T20 cricket is often called a batter’s paradise. Sixes fly into the stands, run-rates touch the sky, and bowlers are usually on the receiving end. But every once in a while, a bowler flips the script with a spell so magical that it silences the crowd and changes the match completely. Bowling Spells.
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From fiery pace attacks to crafty spin wizardry, these bowling performances prove that T20 isn’t just about power-hitting — it’s also about tactical brilliance, accuracy, and nerves of steel. Here’s a look at the Top 10 Greatest Bowling Spells in T20 Cricket History.
10. Ajantha Mendis – 6/8 vs Zimbabwe (2012)
When mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis played against Zimbabwe in the 2012 World T20, he delivered the most devastating spell in T20I history. His figures of 6 wickets for just 8 runs left Zimbabwe clueless. Every delivery was a puzzle, and Mendis showed why mystery spin can dominate the shortest format.
9. Deepak Chahar – 6/7 vs Bangladesh (2019)
Deepak Chahar produced one of the most clinical spells ever in T20Is, ending with figures of 6/7 in Nagpur. He combined swing, pace, and yorkers to dismantle Bangladesh’s batting order. This spell is still remembered as the best by an Indian in T20 internationals.
8. Lasith Malinga – 5/6 vs New Zealand (2019)
Lasith Malinga, the master of yorkers, turned back the clock with a magical spell in Colombo. He took four wickets in four balls and ended with 5/6, completely destroying New Zealand. It was vintage Malinga — full of toe-crushing yorkers and unplayable slower balls Bowling Spells.
7. Umar Gul – 5/6 vs New Zealand (2009 World T20)
In an era when bowlers were figuring out T20 cricket, Umar Gul showed the way. His spell of 5/6 in just 3 overs helped Pakistan stun New Zealand in the 2009 World Cup. Gul’s reverse swing at high pace remains one of the most lethal weapons in T20 cricket history Bowling Spells.
6. Sunil Narine – 4/13 (IPL 2012 Final)
In the 2012 IPL final, Sunil Narine gave Kolkata Knight Riders the edge with 4/13 against Chennai Super Kings. Narine’s variations and accuracy under pressure helped KKR clinch their first IPL trophy. It was the night when Narine proved he was built for big stages Bowling Spells.
5. Rashid Khan – 3/19 vs Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL 2018 Qualifier 2)
Rashid Khan might have taken only three wickets, but his spell of 3/19 was match-defining. Bowling against powerful hitters, Rashid dismissed key players and even contributed with a brilliant run-out and catches. It was a complete all-round performance in one of the IPL’s most crucial matches.
4. Arshdeep Singh – 4/32 vs Pakistan (Asia Cup 2022)
Arshdeep Singh showed nerves of steel in one of the most high-pressure matches — India vs Pakistan. Though his figures were 4/32, what stood out was his calm execution of yorkers in the death overs. This spell made him India’s go-to bowler in crunch situations Bowling Spells.
3. Mustafizur Rahman – 5/22 vs New Zealand (2016 World T20)
Bangladesh’s “Fizz” troubled New Zealand with cutters, slower balls, and deadly accuracy. His spell of 5/22 remains one of the best for Bangladesh in T20 cricket, showing that clever variations can outwit even the best batting line-ups Bowling Spells.
2. Mohammad Amir – 3/18 vs India (Asia Cup 2016)
Although he took just three wickets, Amir’s spell of 3/18 against India was unforgettable. Bowling with pace and swing under lights, he dismissed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in fiery fashion. That spell reminded fans of vintage Pakistani fast bowling Bowling Spells.
1. Harbhajan Singh – 4/12 vs England (2007 World T20)
In the inaugural T20 World Cup, Harbhajan Singh spun India to victory with a stunning spell of 4/12 against England. His ability to deceive batters with flight and turn underlined the fact that spin would play a big role in T20 cricket.
These spells remind us that in a format dominated by batsmen, bowlers still have the power to decide matches. From Ajantha Mendis’ mystery spin to Malinga’s yorker mastery, these performances are etched into cricket folklore Bowling Spells.
FAQs on Greatest Bowling Spells in T20 Cricket History!!
1. Who has the best bowling figures in T20 internationals
Sri Lanka’s Ajantha Mendis holds the record with 6 wickets for 8 runs against Zimbabwe in 2012. His spell remains unmatched in T20I cricket history.
2. Which Indian bowler has the best T20I spell?
Deepak Chahar registered the best T20I figures by an Indian — 6/7 vs Bangladesh in 2019. It was a historic performance that won him the Man of the Match award.
3. Has any bowler taken four wickets in four balls in T20 cricket
Yes, Lasith Malinga achieved the rare feat of four wickets in four balls against New Zealand in 2019. His spell of 5/6 was one of the greatest bowling displays in T20 cricket.
4. Why are great bowling spells rare in T20 cricket?
T20 is heavily skewed in favour of batsmen with shorter boundaries and powerplays. However, bowlers who combine variation, accuracy, and nerves under pressure can still dominate and create memorable spells.