As the second season of Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024 approaches, significant changes have been made to the team rosters, heightening the excitement. With six teams gearing up for action, the new season promises to be thrilling, especially for the bowlers.
Reports suggest that US pitches will favor bowlers, much like in the T20 World Cup 2024, where bowlers dominated. This sets the stage for a challenging tournament for the batsmen. Let’s take a look at the top 5 bowlers who are likely to shine in MLC 2024 and potentially become the leading wicket-takers.
Top 5 Leading Wicket-taker in MLC 2024
Here’s a list of the Top 5 Bowlers Likely to Top the Wicket-Taker Charts in MLC 2024.
Obed McCoy – Seattle Orcas
A 27-year-old left-arm fast bowler from the Windward Islands has been making waves in T20 cricket. With a career strike rate of 15.4, which improves to an impressive 14.5 in T20 internationals, he has shown exceptional skill and consistency.
Despite a challenging T20 World Cup campaign where he went wicketless in two out of three matches, he delivered a standout performance against Afghanistan, taking three wickets. Additionally, he was excellent in the West Indies’ T20I series against South Africa before the World Cup.
As part of the Orcas, a team known for its strong batting lineup, his role will be crucial. While the Orcas aim to outscore their opponents, they will rely on him to break partnerships with his unique left-arm angle and effective slower deliveries. If he can consistently disrupt the opposition, he is poised to take many wickets in the upcoming matches.
Naveen-ul-Haq – Texas Super Kings
A 24-year-old fast bowler from Afghanistan is making headlines with his remarkable movement off the pitch and in the air under favorable conditions. When he’s in form, he’s especially deadly with the new ball.
Last month, during Afghanistan’s Super Eight fixtures against Australia and Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup, his outstanding wicket-taking abilities were on full display. He took seven wickets in those games, including a stunning delivery to dismiss Travis Head, helping Afghanistan reach their first-ever World Cup semi-final.
Naveen is one of only two overseas pacers for the Texas Super Kings, alongside Matheesha Pathirana. His four overs will be critical in each group stage game if the Super Kings are to make it to the playoffs.
Saurabh Netravalkar – Washington Freedom
Saurabh Netravalkar, a name that shot to fame during the 2024 T20 World Cup, has become a legend in American cricket. Balancing his cricket career with a tech job, Netravalkar played a crucial role in the US’s historic victory against Pakistan.
He dismissed key players Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed and then defended 19 runs in the super over. In his next match, he delivered a stunning performance by dismissing Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli within his first 8 balls, giving India a real scare in their modest chase of 111.
With MLC rules requiring each team to field at least five local players, Netravalkar is certain to play in every game. He will be vital for Washington Freedom’s chances of competing for the trophy. Don’t be surprised if he outshines big names like Cummins and Nortje to become MLC 2024’s leading wicket-taker.
Pat Cummins – San Fransisco Unicorns
In what is arguably the biggest signing in Major League Cricket (MLC) history, the San Francisco Unicorns have secured Australian captain Pat Cummins on a four-year deal. This high-profile addition is expected to draw significant attention to the league.
Cummins, who led Australia to ODI World Cup success in India last year, also guided his IPL team, Sunrisers Hyderabad, to the finals this year. In the T20 World Cup 2024, he had an impressive performance with the ball, taking 9 wickets at an average of 16, despite his team’s failure to reach the semi-finals.
Cummins will lead a batting-heavy Unicorns squad, featuring top-order talents like Jake Fraser-McGurk, Finn Allen, and Matthew Short. Head coach Shane Watson will rely on Cummins to be the primary wicket-taker for the team, capitalizing on his vast experience and skill to steer the Unicorns towards success in MLC 2024.