Bowlers are game-changers in every cricket format, and their match-winning spells often decide the fate of a tournament. In T20 World Cups, where the format heavily favors batters, some bowlers have delivered unforgettable performances that turned games on their heads. Here’s a look at the best bowling figures in T20 World Cup history.
Ajantha Mendis – 6 Wickets for 8 Runs vs Zimbabwe (2012)
Ajantha Mendis holds the record for the best bowling figures in T20 World Cup history. The mystery spinner from Sri Lanka dismantled Zimbabwe with a phenomenal spell of 6 for 8 in just 4 overs during the 2012 edition in Sri Lanka.
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Defending a total of 182, Mendis initiated destruction by removing top-order batters including Hamilton Masakadza and Brendan Taylor inside the powerplay. He later returned to clean up the tail, restricting Zimbabwe to just 100 runs and ensuring an 82-run win for Sri Lanka. He was well supported by Jeevan Mendis, who claimed three wickets.
Rangana Herath – 5 Wickets for 3 Runs vs New Zealand (2014)
In a do-or-die Super 10 clash of the 2014 T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, Rangana Herath produced one of the most economical spells ever. Defending just 120 runs against New Zealand, Herath spun his web and ended with astonishing figures of 5 for 3.
He wrecked the Kiwi top order, reducing them from a steady 18 for 0 to a crumbling 33 for 6. His performance helped Sri Lanka clinch a vital win and advance in the tournament.
Umar Gul – 5 Wickets for 6 Runs vs New Zealand (2009)
Pakistan’s Umar Gul delivered a lethal spell of fast bowling during the 2009 T20 World Cup at The Oval. Gul’s fiery performance of 5 for 6 in just 3 overs helped Pakistan bowl New Zealand out for a paltry 99.
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Coming in after the powerplay, Gul cleaned up the middle order including key players like Scott Styris and James Franklin. This helped Pakistan chase down the target easily, and the team later went on to win the title.
Sam Curran – 5 Wickets for 10 Runs vs Afghanistan (2022)
England’s Sam Curran played a pivotal role in their title-winning campaign at the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia. In a group match against Afghanistan at Perth, Curran delivered a devastating spell of 5 for 10 in 3.4 overs.
His spell broke the back of Afghanistan’s batting lineup, helping England secure a comfortable win and setting the tone for the rest of the tournament. Curran’s performances earned him the Player of the Tournament award.
Ahsan Malik – 5 Wickets for 19 Runs vs South Africa (2014)
Dutch fast bowler Ahsan Malik stunned everyone with his performance against South Africa in the 2014 edition. He picked up 5 for 19 in 4 overs, maintaining an economy rate under 5.
Despite his efforts, Netherlands narrowly lost the game by just 6 runs, but Malik’s spell remains one of the standout performances in T20 World Cup history, showcasing the potential of associate nation players.
Final Thoughts
These incredible bowling displays prove that even in a format dominated by big hitters, bowlers can seize control and script victories. The best bowling figures in T20 World Cup history are not just numbers—they’re moments of brilliance etched into cricketing folklore.
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