batters in the powerplay, taking 13 wickets in eight matches at an average of 17.92 and an economy rate of 8.03, with best figures of 3 for 20.
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