The 2019 World Cup has lived up to the expectations of an elite tournament, what with some tight finishes, a couple of upsets and individual batting and bowling highlights. Contrary to expectations it has not been a batting exhibition and the bowlers have done an excellent job in restricting totals. The predominant tactic has been the short-pitched delivery used in liberal doses. Despite the success achieved with the short-pitched delivery it comes with a warning; the bouncer must be well directed otherwise it can be costly.

Unpredictable Pakistan

Unpredictable Pakistan provided the perfect example of this warning; bounced out for a miserable 105 by a buoyant West Indies pace attack, they rebounded to flout an England bowling unit that attempted a similar tactic. However, the bowling hasn't been all fire and brimstone. Yuzvendra Chahal provided a wrist spin masterclass in demolishing the hapless South African middle order and Mohammad Nabi brought the admirable Afghanistan team back into the contest with Sri Lanka, by showing you don't have to spin big to outwit batsmen.