Cricket World Cup trends show importance of achieving a fair balance between bat and ball

Last week’s assertion that batting was dominating the bowling at the 2023 ODI World Cup provoked the need for more detailed scrutiny.

This was partly based on a recognition that South Africa’s comprehensive victory over New Zealand was not just because they mounted a formidable 357 for four, but also because they bowled impressively. In its previous match against Australia, New Zealand almost chased down 388 and, on this basis, would have been expected to get closer to the target set by South Africa.

As it was, they were short by 190 runs, bowled out in 35.3 overs. From the outset, under lights in the cooler evening conditions, South Africa’s quick bowlers obtained some movement and hostility with the new ball, reducing New Zealand to 67 for four from 15.2 overs. This was a position from which they never recovered, South Africa’s spinner claiming four wickets to illustrate all round strength.

On the following day, India amassed 357 for four against Sri Lanka, whom they enfiladed in a mere 19.4 overs for 55 all out. This was the lowest second-innings score at this World Cup. A scintillating bowling performance from India’s quick bowlers, who extracted movement and bounce with the new white ball, reduced Sri Lanka to 14 for six at one stage.

The vehemence of the performance led one former Pakistani player to question if India had been supplied with a cricket ball of different qualities to everyone else. Nothing should be taken away from the ability of India’s current bowlers to deliver consistently hostile lines and lengths.

They were at it again against South Africa last Sunday. After posting 326 for 5, India’s quick bowlers took early wickets before the spinners worked their way through the rest of the innings,