ODI Bowling Comparison. Arguments between who is better at One Day International (ODI) cricket between the pacers often invoke the passion in fans all around the globe. ODI Bowling Comparison. Two of the most thrilling fast bowlers cricket has ever produced, Mitchell Starc and Shoaib Akhtar, will forever be imprinted in the memories of the sport. The specific talents of these two players have invigorated arenas and terrified hitters. Let us take apart the ODI careers of both men and see who wins in this epic battle.
Career Stats Overview
| Stat | Shoaib Akhtar | Mitchell Starc |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 163 | 127 |
| Innings | 162 | 127 |
| Total Wickets | 247 | 244 |
| Runs Conceded | 6146 | 5711 |
| Balls Bowled | 7764 | 6512 |
| Average | 24.97 | 23.40 |
| Strike Rate | 31.40 | 26.60 |
| 4-Wicket Hauls | 6 | 12 |
| 5-Wicket Hauls | 4 | 9 |
| Economy Rate | 4.76 | 5.26 |
| Best Bowling | 6/16 | 6/28 |
Shoaib Akhtar: The “Rawalpindi Express”
Shoaib Akhtar, sometimes referred to as the Rawalpindi Express, was another pacer who epitomized speed and intensity. The batters were still perplexed by his incredible pace, which frequently surpassed 150 km/h, and the fans were in a state of amazement. One of Shoaib’s finest ODI bowling periods ever was throughout his career, which ended on 6/16.
Principal Advantages:
Pace and Bounce: Even the finest batters found Shoaib to be a nightmare due to his ability to extract bounce and bowl consistently rapid deliveries.
Swing Mastery: Shoaib was able to swing the ball both directions despite his quick speed, particularly in favorable circumstances.
Performances That Won Matches: His flaming outbursts frequently helped Pakistan win games.
However, Shoaib’s career was hampered by injuries, limiting his appearances and impacting his consistency.
Mitchell Starc: Australia’s Modern-Day Spearhead
Conversely, Mitchell Starc is the pinnacle of contemporary quick bowling. Starc has been Australia’s go-to bowler under duress because of his deadly yorkers and swing bowling. He holds the record for most five-wicket hauls in less games with nine.
Principal Advantages:
Deadly Yorkers: Starc is a superb death bowler because to his ability to bowl accurate yorkers.
Swing and Accuracy: Starc regularly causes problems for right-handed hitters by bringing the ball back in with his left-arm angle.
Big-Match Player: Starc has demonstrated his ability to win matches big ICC competitions, especially during his Player of the Tournament run in the 2015 World Cup.
He tends to leak runs on off days, though, as seen by his greater economy rate when compared to Shoaib.
Stat Comparison Breakdown
Shoaib may have taken more wickets overall, but Starc takes more due of his higher strike rate of 26.60.
Economy Rate: Starc has a 5.26 economy rate, but Shoaib’s 4.76 rate shows that he can better handle runs.
With twelve four-wicket and nine five-wicket hauls, Starc leads the field, while Shoaib has six and four wicket hauls.
Career longevity: Starc had a very consistent tenure, while Shoaib played more games but had less prolonged periods of dominance due to his injury-plagued career.
Then the Decision Will Be Made Today
Based on the stats and their impact on the game, the debate between Shoaib Akhtar and Mitchell Starc is a close one. Shoaib brought unmatched speed and charisma, while Starc’s consistency and ability to deliver in crucial moments make him a modern-day great. Who you pick as the better bowler depends on your preferences: raw pace and intimidation or deadly accuracy and swing.
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