In T20 cricket, economy rate is a crucial aspect for bowlers to be successful in restricting the opposition's run-scoring. The T20I World Cup has seen some brilliant bowling performances over the years, with many bowlers putting on an impressive display.
South Africa, a team with a strong bowling attack, has seen its fair share of economical bowlers in the T20I World Cup. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 best bowling economy rates in T20I World Cups for South Africa for bowlers who bowled more than ten overs.
1. Anrich Nortje
We start off the list with Anrich Nortje. While being a valuable asset to the South African cricket team, Nortje has bowled accurate yorkers and bouncers to trouble the batters. He has an economy rate of 5.37 in T20 World Cups in 36.5 overs of 10 matches.
2. Imran Tahir
The second spot on the list belongs to Imran Tahir. Tahir is one of the most successful spinners in T20 cricket and has been the x-factor for South Africa in crucial games. The leg-spinner has an economy rate of 5.94 in 36 overs of nine T20 World Cup matches.
3. Charl Langeveldt
Standing on number three, we have Charl Langeveldt, with an economy rate of 6.50. He has appeared in four matches in the T20I World Cup and bowled 16 overs. Charl possessed the ability to bring significant variations in his line and length, which used to trouble the batter to a great extent.
4. Roelof van der Merwe
Roelof van der Merwe makes it to the fourth spot, with his incredible left-arm spin bowling. While playing for South Africa in the T20I World Cups of 2009 and 2010, he registered an economy rate of 6.51 in his 31 overs of nine matches.
5. Johan Botha
Moving ahead, we have Johan Botha, with an economy rate of 6.51 in 14 matches of the T20I World Cups. The former off-spin bowler has bowled 40.4 overs during his tenure between 2009 and 2012. Botha usually bowled during the middle overs of the game to prevent the batters from hitting big shots.
6. Tabraiz Shamsi
On number six, we have Tabraiz Shamsi with an economy rate of 6.55 in T20 World Cups. The left-arm wrist spinner has emerged as a leading bowler for his team in recent times. He has bowled 27 overs in his seven outings with the ball. Shamsi is known for picking up wickets at crucial moments in the game.
7. Jacques Kallis
Jacques Kallis takes away the seventh position on this list with his economy rate of 6.67. The legendary all-rounder was primarily known for his batting prowess. However, he was also a more than capable bowler, especially in the shorter formats of the game. Jacques bowled 37 overs in 15 matches of the T20I World Cup.
8. Wayne Parnell
The eighth position belongs to Wayne Parnell for his economy rate of 6.74. Parnell has featured in 14 games of the T20I World Cups between 2009 and 2022 and bowled 45.5 overs during this period. Parnell is known for his ability to trouble the batters by swinging the ball in either direction.
9. Robin Peterson
Now, we have Robin Peterson, who bowled with an economy rate of 6.84. The left-arm spin bowler used to take wickets in the middle overs of the match. Peterson appeared in the T20I World Cups in the only edition of 2012 and played four matches. He scalped five wickets in his 13 overs.
10. Dwaine Pretorius
Last but not least, we have Dwaine Pretorius making his way to the ultimate spot on this list with his medium-fast bowling. While featuring in five games for the nation, Dwaine bowled with an economy of 6.88 and also scalped nine wickets.
