Playing the Yorker: The Hardest Delivery to Score Off in Cricket
The full-pitched delivery aimed at the batsman's feet — the yorker — is the hardest ball in cricket to score from. Learn how batsmen respond, what shots are possible, and why the yorker remains the premium death-over weapon.
Frequently asked questions
Which bowlers are most famous for their yorkers?
Waqar Younis (Pakistan) is widely considered the greatest yorker bowler in cricket history — his devastating inswinging yorker at high pace was nearly unplayable and is credited as the defining weapon of his career. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) developed a round-arm slingy action that made his yorker very difficult to pick up. In the T20 era, Jasprit Bumrah (India) is considered the gold standard — his yorker accuracy at 140-147km/h from an unusual action makes him almost impossible to hit in the death overs.
Has any batsman scored a six from a yorker?
Yes — while extremely difficult, sixes from yorker-length deliveries have been hit in T20 cricket. The most common method is stepping outside the crease before delivery (converting the yorker into a half-volley), or using the scoop-over-the-keeper technique. Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, and several other elite T20 batsmen have hit authentic yorkers for six using power and unorthodox bat angles. This is considered one of cricket's most extraordinary shots when executed successfully.