Top 5 Best Bowling Figures in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup History
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has produced countless unforgettable moments since its inception in 2007. While explosive batting often dominates the headlines, bowlers have repeatedly delivered match-defining spells that changed the course of games. Among these standout performances, a select few spells stand out for their sheer dominance over opposition batters, forming the top five best bowling figures in T20 World Cup history.
2. Rangana Herath
Rangana Herath delivered one of the most devastating spin spells in T20 World Cup history during the 2014 edition. The Sri Lankan left-arm spinner claimed astonishing figures of 5 for 3 in 3.3 overs against New Zealand, bowling them out for just 60 runs. His performance underlined the value of disciplined, accurate spin bowling, even against batters who traditionally thrive in the T20 format. The spell played a key role in Sri Lanka’s deep run in the tournament.
3. Umar Gul
Pakistan’s Umar Gul showcased the impact fast bowlers can have in T20 cricket with a sensational performance in the 2009 T20 World Cup. Gul returned figures of 5 for 6 against New Zealand at The Oval, producing one of the earliest five-wicket hauls in tournament history. His incisive pace and movement helped Pakistan dismantle New Zealand’s batting line-up, reinforcing the importance of strike bowling in the shortest format.
4. Fazalhaq Farooqi
Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi made global headlines during the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with a fiery spell of 5 for 9 against Uganda. The left-arm pacer tore through the opposition with pace and accuracy, earning his place among the tournament’s best bowling figures. Farooqi’s performance also highlighted the rapid rise of Afghan cricket and the growing influence of bowlers from emerging cricketing nations on the world stage.
5.Sam Curran
England all-rounder Sam Curran delivered a crucial spell of 5 for 10 against Afghanistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup, underlining his ability to perform under pressure. His wicket-taking burst helped England wrestle control of a tense contest, proving that tight, disciplined bowling spells can be just as decisive as explosive batting in high-stakes T20 matches.
Bowlers Who Shaped T20 World Cup History
These top bowling figures in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup reflect the diversity of bowling excellence, ranging from mystery spin to express pace, across different conditions and continents. While batters often steal the limelight with towering sixes and record-breaking scores, these bowling performances have been equally vital in deciding crucial matches.
As the Men’s T20 World Cup continues to evolve, future editions may well produce new entries in this elite list. For now, however, the records set by Ajantha Mendis, Rangana Herath, Umar Gul, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Sam Curran remain enduring reminders of how bowlers can seize the spotlight on cricket’s biggest T20 stage.
- Ajantha Mendis
2. Rangana Herath
Rangana Herath delivered one of the most devastating spin spells in T20 World Cup history during the 2014 edition. The Sri Lankan left-arm spinner claimed astonishing figures of 5 for 3 in 3.3 overs against New Zealand, bowling them out for just 60 runs. His performance underlined the value of disciplined, accurate spin bowling, even against batters who traditionally thrive in the T20 format. The spell played a key role in Sri Lanka’s deep run in the tournament.
3. Umar Gul
Pakistan’s Umar Gul showcased the impact fast bowlers can have in T20 cricket with a sensational performance in the 2009 T20 World Cup. Gul returned figures of 5 for 6 against New Zealand at The Oval, producing one of the earliest five-wicket hauls in tournament history. His incisive pace and movement helped Pakistan dismantle New Zealand’s batting line-up, reinforcing the importance of strike bowling in the shortest format.
4. Fazalhaq Farooqi
Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi made global headlines during the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with a fiery spell of 5 for 9 against Uganda. The left-arm pacer tore through the opposition with pace and accuracy, earning his place among the tournament’s best bowling figures. Farooqi’s performance also highlighted the rapid rise of Afghan cricket and the growing influence of bowlers from emerging cricketing nations on the world stage.
5.Sam Curran
England all-rounder Sam Curran delivered a crucial spell of 5 for 10 against Afghanistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup, underlining his ability to perform under pressure. His wicket-taking burst helped England wrestle control of a tense contest, proving that tight, disciplined bowling spells can be just as decisive as explosive batting in high-stakes T20 matches.
Bowlers Who Shaped T20 World Cup History
These top bowling figures in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup reflect the diversity of bowling excellence, ranging from mystery spin to express pace, across different conditions and continents. While batters often steal the limelight with towering sixes and record-breaking scores, these bowling performances have been equally vital in deciding crucial matches.
As the Men’s T20 World Cup continues to evolve, future editions may well produce new entries in this elite list. For now, however, the records set by Ajantha Mendis, Rangana Herath, Umar Gul, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Sam Curran remain enduring reminders of how bowlers can seize the spotlight on cricket’s biggest T20 stage.
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