Battle of the spin giants

For several years, they formed one of the most potent spin-bowling combinations in world cricket; now, they’ll be adversaries, each trying to push his team into the IPL final. Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh have both been among the best bowlers in the tournament so far. Of the spinners who’ve bowled more than 30 overs, only R Ashwin fo Chennai has a better economy rate than Kumble’s 6.46. Harbhajan’s economy rate is only marginally more, but he has compensated by taking more wickets, and has a far better average.

Breaking up the performances of the two bowlers by stages in the innings, it’s clear that Kumble’s economy rate has been exceptional in the Powerplay overs and then again at the end. Harbhajan hasn’t done badly either, and has a better average and economy rate than Kumble in the middle overs. Twelve of Harbhajan’s 15 wickets have come in the second innings – average 17.67, economy rate 7.18 – simply because Mumbai have batted first in ten out of 14 games. Nine of Kumble’s 12 wickets have come in first innings (Bangalore have chased in ten of 14 games) at an average of 30.33 and an economy rate of 6.85.

In the two matches played between the these teams, Kumble has figures of 3 for 59 from eight overs; Harbhajan has 3 for 63 from eight. Who’ll take the honours when the stakes get the highest?

Kumble and Harbhajan in IPL 2010

Bowler	Balls	Wkts	Average	Econ rate
Anil Kumble	335	12	30.08	6.46
Harbhajan Singh	273	15	20.20	6.65

Kumble and Harbhajan in the Powerplay overs

Bowler	Balls	Wickets	Average	Econ rate
Anil Kumble	42	0	-	5.85
Harbhajan Singh	66	3	27.33	7.45

Kumble and Harbhajan in the middle eight overs

Bowler	Balls	Wickets	Average	Econ rate
Anil Kumble	204	7	33.14	6.82
Harbhajan Singh	150	7	22.85	6.40

Kumble and Harbhajan in the last six overs

Bowler	Balls	Wickets	Average	Econ rate
Anil Kumble	89	5	17.60	5.93
Harbhajan Singh	57	5	12.20	6.42