While it’s common to see batters break and make records every now and then, bowlers have had their good days as well. The same has been on display in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The league has seen world-class bowlers grace the field with their skilful performances. A few of them went down in the record books, thanks to their best bowling figures.
Here we’ll look at the top five best bowling figures delivered in IPL history.
5. Akash Madhwal (MI) | 5/5 vs LSG, 2023
Akash Madhwal came to prominence in IPL 2023. The reason? His splendid bowling performance in the Eliminator game.
Madhwal came into the game with a four-wicket haul, which helped Mumbai Indians (MI) make the playoffs. And he continued his form into the next game, which was even more important.
Madhwal’s early breakthrough helped MI keep Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) under pressure while defending 182 runs. Then Madhwal burst the bubble by cleaning up LSG’s middle and lower order to push MI into Qualifier 2.
4. Anil Kumble (RCB) | 5/5 vs RR, 2009
Before Madhwal, Anil Kumble had the same figures, almost 14 years ago. His performance couldn’t have come at a better time than the game against Rajasthan Royals (RR).
With 134 runs to defend, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) needed a magical performance from their bowlers. And Kumble answered the call.
He pierced through RR’s middle and lower order to skittle them for 58 runs. And as RR’s last wicket fell, Kumble completed his five-wicket haul.
3. Adam Zampa (RPSG) | 6/19 vs SRH, 2016
Adam Zampa may not have had a consistent run in the IPL, but he had a ball in a 2016 match. On a Vizag surface that offered enough grip and turn, the leggie tightened the screws against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
SRH were looking to accelerate in the death overs, but Zampa denied them a chance. He struck six times in the three overs he bowled in the death.
His 6 for 19 helped Rising Pune Supergiants (RPSG) keep SRH to a below-par 137. Although RPSG couldn’t win the game, Zampa settled for the Player of the Match award.
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2. Sohail Tanvir (RR) | 6/14 vs CSK, 2008
Everyone, perhaps, knows IPL’s first centurion. But did you know who took the first five-wicket haul in the league?
Well, it’s none other than Sohail Tanvir, who was once on top of this list. He topped his five-for with a record figure that remained the best for almost a decade.
Tanvir first stung Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) top order before working over the lower-order batters. His initial breakthroughs and the late strikes gave him the figures of 6 for 14.
1. Alzarri Joseph (MI) | 6/12 vs SRH, 2019
What would you expect a player to feel like in his debut game? A little pressure, nervousness, right? But not for Alzarri Joseph.
The Caribbean pacer announced his arrival in the IPL in style. Joseph strangled more than half of SRH’s lineup in a 2019 game.
After Rahul Chahar brought the first breakthrough, Joseph sniffed a chance and didn’t let it go. He ended up with figures of 6 for 12 to help MI defend 136 runs.
Joseph’s figures are right at the top in the IPL among all bowlers, and even as a debutant.
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