Watch: Usman Tariq produces double-wicket over with unusual bowling action and run-up in PSL 2024

Quetta Gladiators bowler Usman Tariq while bowling with an unorthodox bowling action was able to draw double blood in one over during the Pakistan Super League match against Karachi Kings. During the seventh over of the first innings, Tariq removed the likes of Tim Seifert and James Vince. Seifert had to walk back for 21 runs from 10 balls whereas Vince was dismissed for 37 runs from 24 balls.

On the first ball of the over, Tim Seifert tried to play across the line of the ball but ended up in front of the wickets whereas James Vince also played the ball on the backfoot after he was also caught in front by Usman Tariq. The major point to be noted was his bowling action and run-up.

Watch – Usman Tariq draws double blood with weird bowling action

Usman Tariq's double-strike in his first over! ⚡⚡#HBLPSL9 | #KhulKeKhel | #KKvQG pic.twitter.com/2MJ4Khoksf

— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) February 29, 2024

Usman Tariq has a simple off-spin action but before delivering the ball, he takes a subtle pause, which proves effective in breaking the concentration of the bowler. Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is also seen pausing his bowling action sometimes.

Bowlers with unusual bowling actions

There have been many bowlers in the history of cricket who have been known for their weird bowling action. Some of the names are Indian batsman Kedar Jadhav, Pakistani bowler Sohail Tanvir, Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga, South Africa’s Paul Adams, and Sri Lankan spin maestro Muttiah Muralitharan. However, these bowlers had a weird bowling action, but they proved to be a boon for them and also helped them gain success.

Indian cricketer Kedar Jadhav used to deceive the batsmen with his low arm-off spin bowling. His point of release was below the head of the umpire due to which while playing the ball the batsman used to get confused and always ended up getting LBW or stumped.

On the other hand, former Pakistani pacer Sohail Tanvir used to bowl with the wrong foot. Tanvir used to put a lot of effort into his bowling action and had a brilliant slower one. His slower ball used to come from the back of his hand which was difficult for the batsman to read.

Veteran Sri Lanka pacer Lasith Malinga excelled on the international stage thanks to his slingy movement and low point of release. Malinga’s toe-crushing yorkers are very difficult to identify, and when combined with his blistering pace, he ripped apart several batsmen.

Former South African spinner Paul Adams is another bowler who has deceived a lot of batsmen with his unusual bowling action. Even the top batters of his time were taken aback by Adams’ extraordinary leap and unorthodox no-look ball release.

Sri Lankan spin maestro Muttiah Muralitharan has a distinct style of delivering the ball. Batsmen were unable to see the grip when he released the ball from quite near to his head because he had hidden it in his palms during his run-up.

Usman Tariq can also add his name to the list if he continues to deceive the batsmen with his ‘unorthodox’ bowling action. His team Quetta Gladiators have performed well in the tournament so far but lost against Multan Sultans in the previous game.