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November 26, 2024
West Indies pacer Alzarri Joseph holds the record for the best bowling figures in IPL history. On April 6, 2019, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, Joseph delivered a sensational spell, taking 6 wickets for just 12 runs against Team Hyderabad. This incredible performance showcased his ability to outwit batters and turned the game decisively in his team’s favor, earning him a place in IPL history as one of the most memorable bowling performances.
Since the inaugural IPL season, bowlers have consistently delivered extraordinary spells that have left a lasting impact on the tournament. Over the past 16 years, their skillful deliveries and tactical brilliance have often shifted the momentum of games, contributing to thrilling contests. As the 2024 IPL season approaches, fans eagerly anticipate which bowlers will step up to join the ranks of these iconic performances and etch their names in the record books.
RR’s Sandeep Sharma has the best bowling figures in IPL 2024. He took 5/18 against MI in Match 38 of IPL 2024 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur. MI’s Jasprit Bumrah is second with 5/21 against RCB and LSG’s Yash Thakur is third with 5/30 against GT.
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This performance was even more remarkable as it came in Alzarri Joseph’s debut IPL match, with Mumbai defending a modest total of just 137 runs. Joseph made an immediate impact, dismissing David Warner and Vijay Shankar within his first two overs, setting the tone for a spectacular spell. In his third over, he further dismantled the opposition by removing Deepak Hooda and Rashid Khan. He capped off his historic performance in his final over, claiming the wickets of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Siddharth Kaul, etching his name in IPL history with the best-ever bowling figures in the tournament.
Sohail Tanvir left an indelible mark on the inaugural edition of the Indian T20 League despite playing only one season. Representing the Rajasthan Royals, who went on to win the championship, Tanvir delivered a stunning performance against Chennai at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, taking 6 wickets for just 14 runs. This exceptional spell not only secured his place in tournament history but also played a pivotal role in Rajasthan’s triumphant campaign.
Tanvir’s dominance extended throughout the 2008 season, as he claimed the Purple Cap with 22 wickets in just 11 matches, showcasing his consistency and match-winning ability. His record for the best bowling figures stood unchallenged for 11 years, cementing his legacy as one of the finest bowlers in the league’s history.
On May 10, 2016, Adam Zampa etched his name in Indian T20 League history by delivering the third-ever 6-wicket haul in the tournament. Representing Pune against Hyderabad, Zampa spun magic with the ball, taking 6 wickets for just 19 runs. Remarkably, he remains the only spinner to achieve this feat, showcasing his exceptional control and guile on a surface favoring batters.
Despite Zampa’s brilliant bowling effort, Pune fell short in their chase of a modest target of 138, losing the match by just 4 runs. His performance, however, stood out as a masterclass in spin bowling, proving pivotal in maintaining his status as one of the league’s most memorable bowlers.
On April 18, 2009, Anil Kumble, India’s all-time highest wicket-taker, delivered a spellbinding performance against Rajasthan at Newlands, where damp conditions made the pitch particularly tricky. Kumble’s brilliance was on full display as he tore through the Rajasthan batting line-up, which was bowled out for a mere 58 runs. In just 3.1 overs, he conceded a mere 5 runs while taking five pivotal wickets, dismissing Yusuf Pathan, Ravindra Jadeja, Shane Warne, Munaf Patel, and Kamran Khan. His extraordinary figures not only highlighted his legendary skill but also showcased his ability to dominate on challenging surfaces, leaving a lasting mark on IPL history.
Rookie pacer Akash Madhwal ranks 5th on the list of best bowling figures in Indian T20 League history. The Mumbai speedster delivered a stunning performance, conceding just 5 runs in 3.3 overs while taking five crucial wickets. He dismissed Lucknow’s Mankad, Badoni, Pooran, Bishnoi, and Mohsin, playing a pivotal role in Mumbai’s dominant victory. Thanks to his exceptional bowling, Mumbai triumphed by 81 runs, securing their place in Qualifier 2. Madhwal’s remarkable spell showcased his immense potential and solidified his place among the league’s top bowlers.
As the 17th edition of the mega T20 league kicked off on March 22, 2024, let’s take a moment to reflect on the top bowling performances that have etched their names in the record books, leaving an indelible mark on the league’s rich history. These extraordinary spells have not only shaped matches but also set new benchmarks for excellence in T20 cricket.
Player | Bowling Figures | Team | Against | Year |
Alzarri Joseph | 6/12 | Mumbai | Hyderabad | 2019 |
Sohail Tanvir | 6/14 | Rajasthan | Chennai | 2008 |
Adam Zampa | 6/19 | Pune | Hyderabad | 2016 |
Anil Kumble | 5/5 | Bangalore | Rajasthan | 2009 |
Akash Madhwal | 5/5 | Mumbai | Lucknow | 2023 |
Jasprit Bumrah | 5/10 | Mumbai | Kolkata | 2022 |
Mohit Sharma | 5/10 | Gujarat | Mumbai | 2023 |
Ishant Sharma | 5/12 | Deccan | Kochi | 2011 |
Lasith Malinga | 5/13 | Mumbai | Delhi | 2011 |
Mark Wood | 5/14 | Lucknow | Delhi | 2023 |
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