Ravi Ashwin to New Zealand’s star duo: How World T20 teams have emphasised spin

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From Rangana Herath to Moeen Ali and Ravi Ashwin: Here we take a look at how the 10 international cricket sides in the Super 10s stage of the World Twenty20 have used spin bowling during the tournament in India.

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West Indies

West Indies had a fairly major readjustment to make to their spin options once Sunil Narine did not fix his action in time to make this tournament.

But they have come through beautifully, with Samuel Badree taking over the main role and Suleiman Benn a more than handy supporting option. Badree was the third-highest wicket-taker in 2014.

England

England do have two spinners but have they contributed to their progress through to the last four?

Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid have eight wickets between them but only Kyle Abbott and Kagiso Rabada among the top wicket-takers, are anywhere near as expensive.

Moeen’s 12 overs have gone at 10.08 and Rashid’s 11 at 9.45.

South Africa

South Africa’s bowling attack has been ill-equipped for the surfaces in this tournament – too much pace, not enough variation and not, ultimately, enough spin.

Imran Tahir will always pick up wickets in the format and he has done so here as well, but he has usually been their only option.

JP Duminy has only bowled three overs and Aaron Phangiso has only played one match. A major reason why they have not progressed.

Sri Lanka

The focus with Sri Lanka will remain on the losses of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawarden from their batting order.

But equally, they currently possess thin spinning stocks. Rangana Herath has been accurate, though sides have been able to play his overs out.

Jeffrey Vandersay and Milinda Siriwardana – leg and off-break respectively – have five wickets between them but have not provided any great incision.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan, like Pakistan, have always been more comfortable with fast bowlers but this tournament perhaps marks a switch.

Shapoor Zadran, Hamid Hassan and Dawlat Zadran have taken just five wickets between them and the first two have looked like their time may be ending.

The old school off-spin of Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan’s leg-spin has 19 wickets between them by contrast.

New Zealand

How many would have guessed that New Zealand would have the best spin attack at this event?

Their overall bowling depth currently is unrivalled – not only do they have an enviable stock of fast bowling options, they now have, in Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner, as high-quality a pair of young spinners as there is.

India

Before the tournament began, India looked to be the only side with a spin attack worth raving about.

That reputation has not dimmed one bit as India have stuttered their way through the group stage.

Ravi Ashwin, Ravinder Jadeja and the part-time offspin of Suresh Raina has only ten wickets between them, but all three have gone at less than six runs per over.

Australia

Australa’s lack of experienced spinning options was thought to be one of the factors working against them as they entered this tournament.

But their educated punt on Adam Zampa’s leg-spin has paid fruitful dividends.

He has five wickets (before the group game against India) and a major factor in their wins so far.

Pakistan

The side most affected by the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) purge of illegal bowling actions.

Pakistan have lost Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez over the last year and it has left their spinning options threadbare.

Shahid Afridi has been a fading force and, bizarrely, they chose to go through the tournament without utilising the promising skills of Mohammad Nawaz.

Bangladesh

Traditionally, Bangladesh have relied heavily on a phalanx of left-arm spinners to see them through most tournaments.

But just lately they have relied on an emerging crop of fast bowlers (though the suspension of Taskin Ahmed has hurt them).

Shakib Al Hasan left-arm spin has still brought them most of their wickets but it is no him they rely on so much any longer.