5 early lessons ahead of the 2019 World Cup

#4 Middle overs are crucial now more than ever

England’s failure to make a move in the middle over cost them dear in the Champions Trophy semi-finals against Pakistan

As T20 cricket gained rapid popularity, there were doubts over whether ODI cricket will survive as far as its popularity is concerned. Though such doubts have been put to rest as T20 cricket has in its own way changed the way players approach ODIs now.

One such change is how batsmen try to consolidate in the beginning and in the middle overs to reach a comfortable stage with wickets in hand. This gives them the license to go berserk during the last 10-15 overs where they back themselves to score big because of the effect produced by T20 cricket.

The Champions Trophy saw a few radical collapses during the middle overs as South Africa lost their last eight wickets for 51 runs against India, slipping from 140 for 2 to being bowled out for 191 and England slumped from 128 for 2 to all out for 211 against Pakistan in the semi-final.

Teams that consolidated their position in the middle overs did well eventually while bowling teams would often pick crucial wickets to peg the batsmen back. This is where bowlers like Hasan Ali, who bowled during the middle overs and consistently picked wickets, were so crucial.

The middle overs from on are therefore going to be of extreme importance. The bowling team will need to stem the flow of runs and pick wickets during this phase failing which they will be hurt badly at the death.