The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the biggest cricket tournaments in the world. While batting performances often grab headlines, bowling performances play a crucial role in deciding match outcomes. Some bowlers have delivered stunning spells that turned the game in their team’s favor. This blog highlights the Best Bowling Figures in IPL, showcasing the top spells that left a lasting impact on the tournament.
Best Bowling Figures in IPL
Below is a list of the best bowling figures in IPL recorded history. These bowlers showed extraordinary skill, discipline, and accuracy to dominate the opposition.
| Player | Overs | Mdns | Runs conceded | Wickets taken | Econ | Team | Inns | Opposition | Ground |
| AS Joseph | 3.4 | 1 | 12 | 6 | 3.27 | MI | 2 | v SRH | Hyderabad |
| Sohail Tanvir | 4.0 | 0 | 14 | 6 | 3.50 | RR | 1 | v CSK | Jaipur |
| A Zampa | 4.0 | – | 19 | 6 | 4.75 | RPS | 1 | v SRH | Visakhapatnam |
| A Kumble | 3.1 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 1.57 | RCB | 2 | v RR | Cape Town |
| A Madhwal | 3.3 | – | 5 | 5 | 1.42 | MI | 2 | v LSG | Chennai |
| JJ Bumrah | 4.0 | – | 10 | 5 | 2.50 | MI | 1 | v KKR | Abu Dhabi |
| MM Sharma | 2.2 | – | 10 | 5 | 4.28 | GT | 2 | v MI | Ahmedabad |
| I Sharma | 4.0 | – | 12 | 5 | 4.00 | Chargers | 1 | v Kochi | Kochi |
| SL Malinga | 3.4 | 1 | 13 | 5 | 3.54 | MI | 1 | v Daredevils | Delhi |
| AS Rajpoot | 4.0 | – | 14 | 5 | 3.50 | Kings XI | 1 | v SRH | Lucknow |
| MA Wood | 4.0 | – | 14 | 5 | 3.50 | LSG | 1 | v DC | Lucknow |
| AD Russell | 2.0 | – | 15 | 5 | 7.50 | KKR | 1 | v Daredevils | Delhi |
| RA Jadeja | 4.0 | – | 16 | 5 | 4.00 | CSK | 2 | v SRH | Visakhapatnam |
| JP Faulkner | 4.0 | – | 16 | 5 | 4.00 | RR | 2 | v MI | Jaipur |
| A Mishra | 4.0 | – | 17 | 5 | 4.25 | Daredevils | 2 | v Chargers | Delhi |
Best Bowling of IPL: Legendary Spells
Some bowling performances stand out not just for the numbers but for their impact on the match. Here are some of the most legendary best bowling of IPL history.
1. Alzarri Joseph (6/12) – Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (2019)
Alzarri Joseph shocked everyone with a fiery spell of 6 wickets for just 12 runs in 2019. His pace and precision dismantled the SRH batting lineup, giving Mumbai a dominant win.
2. Sohail Tanvir (6/14) – Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings (2008)
Sohail Tanvir delivered an unforgettable spell in the inaugural IPL season. His left-arm swing bowling destroyed CSK’s batting order, making him the first bowler to take six wickets in an IPL match.
3. Adam Zampa (6/19) – Rising Pune Supergiant vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (2016)
Leg-spinner Adam Zampa’s magical performance saw him claim six wickets while maintaining tight control over runs. Even though his team lost, Zampa’s spell remains one of the best bowling performances in IPL.
4. Anil Kumble (5/5) – Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Rajasthan Royals (2009)
Anil Kumble’s 5-wicket haul for just 5 runs in South Africa was a masterclass in spin bowling. He completely outplayed Rajasthan’s batting lineup and helped RCB to a massive victory.
5. Akhil Madhwal (5/5) – Mumbai Indians vs Lucknow Super Giants (2023)
Akhil Madhwal’s incredible spell in the IPL 2023 playoffs crushed LSG’s hopes. His tight bowling figures of 5 wickets for just 5 runs made him one of the best death-over bowlers.
6. Jasprit Bumrah (5/10) – Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders (2022)
Jasprit Bumrah’s five-wicket haul against KKR in 2022 showcased his world-class skills. His ability to bowl yorkers and bouncers at will made life difficult for the batsmen.
7. Lasith Malinga (5/13) – Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Daredevils (2011)
Lasith Malinga’s slingy action and pinpoint accuracy helped him claim 5 wickets for just 13 runs. This performance played a huge role in MI’s victory that season.
Also Explore:
IPL Highest Batsman Score
IPL Commentators 2025
Conclusion
The Best Bowling Figures in IPL history highlight the importance of bowlers in a T20 format. While the league is famous for its big-hitting batsmen, these bowling performances have turned matches on their heads. Whether it was pace, spin, or deadly yorkers, these bowlers proved that T20 cricket is not just about hitting sixes but also about great bowling spells.
Which performance impressed you the most? Let us know in the comments!