Best Bowling Performances – IPL

When it comes to T20, people always perceive it as a game dominated by the batsmen, and it is always about huge sixes and boundaries and big scores put up on the board. Not enough attention has been paid to the bowlers who make a difference between a good T20 side and champion T20 side. But the bowlers have always had their say then and there. Here we are going to see the top 5 scintillating spells by the bowlers in the entire IPL history. #1 Alzarri Joseph (MI) 6/12 vs SRH (2019) Image credits - V.V.S. Giri | Getty Images This Under-19 champion from the West Indies team had a dream start to his IPL career. He bowled a breath-taking spell when his team was defending a meager total of 136 and the SRH batsmen were completely blown away in their backyard by this 23 -year old IPL debutant. This tall lanky youngster from Antigua ran through the entire batting order and fittingly grabbed the final wicket capping the night off with the best bowling figures ever in the IPL history. #2 Sohail Tanvir (RR) – 6/14 vs CSK (2008) Image creidts - Joe Giddens | Getty Images In the very first season of IPL, Tanvir produced a bamboozling spell claiming six wickets against the mighty CSK. Through his ability to swing the ball both ways and with his slow ball variations, he created a havoc at the start of the innings and in the death overs as well that night. This left-arm pace bowler played a crucial role in RR clinching the trophy in the inaugural season and it was good old days when Pakistani players could participate in IPL. #3 Adam Zampa (RPS) – 6-19 vs SRH (2016) Image credits - Ryan Pierse | Getty Images This leg-break bowler from the Australian shores showcased his skills on the big stage that night for the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant. Possessing a simple and beautiful bowling action like the legendary Shane Wane, he bowled a magic spell of traditional leg breaks. With skipper Dhoni throwing the ball to him in the 20th over, he took upon the challenge and picked up 3 wickets in that final over. He was duly awarded the Man of the Match award for that game, even though his team ended up losing that night. #4 Anil Kumble (RCB) – 5/5 vs RR (2009) Image credits - Tom Shaw | Getty Images Yes. You read it right. Kumble picked up as many wickets as the runs he gave that night in Cape Town. The legendary wrist spinner from India completely dismantled the second half of the Rajasthan Royals’ batting order and bundled them out for 58, the second-lowest total in IPL history. It was one of the most successful seasons for RCB and Kumble played a big part in it, proving his finesse in the shortest format of the game as well. #5 Ishant Sharma (DC) – 5/12 vs KTK (2011) Image credits NOAH SEELAM/AFP via Getty Images This tall Indian fast bowler produced a hostile spell of bowling at Kochi that night representing the now-defunct Deccan Chargers. It was the early days of Ishant, and he delivered in a big way against the now-defunct Kochi Tuskers Kerala. All his dismissals were of the top order batsmen and four of them were dismissed for a duck. It was one of the best opening spells by any bowler in the IPL history. There are many more such mesmerizing spells from other bowlers as well. Even though the love for boundaries and sixes is more among the fans of the game, the pictures of stumps getting rooted off and the deceiving flight of the delivery from the spin bowler make for much more engaging action of cricket. The bowlers deserve more attention and praise from the fans for their performances so that the game remains an even contest between the bat and ball. Looking forward to more such enthralling performances from the bowlers in the upcoming IPL season as well. Cheers! About the Author The post is written by Aravind. Aravind is a graduate from IIM Visakhapatnam and an avid cricket enthusiast. He follows the game with great passion. More than mere watching, he likes to analyze the game deeply and write blogs.