People often have a misconception of T20 being a format for only the batters. That would be completely wrong as we have seen a lot of exceptional performance by a lot of bowlers in this format. The Indian Premiere League (IPL) is the biggest T20 league in the world and has seen a lot of marvellous bowling spells. There have been a lot of bowlers who have made the opposition batsmen struggle. However, if we were to rate the top 5 greatest bowling spells in IPL history then which spells would feature in that list? Today we shall be taking a look at the top-5 Greatest Bowling Spells in IPL History.
1) Sohail Tanvir- 6/14:
Tanvir was one of the main reasons why Rajasthan Royals (RR) won the inaugural edition of the IPL. He was absolutely sensational to say the least. Sohail Tanvir helped RR beat the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) with some crazy bowling on the display. He took 6 wickets in 14 balls along with a whooping 17 dot balls. He led his team to an 8-wicket victory. This spell was the best bowling figures in the history of the league for more than 10 years. Tanvir also happened to take the most number of wickets in IPL-2008, he took 22 wickets in 11 matches.
2) Adam Zampa- 6/19:
Aguably one the greatest spells in a losing cause, Zampa was superb in his debut IPL season. Despite his team having a bad season, he ensured that he does his best. It was only his second IPL match when Adam Zampa took 6 wickets for 19 runs. The leggie from Australia helped Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) restrict Hyderabad to 137/8 but his team lost the match eventually by 4 runs. This bowling display still remains the best bowling figures by a spinner in the history of the league.
3) Lasith Malinga- 5/13:
It is safe to say that Lasith Malinga is the greatest pacer IPL has ever seen. He has taken the most number if wickets in the history of the league. While there have been many bowling figures better than his 5/14 against Delhi, we thought of adding this in our list as this spell was a spell which determined the game then and there. It was against the then Delhi Capitals (Then Delhi Daredevils) that Malinga collected 5 wickets of 13 runs. He also won the ‘Purple Cap’ for a 28-wicket haul the same season.
4) Alzarri Joseph – 6/12:
The best bowling figures in IPL history, Alzarri Joseph’s 6/12 against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) is a spell to remember for ages. During IPL-2019, Joseph came in as a replacement and picked 6 winners in just 22 balls.
5) Anil Kumble- 5/5:
Kumble has been one of the best Indian spinners in the history of the league. Very few Indian bowlers as as impactful as Anil Kumble. It was in 2009 where Kumble took a fifer and gave away just the 5 runs against Deccan Chargers (DC). It is still considered as one of the greatest spells ever. What makes this spell even better is the fact that it was in Newlands which isn’t really a spin paradise.