Best Bowlers in T20 : The T20 Men’s World Cup has given cricket fans some unforgettable moments over the years. From thrilling matches to record-breaking performances, this tournament has been a true spectacle of talent and skill. Among the shining stars of the tournament are the bowlers who have consistently delivered under pressure, often turning games on their heads with their brilliance. Let’s take a look at the best bowlers in T20 Men’s World Cup history, who have etched their names into the history books with their outstanding performances.
Best Bowlers in T20
1. Lasith Malinga – The Yorker King
No list of legendary bowlers in the T20 Men’s World Cup is complete without mentioning Lasith Malinga. Known for his lethal yorkers and unorthodox bowling action, Malinga has been a game-changer for Sri Lanka. He played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s victorious 2014 campaign, delivering clutch performances at critical moments. Best Bowlers in T20
Malinga’s ability to bowl pinpoint yorkers, especially in the death overs, made him one of the most feared bowlers. With 38 wickets across multiple tournaments, he remains one of the top wicket-takers in the competition’s history. His best spell, 5/31 against England in 2012, showcased his ability to dismantle batting line-ups single-handedly.
2. Shahid Afridi – The Spin Wizard
When it comes to the best bowlers in T20 Men’s World Cup history, Shahid Afridi’s name shines brightly. Known as “Boom Boom” Afridi for his explosive batting, he was equally impactful with the ball. Afridi’s leg-spin proved to be a lethal weapon for Pakistan, often bamboozling batsmen with his variations.
Afridi’s standout performance came in the 2009 T20 World Cup, where he played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s title-winning campaign. With a total of 39 wickets in the tournament’s history, he remains one of the highest wicket-takers. His ability to pick wickets in crunch situations made him an asset for his team. Best Bowlers in T20
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3. Samuel Badree – The Silent Assassin
Samuel Badree’s journey in the T20 Men’s World Cup is a testament to the effectiveness of accurate spin bowling in the shortest format of the game. Representing the West Indies, Badree was instrumental in their 2012 and 2016 title-winning campaigns.
Badree’s strength lay in his consistency and ability to extract turn on any surface. His best performance came in the 2016 final against England, where his economical spell created pressure and set the stage for a famous West Indies victory. With an economy rate of under 6.00 in World Cup history, Badree is regarded as one of the most economical bowlers in the tournament.
4. Umar Gul – The Death Over Specialist
Umar Gul was Pakistan’s go-to bowler in the death overs during the early years of the T20 Men’s World Cup. His ability to deliver under pressure and pick wickets in crucial moments made him a match-winner. Gul’s performances in the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup played a significant role in taking Pakistan to the final.
With 35 wickets in the tournament’s history, Gul remains one of the top-performing fast bowlers. His 5/6 spell against New Zealand in the 2009 T20 World Cup is still remembered as one of the finest bowling performances in the competition’s history. Best Bowlers in T20
5. Mitchell Starc – Australia’s Ace in the Pack
Mitchell Starc’s fiery pace and ability to swing the ball make him one of the best bowlers in T20 Men’s World Cup history. While primarily known for his success in ODIs, Starc has consistently delivered match-winning performances for Australia in T20 cricket as well.
His ability to bowl toe-crushing yorkers and deceptive slower balls has troubled even the best batsmen. Starc played a significant role in Australia’s 2021 T20 World Cup win, proving his mettle with both the new ball and in the death overs. Best Bowlers in T20
6. Rashid Khan – The Modern Spin Sensation
Rashid Khan’s impact on the T20 Men’s World Cup has been phenomenal. Representing Afghanistan, Rashid has become one of the most sought-after bowlers in the shortest format of the game. His ability to pick wickets consistently while maintaining a low economy rate is a testament to his skill and temperament.
Rashid’s googly has often left batsmen clueless, making him a vital cog in Afghanistan’s T20 World Cup campaigns. With several memorable spells under his belt, Rashid Khan continues to be one of the most exciting talents in T20 cricket. Best Bowlers in T20
7. Dwayne Bravo – The Versatile All-Rounder
Dwayne Bravo’s contributions to the West Indies’ T20 World Cup success cannot be overstated. Known for his variations and ability to outfox batsmen in the death overs, Bravo was a key player in the West Indies’ title-winning campaigns in 2012 and 2016.
Bravo’s slow balls and yorkers, combined with his cricketing intelligence, have made him one of the best bowlers in T20 history. With his all-around skills, Bravo has not only picked up crucial wickets but also contributed with the bat when needed.
Honorable Mentions
- Saeed Ajmal: Known for his magical doosras, Ajmal was a key bowler for Pakistan.
- Sunil Narine: His mystery spin and control made him a valuable asset for the West Indies.
- Jasprit Bumrah: The Indian speedster has already made a mark with his exceptional performances in T20 World Cups.
Conclusion
The T20 Men’s World Cup has been a stage for bowlers to showcase their talent and make a lasting impact on the game. From pace bowlers like Lasith Malinga and Umar Gul to spinners like Shahid Afridi and Rashid Khan, these players have consistently delivered under pressure, turning games in their teams’ favor.
Their brilliance has not only brought glory to their nations but also added to the rich history of the tournament. As the T20 World Cup continues to grow in popularity, fans eagerly await the emergence of new stars who will carry forward the legacy of these legendary bowlers.
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