Bowling in T20 cricket, often overshadowed by powerful hitting, remains a key aspect of the game, even on batting-friendly pitches. The IPL, known for explosive strokes and high scores, has seen bowlers rise to the challenge. While batting feats grab attention, memorable bowling performances, like the Top 5 Best Bowling Figures in IPL, have turned games around and dismantled top batting line-ups.
Here is the list of Top 5 Best Bowling figures in IPL
5. Akash Madhwal (Mumbai Indians) – 5/5 vs Lucknow Super Giants
A newcomer finding his place in a settled LSG squad, Akash Madhwal made a stunning entrance that left a lasting impact on the IPL. His exceptional bowling performance became a defining moment of the 2023 Eliminator clash against LSG in Chennai. Madhwal dismantled the opposition with a jaw-dropping spell, finishing with figures of 3.3 overs, 5 runs, and 5 wickets. His economy rate was a miserly 1.42, and he delivered an astounding 17 dot balls, completely stifling the batting side. He is one of the Top 5 Best Bowling figures in IPL.
4. Anil Kumble (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – 5/5 vs Rajasthan Royals
For many years, Anil Kumble held the record for the best bowling figures by an Indian in an ODI match—and it’s no surprise he carried that dominance into the IPL as well. In the second season of the league, Kumble unleashed his full repertoire to completely dismantle the Rajasthan Royals. He delivered a masterclass, ending with remarkable figures of 3.1 overs, 1 maiden, 5 runs, and 5 wickets—one of the Top 5 Best Bowling figures in IPL history.
3. Adam Zampa (Rising Pune Supergiant) – 6/19 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa holds the third spot on the list of top bowling performances in IPL history. While he may not turn the ball as sharply as some of his fellow leg-spinners, Zampa has proven to be a tough competitor thanks to his clever variations. He delivered an outstanding spell, claiming 6 wickets for just 19 runs in his four overs—one of the Top 5 Best Bowling figures in IPL. Despite his heroics, Pune narrowly fell short, losing the match by 4 runs, as his brilliance with the ball couldn’t quite secure the win.
2. Sohail Tanvir (Rajasthan Royals) – 6/14 vs Chennai Super Kings
Before Alzarri Joseph claimed the top spot, Pakistan’s Sohail Tanvir held the record for the best bowling figures in IPL history. His exceptional spell came during the inaugural season of the league, where he dismantled the Chennai Super Kings with figures of 6 wickets for just 14 runs in four overs at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. This record stood strong for 11 years until Joseph broke it in 2019. Tanvir’s performance is still widely regarded as one of the Top 5 Best Bowling figures in IPL.
1. Alzarri Joseph (Mumbai Indians) – 6/12 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
At the start of the 2019 IPL season, Alzarri Joseph was a relatively unknown name outside the Caribbean. But that changed dramatically on April 6, 2019, when he made his debut and instantly made a powerful statement with the ball. Facing a strong Sunrisers Hyderabad side, Joseph rose to the occasion while defending a modest total of 137. In a sensational display, he tore through the SRH batting lineup, claiming 6 wickets for just 12 runs—setting a new record for the Top 5 Best Bowling figures in IPL history as he bowled them out for just 97.
Best bowling figures in IPL history
| Player | Overs | Mdns | Runs conceded | Wickets taken | Economy | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alzarri Joseph | 3.4 | 1 | 12 | 6 | 3.27 | SRH |
| Sohail Tanvir | 4 | – | 14 | 6 | 3.5 | CSK |
| Adam Zampa | 4 | – | 19 | 6 | 4.75 | SRH |
| Anil Kumble | 3.1 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 1.57 | RR |
| Akash Madhwal | 3.3 | – | 5 | 5 | 1.42 | LSG |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 4 | 1 | 10 | 5 | 2.5 | KKR |
| Mohit Sharma | 2.2 | – | 10 | 5 | 4.28 | MI |
| Ishant Sharma | 3 | – | 12 | 5 | 4 | Kochi |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the top 5 best bowling figures in IPL history showcase the brilliance and impact a single bowler can have in the shortest format of the game. These performances not only turned matches around but also etched the bowlers’ names into IPL folklore. Their exceptional skill, precision, and composure under pressure serve as a reminder that even in a batsman-dominated tournament, bowlers can still steal the spotlight.
Read More: Top 5 Best Death Over Specialist Batsmen in IPL History
FAQ`s
Q1. Who holds the record for the best bowling figures in IPL history?
A: As of now, Alzarri Joseph holds the record with figures of 6 wickets for 12 runs, achieved while playing for Mumbai Indians in 2019.
Q2. Do these bowlers always win the match for their team?
A: While such bowling performances often lead to victories, cricket is a team sport, and outcomes can vary depending on overall team performance.