The top bowling performances in the ICC T20 World Cup history showcase some truly remarkable feats. Here are a few standout performances:
1. Ajanta Mendis (Sri Lanka) – 6/8 vs. Zimbabwe (2012)
- Match: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, 2012 ICC T20 World Cup
- Details: Mendis’ performance remains the best bowling performance in the history of the T20 World Cup. He took 6 wickets for 8 runs in a match where Sri Lanka reduced Zimbabwe to just 100 runs. Mendis’ variation in the mystery spin was too much for the Zimbabwean batsmen to handle, and he helped Sri Lanka bowl them out with a commanding margin.
2. Rangana Herath (Sri Lanka) – 5/3 vs. New Zealand (2014)
- Match: Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, Group Stage, 2014
- Details: In a do-or-die match, Rangana Herath delivered one of the most stunning bowling spells ever seen in T20 cricket. He took 5 wickets for just 3 runs in 3.3 overs, completely dismantling New Zealand’s batting lineup. Chasing a modest 120, New Zealand was bundled out for just 60. Herath’s lethal accuracy and spin were unplayable, and Sri Lanka advanced to the semifinals.
3. Umar Gul (Pakistan) – 5/6 vs. New Zealand (2009)
- Match: Pakistan vs New Zealand, Group Stage, 2009
- Details: Umar Gul became the first bowler to take a five-wicket haul in T20 World Cup history. His figures of 5 wickets for 6 runs in 3 overs were instrumental in Pakistan skittling New Zealand for just 99 runs. Gul’s reverse swing with the old ball proved impossible to handle, and his spell remains one of the most iconic in T20 World Cup history.
4. Adam Zampa (Australia) – 5/19 vs. Bangladesh (2021)
- Match: Australia vs Bangladesh, Super 12, 2021
- Details: Zampa’s brilliant leg-spin bowling tore through the Bangladesh batting lineup. He took 5 wickets for 19 runs in his 4 overs, including a double-wicket maiden. His consistency and ability to deceive batsmen with flight and turn helped Australia dismiss Bangladesh for just 73 runs, paving the way for a massive win.
5. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) – 5/31 vs. England (2012)
- Match: Sri Lanka vs England, Super 8s, 2012
- Details: Known for his deadly yorkers and variations, Malinga produced a scintillating spell, taking 5 wickets for 31 runs. His ability to bowl pinpoint yorkers under pressure proved too much for the England batsmen. Malinga’s bowling ensured Sri Lanka defended their total successfully, making him one of the standout performers of the tournament.
6. Ajantha Mendis (Sri Lanka) – 4/11 vs. West Indies (2014)
- Match: Sri Lanka vs West Indies, 2014 ICC T20 World Cup
- Details: Another great performance by Mendis, taking 4 wickets for 11 runs in this match, as he completely bamboozled the West Indian batsmen. His outstanding spell helped Sri Lanka restrict the West Indies to a low total, and his brilliant bowling was one of the highlights of the tournament.
7. Samuel Badree (West Indies) – 4/15 vs. India (2016)
- Match: West Indies vs India, 2016 ICC T20 World Cup
- Details: Badree’s magical bowling helped the West Indies defeat India in a high-pressure knockout game. He took 4 wickets for 15 runs, removing key Indian players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. His performance was pivotal in restricting India and putting the West Indies on the path to victory.
8. Shane Harwood (Australia) – 4/24 vs. India (2007)
- Match: Australia vs India, 2007 ICC T20 World Cup
- Details: Harwood’s performance against India in the inaugural T20 World Cup was crucial. He took 4 wickets for 24 runs and kept India’s powerful lineup under control. His pace and variations were instrumental in restricting India to a manageable total and eventually helping Australia to victory.
9. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) – 3/19 vs. West Indies (2016)
- Match: Afghanistan vs West Indies, 2016 ICC T20 World Cup
- Details: Rashid Khan, one of the most effective T20 bowlers in the world, took 3 wickets for 19 runs in a match against the powerful West Indies batting lineup. His spin bowling, especially his googlies, proved difficult for even the most experienced batsmen to pick.
10. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – 3/26 vs. Sri Lanka (2009)
- Match: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 2009 ICC T20 World Cup Final
- Details: Afridi was instrumental in Pakistan’s victorious 2009 T20 World Cup campaign. His spell of 3 wickets for 26 runs in the final against Sri Lanka played a huge role in Pakistan’s victory. His ability to bowl at the right moments and to break crucial partnerships made him one of the key performers of the tournament.
These performances exemplify the brilliance and match-winning potential that bowlers can bring to the T20 World Cup, with their ability to take crucial wickets and turn the game in their team’s favor.