In T20 International cricket, bowlers play a crucial and significant role in determining the outcome of a match. T20 cricket is known for its fast-paced and high-scoring nature, where every ball can have a substantial impact on the game. Bowlers are tasked with restricting the opposition's scoring and taking wickets, which can tilt the game in their team's favour.
T20 matches are typically high-scoring, and bowlers need to be skillful in containing the opposition's batsmen. By maintaining a tight line and length, varying their pace, and using deceptive variations, bowlers can put pressure on the batting side, forcing them to take risks, which can lead to wickets or dot balls.
Wickets are precious in T20 cricket as they can disrupt the opposition's momentum and put them on the back foot. Bowlers who can consistently take wickets, especially in the crucial middle and death overs, can significantly influence the game's outcome. Cricket betting sites have lots of statistics with them on their websites.
Here is a list of the best bowling figures in the history of T20 international.
1) Syazrul Idrus – Malasyia
Syazrul Idrus made history on July 26, 2023, when he took 7 wickets for 8 runs in a T20I match against China. This is the best bowling figures in a men's T20I match. Idrus is a right-arm fast bowler who plays for Malaysia. He is known for his ability to swing the ball both ways. In the match against China, he bowled with great control and accuracy.
He was able to get the ball to move off the seam, which made it difficult for the Chinese batsmen to score runs. Idrus's performance was a major factor in Malaysia's victory. They bowled China out for just 23 runs, which is the lowest total ever scored in a men's T20I match.
2) Peter Aho – Nigeria
Peter Aho took 6 wickets for 5 runs in a T20I match against Sierra Leone on October 24, 2021. This is the second-best bowling figure in the T20 international and the best bowling figures match by a Nigerian bowler. Aho is a right-arm fast bowler who plays for Nigeria.
He is known for his ability to bowl with pace and accuracy. In the match against Sierra Leone, he bowled with great control and discipline. He was able to get the ball to move off the seam, which made it difficult for the Sierra Leone batsmen to score runs.
3) Deepak Chahar – India
Deepak Chahar's impressive 6-wicket haul against Bangladesh is one of the most memorable performances by an Indian bowler in T20 International cricket. The match took place in November 2019, during the third and final T20I of the series between India and Bangladesh in Nagpur, India.
In three overs, Chahar picked up 6 wickets giving away 7 runs. His exceptional performance was highlighted by the fact that he bowled three maiden overs which is an impossible thing to do in T20 format.
4) Dinesh Nakrani – Uganda
Nakrani is a right-arm fast bowler who plays for Uganda and is known for his ability to bowl with pace and accuracy. In the match against Lesotho, he bowled with great control and discipline. He was able to get the ball to move off the seam, which made it difficult for the Lesotho batsmen to score runs. Nakrani picked up 6 wickets by giving away 7 runs in 4 overs.
5) Balapuwaduge Ajantha Winslow Mendis – Sri Lanka
Ajantha Mendis is a former Sri Lankan cricketer known for his unconventional spin bowling, particularly his “carrom ball.” He was one of the most ferocious bowlers from the Lankan side who troubled some of the best batters in the world at his peak. In 2012, Mendis picked up 6 wickets by giving away 8 runs in 4 overs against Zimbabwe in a match at Hambantota.
