Many people believe that T20 is a game for batsmen because they get the authority to go after the bowlers. However, in reality, T20 required same kind of skills from both batters and bowlers. A team that doesn’t have specialist players in both departments can never win an important tournament like the T20 World Cup. The role of a bowler is very important. Their four-over spell has the potential to turn the game on its head. in this article, we will discuss the list of all “Golden Ball” winners in the T20 World Cup.
Golden Ball winner in T20 World Cup List
1. Umar Gul with 13 wickets in 2007
Pakistan is a land of world-class fast bowlers. Umar Gul was also one name who could demolish any batting line-up on his own. That’s what he did in the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup in South Africa. Gul was one of the reasons that Pakistan made it to the finals of the tournament. He took a total of 13 wickets in seven matches and won the “Golden Ball” of the tournament.
2. Umar Gul with 13 wickets in 2009
Umar Gul is the only bowler in history to win the “Golden Ball” award twice, and that too in successive editions. The Pakistani pacer was the leading wicket-taker in both the 2007 and 2009 T20 World Cups. He took 13 wickets in seven games.
3. Dirk Nannes with 14 wickets in 2010
Dirk Nannes was one of the most underrated pacers in world cricket. Playing for Australia, he has bowled some amazing spells. He was at his best in the 2010 World Cup and also won the “Golden Ball”. Nannes ended as the leading wicket-taker in the tournament. He took 14 wickets in just seven games for Australia.
4. Ajantha Mendis with 15 wickets in 2012
Sri Lanka has always produced some of the best spinners in cricket. Ajantha Mendis was also a mystery spinner, who was very difficult to pick. Mendis won the “Golden Ball” award in the 2012 T20 World Cup and ended the tournament as the highest wicket-taker. He took 15 wickets in just six matches with a best figure of 6/8.
5. Imran Tahir with 12 wickets in 2014 World Cup
Imran Tahir is one of the best components of the cricket ball. The veteran leg-spinner has led South Africa to many victories across the format. But in white-ball, his record is impeccable. Tahir was the joint-leading wicket-taker in the 2014 World Cup. He and Ahsan Malik of the Netherlands had 12 wickets each in the 2014 edition. But because Tahir played only five games, he won the “Golden Ball” award.
6. Mohammad Nabi with 13 wickets in 2016 World Cup
The Afghan all-rounder was at his absolute best in the 2016 World Cup in India. He showed the world what he could do with the ball in hand. He ended the tournament with the highest wicket-taker and won the “Golden Ball” award. Nabi took 12 wickets in seven matches with a best figure of 4/20.
7. Wanindu Hasaranga with 16 wickets in 2021 World Cup
The last “Golden Ball” winner is another spinner from Sri Lanka. Wanindu Hasaranga was on fire in the 2021 World Cup in the UAE. He also set a record for the most wickets in one season. Hasaranga took 16 wickets in eight matches with a best figure of 3/9.