6 Indian Bowlers with the Best Figures in ICC T20 World Cup History

Indian bowlers have delivered some memorable performances in the ICC T20 World Cup over the years. Their ability to take crucial wickets at key moments has played a big role in India’s success in the tournament. Here’s a look at six Indian bowlers who have achieved the best bowling figures in the history of the ICC T20 World Cup.

Indian Bowlers with the Best Figures in ICC T20 World Cup History

1. Arshdeep Singh – 4/9 Against USA (2024)

Arshdeep Singh recently made history for India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. In a match against the USA at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, Arshdeep claimed incredible figures of 4/9. He started the game on fire, taking a wicket with the very first ball of the USA’s innings. Arshdeep grabbed two wickets in his first over and later added two more to his tally. His performance helped India restrict the USA to just 110/8 in their 20 overs, which is the lowest total any team has managed against India in an ICC T20 World Cup match.

Not only did Arshdeep set the record for the best bowling figures by an Indian in T20 World Cups, but he also became the first Indian bowler to take a wicket off the first delivery in a T20 World Cup match. His four-wicket haul places him among elite company, joining former Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza and Afghanistan’s Shapoor Zadran, who have also taken wickets on the first ball of a T20 World Cup game. With this performance, Arshdeep now has 17 T20 World Cup wickets in just nine matches, with an impressive average of 13.58 and an economy rate of 7.21.

2. Ravichandran Ashwin – 4/11 Against Australia (2014)

Ravichandran Ashwin is one of India’s most successful bowlers in T20 World Cups, and his performance against Australia in the 2014 edition stands out. In a match played in Mirpur, Ashwin delivered a stunning spell, taking 4/11 in just 3.2 overs. His efforts helped India defend a total of 159/7, as they bowled Australia out for a mere 86 runs. Ashwin dismissed key Australian players like Aaron Finch, David Warner, and Glenn Maxwell, showing his class and experience.

Ashwin is India’s leading wicket-taker in ICC T20 World Cup history, with 32 wickets at an average of 17.25 and an economy rate of 6.49. Across his T20I career, Ashwin has taken 72 wickets from 65 matches and has over 300 wickets in T20 cricket overall.

3. Harbhajan Singh – 4/12 Against England (2012)

Harbhajan Singh, a legendary off-spinner, made his mark in the 2012 ICC T20 World Cup with an outstanding performance against England. In a match held in Colombo, Harbhajan took 4/12, including two maiden overs, helping India bowl England out for just 80 runs. India had earlier set a target of 171, thanks to Rohit Sharma’s unbeaten 55. Harbhajan’s spell was crucial in securing a big win for India, as he took the important wickets of Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler.

Harbhajan played 19 matches in T20 World Cups, claiming 16 wickets at an average of 29.25. In T20Is, he took 25 wickets, and in T20 cricket overall, he picked up 235 wickets at an average of 26.35.

4. RP Singh – 4/13 Against South Africa (2007)

RP Singh, known for his ability to swing the ball, produced one of the best bowling performances for India in the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007. Playing against South Africa in Durban, RP Singh took 4/13, helping India restrict South Africa to 116/9 in their 20 overs. Earlier, India had scored 153/5, with Rohit Sharma’s unbeaten 50 and MS Dhoni’s 45 playing key roles. RP Singh’s wickets included the dangerous Herschelle Gibbs and Graeme Smith, as well as Shaun Pollock and Albie Morkel.

RP Singh played 10 T20Is for India, taking 15 wickets at an average of 15. In T20 cricket overall, he claimed 146 wickets from 132 matches at an average of 24.91.

5. Zaheer Khan – 4/19 Against Ireland (2009)

Zaheer Khan, another left-arm pacer on this list, delivered a memorable performance against Ireland in the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup. Playing in Nottingham, Zaheer’s 4/19 helped India restrict Ireland to just 112/8 in their 20 overs. Zaheer’s wickets included three of the top four Irish batters, as well as the top-scorer Andre White, who made 29. India comfortably chased down the target to secure a win.

Zaheer played 17 T20Is for India, taking 17 wickets at an average of 26.35. In T20 cricket overall, he picked up 139 wickets at an average of 27.35.

6. Pragyan Ojha – 4/21 Against Bangladesh (2009)

Pragyan Ojha, a left-arm spinner, made his mark in the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup with a brilliant performance against Bangladesh in Nottingham. Ojha’s 4/21 helped India defend a total of 180/5, as Bangladesh could only manage 155/8 in their 20 overs. Ojha’s wickets included key players like opener Zunaed Siddique (41), Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, and Mashrafe Mortaza.

Ojha played six T20Is for India, taking 10 wickets. In T20 cricket overall, he claimed 156 wickets from 142 matches at an average of 22.38.