IPL 2021: It Is The Middle Overs Where A Game Is Made Or Broken - Anrich Nortje

Delhi Capitals speedster Anrich Nortje talks about bowling in T20 cricket. The South African’s success in the IPL, since making his debut for DC last season, has propelled him as amongst the finest fast bowlers in the world.

He headlined last season by taking 22 wickets and helping Capitals to the final; he also delivered the fastest ball last season, clocking 156.22 kph. In IPL 2021, Anrich Nortje has played 7 matches, after not featuring during the India leg. He has taken 10 wickets at a brilliant economy of 5.92 as DC ended the league phase at the top.

Ahead of the Qualifier 2 versus KKR, the lanky pacer highlighted the importance of bowling well in the middle-overs, which he believes is “hugely underrated”, and it helps the team take control leading up to the death overs.

“It depends on who you are playing against and who are batting at the crease. If you compare the good openers and good finishers both are tough to bowl, but with the new ball maybe you fancy your chances more (in getting wickets) but it really depends on the conditions. There is lot more which comes into play,” Anrich Nortje told news18.com.

“However, it is the middle overs where a game is made or broken. You may have got a good start but if you don’t capitalise in the middle, those periods can really break the momentum. Its (importance) is hugely underrated (in terms of the impact on the result).”

For me, the main format is still Test cricket: Anrich Nortje

Anrich Nortje highly endorsed the longest format of the game, Test cricket, saying that he considers it the “main format”. He did acknowledge that T20 cricket provides plenty of opportunities for pacers to shine, but it is red-ball cricket that demands consistency over days and tests the bowler in many ways.

“T20 format has given opportunities to so many pacers. Bowling just four overs with all out raw pace is exciting, but for me the main format is still Test cricket. Red-ball cricket takes more (energy) and is the most difficult format as you have to be so consistent,” the 27-year-old added.

Anrich Nortje has played 12 Tests for South Africa, picking up 47 wickets at an average of 28.10.

The pacer will turn up against the Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday in Qualifier 2 in Sharjah.

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