not only presents itself with a great exhibition of fours of sixes, but extraordinary bowling performances often steal the show.
As the ongoing mega event of T20 cricket has already seen some fascinating bowling performances by some world-class bowlers, let’s take a look at the top 5 bowlers in the World Cup’s history.
Shakib Al Hasan
Sitting at the top of the list is Bangladesh’s premier all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. Shakib, who is Bangladesh’s main man, has featured in every T20 World Cup arranged to date.
So far, the all-rounder has bagged 39 wickets in 28 matches at an economy of 6.38 which is also the best so far amongst the top 5 bowlers in the World Cup. His 4/9 against Papua New Guinea is his best bowling figure at the World Cup.
Shahid Afridi
Second on the list is Pakistan’s legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi. The 2009 T20 World Cup-winning captain is the 2nd highest wicket-taker in the World Cup’s history so far equalling the 39 wickets of Shakib Al Hasan in 34 matches.
It’s not just the wickets that speak for the great, but his economy of 6.71 too is one of the best in the tournament’s history. Afridi has the best bowling figures of 4 for 11 against the Netherlands in the World Cup.
Lasith Malinga
The 2014 World Cup winner and one of Sri Lanka’s finest fast bowlers, Lasith Malinga features third on the list. The yorker master picked up 38 wickets in 31 matches at an economy of 7.43 in his T20 World Cup career and has best bowling figures of 5 for 31 against England.
Saeed Ajmal
One of Pakistan’s finest spin bowlers who has outboxed many great batters with his bowling is 4th on the list. Playing in 4 editions of the World Cup and also being a member of the 2009 World Cup-winning Pakistan side, Ajmal has 36 wickets at an economy of 6.79 to his name playing 23 matches at the World Cup. His 4/19 against Ireland is his best bowling figure at the World Cup.
Ajantha Mendis
Sri Lanka’s unorthodox mystery spinner and 2014 World Cup winner Ajantha Mendis takes the 5th spot on the list. His 35 wickets in 21 matches at an excellent economy of 6.70 include a bowling figure of 6 for 8 against Zimbabwe which is still the best bowling figure by a bowler in the tournament’s history.
anrbhowmik@gmail.com