T20 World Cup: T20 cricket is a batsman’s dominating game and there is no chance for the bowler to make any errors. Because one small error can cost him a lot. Bowlers need to bowl very cautiously and take wickets as well. However, bowling four overs in a T20 game becomes more difficult when batters are going after every bowl. But there are times when bowlers get over the batsman and don’t let them score runs.
That is the reason that a bowler nowadays should think about what the batter is thinking. So in this article, we will look at some of the most economical spells ever bowled in the history of the T20 World Cup. There are some of the most amazing spells that have been recorded and have changed the scenario of the game totally. So in this article we will discuss the most economical spell ever bowled in T20I World Cup history.
1. Ajantha Mendia (6/8) against Zimbabwe in the 2012 World Cup
The best economical spell ever bowled was recorded during a match between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe during the 2012 World Cup. Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a challenging score of 182/4 in their 20 overs. Kumar Sanggakkara (44) and Jeevan Mendis (43) were the top scorers. Chasing the target, both openers from Zimbabwe added 37 runs for the opening wicket and were looking good.
Sri Lankan skipper, Jayawardene, brought Ajantha Mendis to break the partnership in the 6th over. And that was the master-stroke. After that, the mystery spinner totally changed the game in favor of Sri Lanka. He bowled an incredible spell of four overs and took six wickets in that match. He broke the back of Zimbabwe’s batting and gave away just 8 runs, including two maidens. Mendis was also named “Man of the Match” for his performance.
2. Rangana Herath (5/3) against New Zealand in the 2014 T20 World Cup
The second best spell also comes from a Sri Lankan spinner. But this time it is from Rangana Herath. It was the 30th match of the 2014 World Cup between Sri Lanka and New Zealand. Batting first, Sri Lanka totally failed to score runs and were bowled out for just 119 runs. The Kiwi pacers totally demolished the Sri Lankan batsmen. It was looking like it would be an easy chase for the Black Caps.
But it didn’t happen as it was one of the most thrilling contests of all time. Defending a low total, Sri Lanka came up with some plans and executed them perfectly. For New Zealand, only Kane Williamson (42) was the lone savior and none of the other batters crossed the 10-run mark. It was largely because of Herath, who had just changed the game with his bowling. He registered a figure of 5/3 in that match. He took five wickets for just three runs in 3.3 overs, including two maidens.
3. Umar Gul (5/6) against New Zealand in the 2009 World Cup
This was the 18th match of the 2009 World Cup between Pakistan and New Zealand. After winning the toss, the Black Caps decided to bat first. But it didn’t work out for them this time around. As they lost their first four wickets within the power-play courtesy of some brilliant bowling from the Pakistani pacers.
Then Umar Gul came to wrap up the middle-order and tail. He just bowled one of the finest spells of all time and took five wickets in the match. Gul ended with a figure of 5/6 in just three overs and New Zealand got out on 99. The Men in Green chased down the target with 41 balls to spare and six wickets in hand. Umar Gul was the “Man of the Match” in that game.
Best Bowling figures in T20 World Cup History
Bowler | Overs | Maiden | Runs/Wicket | Team | Against | Year |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ajantha Mendia | 4 | 2 | 8/6 | Sri Lanka | Zimbabwe | 2012 |
Rangana Herath | 3.3 | 2 | 3/5 | Sri Lanka | New Zealand | 2014 |
Umar Gul | 3 | 0 | 6/5 | Pakistan | New Zealand | 2009 |
Sam Curran | 3.4 | 0 | 10/5 | England | Afghanistan | 2022 |
Ahsan Malik | 4 | 0 | 19/5 | Netherlands | South Africa | 2014 |
Adam Zampa | 4 | 0 | 19/5 | Australia | Bangladesh | 2021 |
Mujeeb Ur Rahman | 4 | 0 | 20/5 | Afghanistan | Scotland | 2021 |
Mustafizur Rahman | 4 | 0 | 22/5 | Bangladesh | New Zealand | 2016 |
James Faulkner | 4 | 0 | 27/5 | Australia | Pakistan | 2016 |
Lasith Malinga | 4 | 0 | 31/5 | Sri Lanka | England | 2012 |