Scoring runs in the death overs in a platform as big as the Indian Premier League (IPL) isn’t a cakewalk by any means. The pressure never goes down and batters always need to stay on their toes against quality bowling attacks.
Only a handful of batters have been able to taste success while batting at the death. Even the best of bowlers have found it tough to stop them.
In the article, let’s take a look at 3 players who have scored the most runs in death overs in the IPL
1. MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni is deemed as one of the greatest finishers in the game of cricket due to his ability to hold his nerves under pressure. It’s not a surprise that he has scored the most runs in death overs in the IPL. The now 40-year-old knows when to step on the gas.
Having played 220 matches, he has scored 2853 runs at the death. Overall, the veteran has notched 4746 runs at an average of 39.55 and a strike rate of 135.83 with 23 half-centuries to his name. He is now set to take part in the 2022 IPL.
2. Kieron Pollard
Kieron Pollard joined the Mumbai Indians (MI) back in 2010 and hasn’t played for any other franchise since then. The Trinidadian is a brute force with the bat, especially at the death. He has scored 1932 runs in the death overs while playing in the IPL.
In 178 IPL matches, Pollard has notched 3268 runs at an average of 29.98 and a strike rate of 149.77 with 16 fifties to his name. The right-hander can clear the ropes with utmost ease and it’s hard to stop him when he’s in full flow.
3. AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers started his IPL career while playing for the Delhi Daredevils, now Capitals, in the 2008 IPL. But the veteran made a name for himself, mostly while playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL. The former South African batter played 11 seasons for RCB.
The Pretoria-born scored 1868 runs in death overs while playing in the IPL. In 184 IPL games, de Villiers scored 5162 runs at a strike rate of 151.68 with three centuries and 40 half-centuries. Last year, he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.
*Numbers from overs 16-20 have been taken into account
