BPL 2016: The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has been one of the most exciting and celebrated T20 cricket leagues in the world. With high-quality players from around the globe, the BPL has attracted a huge following since its inception. The 2016 edition of the tournament was no different. The BPL 2016 witnessed incredible batting performances, but it was also a tournament where bowlers showcased their craft in front of a passionate crowd.
This article will focus on the Top Bowler of BPL 2016, analyzing their performance and impact on the tournament, with detailed statistics and key highlights.
1. Overview of BPL 2016
The 2016 edition of the Bangladesh Premier League saw franchises like Dhaka Dynamites, Rajshahi Kings, Khulna Titans, Chittagong Vikings, and Sylhet Super Stars battling it out for the coveted trophy. The tournament ran from November 4 to December 10, 2016, with a total of 46 matches played across several venues in Bangladesh.
2. Key Factors for Top Bowling Performance in BPL 2016
Bowling in T20 cricket requires a combination of skill, strategy, and the ability to perform under pressure. In BPL 2016, the wickets were typically flat, making life difficult for the bowlers. However, the standout bowlers managed to carve out their place through variations in pace, clever yorkers, slower balls, and the ability to perform in the crucial stages of the game.
To determine the top bowler of BPL 2016, several key factors were considered:
- Economy Rate (ER): How efficiently a bowler kept the run rate in check.
- Strike Rate (SR): How frequently the bowler took wickets.
- Total Wickets: A clear indicator of the bowler’s impact on the tournament.
- Match-winning Performances: Whether the bowler played a crucial role in leading his team to victory.
3. Top Bowler of BPL 2016: Shakib Al Hasan
After an intense contest between numerous talented bowlers, Shakib Al Hasan emerged as the Top Bowler of BPL 2016. The Bangladeshi all-rounder was not only instrumental with the bat but also led his side, Dhaka Dynamites, to the title with his exceptional bowling performances.
Shakib Al Hasan’s all-around abilities were on full display during BPL 2016, making him one of the best players of the tournament. As a bowler, his disciplined line and length, combined with his ability to vary pace, were key assets. His wickets in the middle overs, particularly during the crucial phases of the match, made him a valuable asset for Dhaka Dynamites.
4. Shakib Al Hasan’s Performance in BPL 2016
Shakib finished the 2016 season as one of the top wicket-takers, but his real value lay in his ability to bowl in the most critical overs. Below is a breakdown of his statistics:
| Statistical Category | Shakib Al Hasan |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 13 |
| Wickets Taken | 19 |
| Bowling Average | 22.52 |
| Economy Rate (ER) | 7.10 |
| Strike Rate (SR) | 17.5 |
| Best Bowling Figures | 4/23 |
| Total Overs Bowled | 48.1 |
Key Highlights:
- Shakib Al Hasan was instrumental in taking key wickets at crucial junctures of the game. His ability to bowl tight spells in the middle overs made him the go-to bowler for Dhaka Dynamites.
- His standout performance came in the final match, where he played a key role in defending a modest total. He finished with impressive figures of 4 wickets for 23 runs, which was a major factor in Dhaka Dynamites lifting the trophy.
5. Other Notable Bowlers in BPL 2016
While Shakib Al Hasan took the honors as the Top Bowler, there were other bowlers who made significant contributions during the tournament. Some of them were:
5.1. Sunil Narine (Comilla Victorians)
The West Indian mystery spinner, Sunil Narine, continued to prove why he’s one of the best T20 bowlers in the world. Narine’s variations in pace and spin, combined with his ability to bowl in the powerplay, made him a dangerous bowler for any side.
| Statistical Category | Sunil Narine |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 11 |
| Wickets Taken | 15 |
| Bowling Average | 22.13 |
| Economy Rate (ER) | 6.33 |
| Strike Rate (SR) | 16.4 |
| Best Bowling Figures | 4/20 |
| Total Overs Bowled | 43.0 |
Key Highlights:
- Narine had a major impact in the early stages of the game by taking wickets during the powerplay overs. His best performance came against Khulna Titans, where he claimed 4 wickets for 20 runs.
5.2. Kamran Ghulam (Rajshahi Kings)
Kamran Ghulam was another bowler who made significant strides in BPL 2016. With a blend of aggression and control, Ghulam had a vital role to play in Rajshahi Kings’ bowling attack.
| Statistical Category | Kamran Ghulam |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 12 |
| Wickets Taken | 14 |
| Bowling Average | 21.92 |
| Economy Rate (ER) | 7.50 |
| Strike Rate (SR) | 17.7 |
| Best Bowling Figures | 3/18 |
| Total Overs Bowled | 42.0 |
Key Highlights:
- Ghulam was particularly effective in middle overs, and his excellent economy rate made him a valuable asset to his team.
- His most notable performance came against the Chittagong Vikings, where he took 3 wickets for 18 runs.
6. Comparison of Top Bowlers in BPL 2016
To gain a clear perspective, let’s compare the performances of Shakib Al Hasan, Sunil Narine, and Kamran Ghulam, the three leading bowlers of the tournament:
| Bowler | Matches Played | Wickets Taken | Economy Rate | Strike Rate | Best Bowling Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shakib Al Hasan | 13 | 19 | 7.10 | 17.5 | 4/23 |
| Sunil Narine | 11 | 15 | 6.33 | 16.4 | 4/20 |
| Kamran Ghulam | 12 | 14 | 7.50 | 17.7 | 3/18 |
From this table, it is clear that while Shakib Al Hasan led in wickets and was one of the most consistent bowlers of the tournament, Sunil Narine had the best economy rate, which is a testament to his control and ability to keep the batsmen at bay.
BPL 2016 was a tournament that saw bowlers make a significant impact, with Shakib Al Hasan emerging as the Top Bowler. His ability to take wickets at key moments and his impressive consistency throughout the tournament were crucial for Dhaka Dynamites’ success. Other notable performances by bowlers such as Sunil Narine and Kamran Ghulam added to the excitement of the tournament, but in the end, it was Shakib’s all-round ability that made him the top bowler of the 2016 BPL season. His contribution to the team’s success proved that in T20 cricket, a bowler’s skill and impact can be just as important as the batsmen’s fireworks.
