IPL 2020: Players with the highest strike-rates in the death overs

The Indian Premier League 2020 which is taking place in the UAE has witnessed some explosive hitting and lethal bowling. There has been a very good balance between bat and ball this year. There have been more instances of teams successfully defending a total than chasing them. The bowlers have held their own against the batsmen a lot of times. The pitch conditions and the long boundaries (except those at Sharjah) have aided the bowlers in the process as well.

However, there have been some batsmen who have nonchalantly sent deliveries to the fence especially at the death. These batsmen have been setting the death overs alight with their brute force and power. As expected, their strike-rates in the death overs (16-20) are above 200. We take a look at the 4 players with a strike rate in excess of 200 having faced a minimum of 50 balls.

4. Rahul Tewatia – 209.58 strike-rate at the death

Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Rahul Tewatia has arguably been the biggest success story of the IPL. The 27-year-old started with his season with a good bowling performance against Chennai Super Kings. But the next match against Kings XI Punjab was when he came alive with the bat. From struggling to middle the ball to striking 5 sixes in an over, Tewatia made his name known to the world.

He didn’t stop there, he continued his excellent showing with the bat against Sunrisers Hyderabad to take his side home and also struck lusty blows every time he came in to bat. His strike-rate of 209.58 at the death is testament to his hitting prowess.

3. Ravindra Jadeja – 215.87 strike-rate at the death

Ravindra Jadeja has been a shining spark in Chennai Super King’s largely below-par (by their standards) batting performances. He has delivered crucial and explosive innings whenever called upon. Despite the fact that he has barely got to face 100 balls this year, he has always been up to the task of hitting sixes at the death.

Although his bowling hasn’t been too good, Jadeja has proved time and again as to why he is one of the best all-rounders in the world with his ability to wield the long handle no matter the pitch conditions or the situation of the match,

2. Kieron Pollard – 238.88 strike-rate at the death

Kieron Pollard has been a faithful servant to the Mumbai Indians franchise over the course of this decade. Possessing the burly West Indian in their armory, his team hasn’t had to worry about finding a reliable finisher. They can always count on Pollard. And Pollard has delivered this season with his pyrotechnics.

Pollard has the highest strike-rate in this year’s IPL and the second highest strike-rate at the death. No boundary has proved to be big for him as Pollard has cleared every stadium with ease. Pollard is and will always be a vital cog in the Mumbai Indians wheel. They will want him to continue his good form in the hopes of winning yet another IPL title.

1. AB de Villiers – 243.47 strike-rate at the death

AB de Villiers has perpetually kept proving why he is one of the most versatile cricketers in history. The South African has been crucial and the center point for Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) improved and ruthless performances in the IPL this season. de Villiers has struck at a whopping 243.47 strike-rate at the death.

His demolition of Jaydev Unadkat in RCB’s game against Rajasthan Royals is just another sample of how good de Villiers is. No matter the ball, no matter the situation, no matter the conditions, there is no stopping AB de Villiers when he gets going. RCB will desperately want him to continue his good performances and win them the trophy that has forever eluded them.

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