The T20 format favors batsmen but Men’s T20 Asia Cup has had some great bowling that changed games. Bowlers have really made their mark with match winning spells and calm play under pressure. Here are the top 5 bowling performances in Men’s T20 Asia Cup history looking at the context and why each spell was so important.
Best bowling figures in an innings For T20 Asia Cup:
| Player | Overs | Wickets taken | Team | Opposition | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B Kumar | 4.0 | 5 | India | v Afghanistan | Dubai (DICS) |
| Shadab Khan | 2.4 | 4 | Pakistan | v Hong Kong | Sharjah |
| Mohammad Nabi | 4.0 | 4 | Afghanistan | v Hong Kong | Mirpur |
| SL Malinga | 4.0 | 4 | Sri Lanka | v U.A.E. | Mirpur |
| B Kumar | 4.0 | 4 | India | v Pakistan | Dubai (DICS) |
| Pramod Madushan | 4.0 | 4 | Sri Lanka | v Pakistan | Dubai (DICS) |
| Aamir Kaleem | 4.0 | 4 | Oman | v U.A.E. | Mirpur |
| Mohammad Nawaz | 2.0 | 3 | Pakistan | v Hong Kong | Sharjah |
| HH Pandya | 3.3 | 3 | India | v Pakistan | Mirpur |
| KMDN Kulasekara | 4.0 | 3 | Sri Lanka | v U.A.E. | Mirpur |
1. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 5/4 vs Afghanistan, 2022 (Dubai)
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s bowling against Afghanistan on September 8, 2022 reminded everyone that swing is still useful in T20 cricket. He finished with 4 overs, 1 maiden, 4 runs, 5 wickets. He destroyed Afghanistan’s top order in Dubai. His early wickets stopped their chase before it even started. He was in control and moving the ball in a match where India had to finish strong after being knocked out of the tournament. These are still the best bowling numbers in T20 Asia Cup history.
2. Shadab Khan – 4/8 vs Hong Kong, 2022 (Sharjah)
On September 2, 2022 Shadab Khan made Sharjah a tough place for batsmen. He bowled accurately and with good change of pace. He finished with 2.4 overs, 8 runs, 4 wickets. He wrapped up Hong Kong’s lower order very quickly which gave Pakistan a big win. This showed how important wrist spinners are in T20 cricket especially in Asia.
3. Mohammad Nabi – 4/17 vs Hong Kong, 2016 (Mirpur)
Mohammad Nabi has been a key player for Afghanistan for years. His spell against Hong Kong on February 22, 2016 was a big moment in Afghan cricket. His 4 for 17 in 4 overs stopped the other team from scoring and showed that Afghanistan can compete in Asia. Nabi’s calm play showed how valuable he is in big games.
4. Lasith Malinga – 4/26 vs UAE, 2016 (Mirpur)
Lasith Malinga, who is known for his yorkers, again showed his skills against UAE on February 25, 2016. He got 4 for 26, taking wickets at crucial times and stopped UAE from getting any momentum. His bowling at the end of the innings was great, reminding fans why he is one of the best finishers in T20 cricket.
5. Pramod Madushan – 4/34 vs Pakistan, 2022 (Dubai)
Pramod Madushan wasn’t known before the Asia Cup 2022 but he made a name for himself in the final against Pakistan on September 11. He took 4 wickets including top and middle order batsmen which helped Sri Lanka win the final. With 4 for 34 in a high pressure situation Madushan kept his calm and helped Sri Lanka win their 6th Asia Cup title.
