Greatest Bowling Performances by Indians in Men’s T20 World Cup

The Indian cricket team has been a dominant force in world cricket, especially in shorter formats. Since the T20 World Cup began in 2007, Indian bowlers have consistently delivered match-winning performances. In the 2024 T20 World Cup, India started strong with three consecutive victories, securing a spot in the Super 8 stage, highlighted by young pacer Arshdeep Singh’s stellar performance against the USA. Let’s revisit the five best bowling performances by Indian bowlers in T20 World Cup history.

Arshdeep Singh – 4/9

Arshdeep Singh’s remarkable spell of 4/9 against the USA on June 12, 2024, now stands as the best-ever bowling performance by an Indian in T20 World Cup history. 

Arshdeep struck with his very first delivery, trapping Shayan Jahangir LBW. He then dismissed Andries Gous, finishing his first over with two wickets. Returning in the middle overs, he removed Nitish Kumar with a brilliant catch by Mohammed Siraj. His final wicket, that of Harmeet Singh, ensured the USA were restricted to 110. India smoothly reached the target, as Suryakumar Yadav contributed a fifty leading the way for runs.

Ravichandran Ashwin – 4/11

Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin’s spell of 4/11 against Australia in the 2014 T20 World Cup is remembered as one of the finest by an Indian spinner. This match, crucial for India’s semi-final qualification, saw them dominate Australia by a margin of 73 runs.

India, batting first, scored 159 with significant contributions from Yuvraj Singh (60 off 42). Ashwin was exceptional, starting by dismissing both Australian openers, Aaron Finch and David Warner, who tried to slog but only managed to edge the fielders. He then bowled Glenn Maxwell with a clever delivery that outfoxed the batter attempting a reverse sweep. Ashwin completed his spell by taking the final wicket of James Muirhead, finishing with extraordinary figures of 4/11.

Harbhajan Singh – 4/12

Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh, delivered one of his best T20 performances against England on September 23, 2012, in Colombo. His spell of 4/12 played a significant role in India’s comprehensive 90-run victory.

India posted a challenging total of 170, with Rohit Sharma contributing a quickfire 55* off 33 balls. Harbhajan, introduced in the sixth over, immediately made an impact by breaching the defense of Eoin Morgan. He then bowled Jos Buttler, who failed to connect while attempting to create room. Harbhajan’s next victims were Tim Bresnan and Graeme Swann, effectively dismantling England’s middle and lower order, leading to their dismissal for a mere 80 runs.

RP Singh – 4/13

RP Singh

RP Singh was one of the standout performers in India’s victorious campaign in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. In a Super 8 game against South Africa, his exceptional figures of 4/13 were pivotal in ensuring India’s entry into the knockout stage.

India, batting first, set a target of 153. RP Singh, bowling the second over, struck early by trapping Herschelle Gibbs LBW with a perfect delivery. He followed this up by inducing an edge from Graeme Smith, caught brilliantly by Dinesh Karthik. His subsequent dismissals of Shaun Pollock and Albie Morkel, who was threatening to take the game away with a quick 36, were crucial.