The ninth edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is set to commence on June 2, with 20 teams aiming for supremacy in the West Indies and the USA. It’s the perfect time to walk down memory lane and revisit some of the most scintillating bowling performances that have lit up this prestigious tournament over the years.

Bowlers have the unique ability to turn the tide of a game with skill, precision, and sometimes magical deliveries. The T20 World Cup has witnessed some of cricket’s most remarkable bowling performances. Bowlers like Ajantha Mendis, Rangana Herath, Umar Gul, Sam Curran, and Ahsan Malik have set high standards with their extraordinary figures.

Their spells have not only won matches but have also added to the rich tapestry of cricketing history. As we gear up for another thrilling edition of the T20 World Cup, fans around the world eagerly await more such memorable performances. Let’s look at the top bowlers who have produced the best bowling figures in T20 World Cup history from 2007 to 2024.

Top 5 best bowling figures in T20 World Cup history

1. Ajantha Mendis (Sri Lanka) – 6/8 vs Zimbabwe, 2012

Ajantha Mendis holds the record for being the best bowling figure in T20 World Cup history. His extraordinary performance of 6 wickets for just 8 runs against Zimbabwe in 2012 left cricket fans and experts in awe.

Mendis’ mystery spin baffled the Zimbabwean batters, making it impossible for them to establish any momentum. Sri Lanka scored 183 runs and won the match by a significant margin of 82 runs. Mendis’ spell remains a benchmark for excellence in T20 bowling.

2. Rangana Herath (Sri Lanka) – 5/3 vs New Zealand, 2014

Rangana Herath’s spell of 5 wickets for 3 runs against New Zealand in the 2014 T20 World Cup is the second-best bowling figure in the tournament’s history. Chasing a modest target of 119 runs, New Zealand’s batting lineup crumbled under Herath’s precision and ability to exploit the conditions.

The Kiwis were dismissed for just 60 runs, allowing Sri Lanka to qualify for the semifinal and eventually win the 2014 title. Herath’s performance was a masterclass in controlled spin bowling.

3. Umar Gul (Pakistan) – 5/6 vs New Zealand, 2009

Umar Gul’s remarkable spell of 5 wickets for 6 runs against New Zealand in the 2009 T20 World Cup is the third-best bowling performance in the tournament’s history. Gul’s reverse swing and pinpoint accuracy dismantled the New Zealand batting lineup, which was bowled out for 99 runs.

Pakistan won the match by 6 wickets, and Umar Gul finished as the highest wicket-taker in the 2009 tournament with 13 wickets. His performance was crucial in Pakistan’s journey to the trophy.

4. Sam Curran (England) – 5/10 vs Afghanistan, 2022

Sam Curran’s 5/10 against Afghanistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup is the fourth-best bowling figure in the tournament’s history. Curran’s outstanding performance helped England dismiss Afghanistan for just 112 runs in the Super 12 match at Perth.

England secured a comfortable victory by 5 wickets. Curran’s versatility and effectiveness with the ball earned him the Player of the Tournament award in the 2022 T20 World Cup.

5. Ahsan Malik (Netherlands) – 5/19 vs South Africa, 2014

Ahsan Malik’s 5 wickets for 19 runs against South Africa in the 2014 T20 World Cup is the best bowling performance by an associate nation bowler in the tournament’s history.

Malik’s disciplined bowling restricted South Africa to 145 runs, although the Netherlands fell short of the target by 6 runs. Despite the loss, Malik’s performance was a highlight, showcasing the potential of associate nation players on the world stage.