Cricket

Bowlers who have taken five wickets in T20 Internationals

Taking five wickets in T20 internationals is quite rare. That’s why unlike ODI or Tests in T20s usually a four wicket haul is considered of great importance. Still there are some of the T20 specialists who have taken a five-for in this format more than once. Pakistani star all-rounder Imad Wasim is the latest addition to the list of bowlers with five wickets in T20 internationals. The young Pakistani left-armer has gradually rose into one of the best all-rounders. Although it is too early to count him in for the best ones, but the way he has improved is quite impressive. Pakistan won the first match of the ongoing series against the T20 world champions West Indies quite easily courtesy some very good spin bowling.

With two more t20 games to follow a great competition is expected. Before Imad Wasim only a few bowlers have taken five wickets in T20 international. The young all-rounder however was not the first Pakistani to do the same as Umar Gul has already done the incredible twice. One of the finest fastest bowlers took five wickets against New Zealand for just 6 runs back in 2009. The player went on to repeat the same against South Africa as well four years later in 2013. Interestingly on both occasions Umar Gul did not get to bowl his full four overs. The other bowler who has taken five wickets in t2o more than once is Ajantha Mandis. The Sri Lankan spinner took six wickets twice in a T20I game. Once against Zimbabwe while the other time against Australia.

Umar Gul and Mendis’ heroics aside, the best bowling figures in t20I in terms of runs belongs to Rangana Herath. Herath gave just 3 runs against New Zealand to take five wickets two years back.

Bowlers who have taken five wickets in T20 Internationals

Player	Span	Mat	Overs	Mdns	Runs	Wkts	BBI	5 wkts
Umar Gul (PAK)	2007-2016	60	200.3	2	1443	85	5/6	2
BAW Mendis (SL)	2008-2014	39	147.3	5	952	66	6/8	2
Imad Wasim (PAK)	2015-2016	13	44.0	0	261	17	5/14	1
Ahsan Malik (Neth)	2012-2016	28	86.5	1	637	43	5/19	1
Samiullah Shenwari (Afg)	2010-2016	43	101.4	0	643	27	5/13	1
DJG Sammy (WI)	2007-2016	66	146.4	0	1068	44	5/26	1
SL Malinga (SL)	2006-2016	62	217.5	0	1582	78	5/31	1

Cricket records – Most wickets taken in a calendar year

Sri Lankan spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan holds numerous bowling records in cricket history. One of the best off spinners history has ever witnessed, is the leading wicket taker in international cricket. His 800 test wickets record is almost impossible to chase down as bowlers usually do not have the longest cricket careers as compared to batsmen. The physical strain these athletes go throughout their bowling career usually force them to retire a lot earlier. Even if a bowler plays for a long time getting wickets at a pace to chase down Muralitharan’s record seems very much difficult. Muttiah Muralitharan’s bowling records are not just confined to the most test wickets in history.

The actual reason he is known as the greatest spin bowler is his consistency and economy as well. The highest 10 wicket-haul taker in test cricket history also holds the record for most wickets taken within a calendar year. Not once but twice Muralitharan took the highest number of wickets in a year taking the first two spots in the list. Taking wickets in home conditions usually gets easier and Muttiah Muralitharan also holds the record of taking most wickets on a single ground. Although most of his wickets came within Sri Lanka or other Asian countries, he was equally effective in away conditions as well. Muttiah Muralitharan took a total of 136 wickets during the year of 2001paying only 45 matches across all formats.

The spin magician’s appetite for wickets did not end here as he continued to take the wickets on regular basis. 5 years later the former Sri Lankan again took 128 wickets in a calendar year. This was the second highest number of wickets for any bowler in a calendar year. After Muttiah Murlitharan’s great numbers, it is Australian spin legend Shane Warne with his 120 wickets in year 1994.

Most wickets taken in a calendar year

Player	Year	Mat	Overs	Mdns	Runs	Wkts
M Muralitharan (SL)	2001	45	1089.5	245	2718	136
M Muralitharan (SL)	2006	40	854.2	147	2687	128
SK Warne (AUS)	1994	39	902.2	230	2319	120
GD McGrath (AUS)	1999	41	802.2	187	2408	119
MG Johnson (AUS)	2009	47	774.3	103	3185	113
GP Swann (ENG)	2010	39	736.0	123	2402	111
Saeed Ajmal (PAK)	2013	50	700.3	83	2435	111
M Muralitharan (SL)	2000	31	823.3	166	2143	109
AA Donald (SA)	1998	27	643.4	140	1987	107
DK Lillee (AUS)	1981	28	747.1	164	2204	105

Top 10 players with most consecutive ducks in international cricket

In today’s cricket even a single duck is unbearable and we are about to talk about the most consecutive ducks. Well hold your patience because not a single but three cricket players hold the record of getting out on a zero for most successive times. Hopefully a single one of them will give you some sort of joy. The unfortunate players belong to Australia, New Zealand and India having been dismissed on a duck five times in a row in all formats of international cricket. RG Holland, DK Morrison and Ajit Agarkar are the three players with most consecutive ducks, five for each.

Interestingly all these ducks except Morrison’s first one came during the test match innings. Of five ducks, the first two came for the former Aussie player against arch rivals England. While the rest were conceded against New Zealand back in 1985. While the other two player with most consecutive ducks bowed down before the mighty Australian bowling lineup. Both Agarkar and Morrison were restricted to a zero by the Australian side. The only difference being the years in which these records were created. DK Morrison earned the embarrassing feat in year 1993 while Ajit Agarkar was the victim of the fastest bowlers at that time in year 1999-2000. Surprising that even after failing in one match they went on to play the next two as well. Because in modern day cricket there is a very little room for such mistakes. Commit it once and you are out of the side.

Most ducks in cricket record is held by Sanath Jaysuriya. However after finding out the number of successive ducks suffered by these players even he can find a reason to smile. Top 10 players with most consecutive ducks in international cricket are as under.

Top 10 players with most consecutive ducks in international cricket

Player	Ducks	Team	Opposition
RG Holland	5	Australia	England/New Zealand
DK Morrison	5	New Zealand	Australia
AB Agarkar	5	India	Australia
R Peel	4	England	Australia
RJ Crisp	4	South Africa	Australia
P Roy	4	India	England
LSM Miller	4	New Zealand	South Africa
RB Desai	4	India	England/ Australia
DR Hadlee	4	New Zealand	Pakistan/ England
BS Bedi	4	India	England/ West Indies

Top 10 Highest catch taking fielders in International cricket history

Most successful cricket teams always work on every single aspect of their game. Be it batting, bowling or fielding, highly qualified administration is hired to make the players perfect in all three departments. Although a few years back fielding was not given a special consideration but those times have long gone now. Modern day cricket can never be won without having some of the best fielders on your side. Many teams still struggle when it comes to be an amazing fielding side however majority of them have improved many folds as to almost become flawless in terms of fielding. Fielding both the ground fielding and catching needs to be perfect for any team’s survival in today’s game. At present players themselves put great effort becoming best fielders, apart from the combined work with coaches.

Catch taking as compared to ground fielding often comes more costly. Players having good technique and reputation of grabbing the flying edges are usually put up in special places so the sides could get the maximum benefits of their talent. Highest catch taking fielders in cricket history usually have enjoyed the best catching position in their entire career. In test formats a slip is the most common place of chances while in limited overs cricket these best grabbers usually stay on boundaries. Interestingly however, the highest catch taking fielders are the ones usually appointed at slip or close range positions.

T20 format is still newer as compared to the other formats and generally getting caught on boundary lines happens in hard hitting style of cricket. As time progresses the format will be played in abundance at international level and so shall rise the number of catches taken on other positions. At the moment, on top of highest catch taking fielders is Mahela Jayawardene. The Sri Lankan middle order batsman was one of the finest run scorers. Apart from his heroics with bat, the player shoed the great magic of his secure hands as well. Before saying goodbye to the international cricket arena, Jayawardene took a total of 440 career catches. Top 10 highest catch taking fielders are as under.

Top 10 Highest catch taking fielders in International cricket history

Player	Span	Mat	Inns	Ct	Max	Ct/Inn
DPMD Jayawardene (Asia/SL)	1997-2015	652	768	440	4	0.572
RT Ponting (AUS/ICC)	1995-2012	560	717	364	3	0.507
JH Kallis (Afr/ICC/SA)	1995-2014	519	664	338	4	0.509
R Dravid (Asia/ICC/India)	1996-2012	509	571	334	4	0.584
SP Fleming (ICC/NZ)	1994-2008	396	480	306	5	0.637
GC Smith (Afr/ICC/SA)	2002-2014	347	454	292	5	0.643
ME Waugh (AUS)	1988-2002	372	488	289	4	0.592
BC Lara (ICC/WI)	1990-2007	430	537	284	4	0.528
AR Border (AUS)	1978-1994	429	547	283	4	0.517
LRPL Taylor (NZ)	2006-2016	317	376	269	4	0.715

Top 10 Weirdest hairstyles of Cricketers

Cricket being the second most popular sport in the world is being followed by people all over the world. While some fans enjoy the latest never-ending trends of game there are many that love the game for many other reasons. Like soccer players, cricketers are also gradually turning into the globally recognized icons. The latest addition of T20 format into the sport especially has glamorized it. For all the good reasons though, cricket has now become much more than a just game. The increasing number of fans idolizing the cricket players pay a closer attention to the lifestyles as well. While many hunt for various reasons to adore their favorite cricketers, a few also watch out of the hairstyles they do pick.

There are many stylish cricketers in the world renowned for their alpha-male athletic build. While other do possess endearing facial expression, however there are a few famous for their weirdest hairstyles. Though a very few of them keep focusing on their hairstyles on consistent basis, there are many with their permanent stylish hairdo. The weirdest hairstyles of cricketers at any stage of their longest careers are as under.

10 Weirdest hairstyles of Cricketers

10. Ishant Sharma

Well he might not be included in the playing squad for the first test against New Zealand, but gets added in our list of weirdest hairstyles. The Indian medium pacer came onto the scene with normal hair until it grew long and covered his full face while bowling. While many would consider it a trend to grow long silky hair, it may cause trouble coming in front of eyes while running hard. To avoid this the player has recently been seen with a Samurai ponytail. Tieng his hair with a band behind his head would surely help him get a better view of what happens with his ball after delivering it.

09. MS Dhoni

The Indian limited overs skipper is famous for many reasons in cricket. Be it the quickest hands behind the stumps or sending the ball out of stadium through a dynamic ‘helicopter’ MS Dhoni has no spare. Apart from his on field heroics one of the best wicketkeepers is also famous for his cool and calm nature. The player is the literal elucidation of ‘he came, he saw and he conquered’. One of the most innovative and best skippers in cricket history reached the heights of fame in a very short time. Thus keeping him up to date was a must for Mahi. During his early days MS Dhoni was with silky long hair however as time passed various weirdest hairstyles were tried by him. Some of them certainly appeared cool on him while many got the fans scratching their head in thoughts.

08. Kevin Pietersen

The former English player, though he has not retired form cricket yet but the chances of his comeback are rare, enjoyed the game to its fullest. One of the best batsman England cricket team ever managed to craft was bold, lively and expressive both on and off the field. Let controversies apart, Kevin Pietersen was one of the most reliable middle order batsman. Same goes with his looks for he was well aware of how things work in modern days. His tall stature combined with sporty physique make him one of the hottest guys in business. As for his hairdo are concerned, KP went on to experiment various styles in his bloom days. From long running down hair to the part blonde streaks up on the middle KP did try many hairstyles.

07. Collin Miller

The former Aussie player also went for the color rather the size or structure of hair that too for a short time period. Nicknamed as Funky the former player once dyed his hair blue. While many try the shade striking a few straps of the hair either blue or pink now a day, Miller dyed his whole skull thus appearing semi-bluish on top. One of the recklessly put up weirdest hairstyles caught great attention afterwards but all in mockery.

06. Sunil Narine

It appears that Sunil Narine also follows his fellow lad Andre Russel when it’s about hairstyles however his down-to-earth personality forbids him to adopt in full. Thus Sunil Narine’s hairdo comes as mysterious as his bowling action. One of the best economy rate holders in T20 format is a special talent. Although he has been through some hard time due to his illegal bowling controversy however even after remodeling the action he seems equally affective. On the other hand his hairstyle is still hung somewhere between a Mohawk and curls.

05. Andre Russell

One of the best all-rounders in today’s cricket is also versatile when it comes to his looks. His hairstyles especially qualify to be called as the weirdest hairstyles in cricket world. West Indians are never shy of anything in cricket. The reason the play bold makes them one of the most dangerous sides in the world. Similarly their lively-hearted gestures make them most adored ones. Andre Russel especially has a unique flavor among cricketers along with his teammates DJ Bravo and Darren Sammy. His sprightly spirit is also visible from the styles he picks for his hair. His Mohawk along with a distinctive beard have recently turned grey.

04. Chris Gayle

Yet another West Indian entertainer in weirdest hairstyles list and this time a hard hitter one. When it comes to T20, mind automatically shifts to entertainment and Chris Gayle is no less than the personification of entertainment. Be it his hard hitting sky-cracking sixes or the dance skills, Chris Gayle is the true king of t20. Apart from the miracles he often obliges on the pitch, he also makes into the headlines for his unique stuff and appearances. The Universe Boss often appears with various hairdo and the unusual ones. Even after this the funk-guy reputation he possesses in the cricket field never lets him look outlandish in any of these.

03. Andrew Symonds

Chris Gayle and Andrew Symonds both shared similar hairdo most of the time during their careers. Both players had dreadlocks for a long time. While Chris Gayle has now decided to go more long-haired Andrew Symonds has gone bald. But wait a minute, the former Aussie all-rounder did not do that in vain. It was to raise the charity for a foundation back in 2009 during a live TV program when he decided to shave his hair and earn 10,000 dollars for the charity.

02. Curtly Ambrose

The former West Indian was one of the most fearsome fastest bowlers of his age. However his hairstyles were even weirder than any player in modern day game. Ambrose can easily be named as the trend sitter when it comes to weirdest hairstyles. Throughout his career he has been experimenting with his hairdo going limitless in the process. May be he was trying to be even more scary in his looks so he can bowl with extra dread. Nevertheless, Curtly Ambrose remains a legend both for his bowling and hairstyles.

01. Lasith Malinga

“I just apply color to my hair. If anyone else would have done it, people would have made fun of them. Just because I am a cricketer, it becomes stylish.” See, the advantages of being a personality? Even odd things get accepted as a trend by fans. Lasith Malinga is one of the best bowlers especially in limited overs game. However as for his hairstyle is concerned, he himself has spoken the truth. The curl he gets was somehow wieldy but what about those strong blonde shades put on the hair? A likeness to his unorthodox slingy bowling style. Eh?