Arshdeep Singh‘s career-best spell of 4/9, including two wickets in the first over, against USA in New York on Wednesday, marked the best bowling figures for India in the tournament’s history.His spell dismantled the co-host’s batting lineup, helping India to restrict USA to a below-par total of 110/8.
Before Arshdeep, R Ashwin’s memorable performance in 2014 against Australia in Mirpur was the best figures by an Indian in the T20 World Cup. Ashwin’s 4 wickets for 11 runs were crucial in India’s victory, as he spun a web around the Australian batsmen, leaving them struggling to find runs.
In 2012, Harbhajan Singh showcased his skills against England in Colombo, taking 4 wickets for 12 runs. His experience and guile were too much for the English batsmen, securing a vital win for India.
Best bowling figures for India in T20 World Cups
- 4/9 – Arshdeep Singh vs USA, New York, 2024
- 4/11 – R Ashwin vs AUS, Mirpur, 2014
- 4/12 – Harbhajan Singh vs ENG, Colombo, 2012
- 4/13 – RP Singh vs SA, Durban, 2007
- 4/19 – Zaheer Khan vs IRE, Nottingham, 2009
- 4/21 – Pragyan Ojha vs BAN, Nottingham, 2009
RP Singh’s spell against South Africa in Durban during the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup remains iconic. His 4 wickets for 13 runs played a pivotal role in India’s campaign, helping them lift the trophy in the end.
Zaheer Khan’s performance against Ireland in Nottingham in 2009 was another highlight. His 4 wickets for 19 runs ensured a comfortable victory for India, with his pace and accuracy proving too difficult for the Irish batsmen to handle.
In the same 2009 tournament, Pragyan Ojha delivered an outstanding spell against Bangladesh in Nottingham. His 4 wickets for 21 runs showcased his ability to deceive batsmen with flight and turn, helping India secure a comprehensive win.
These remarkable bowling performances underline India’s strength in the bowling department across different T20 World Cups. Each bowler brought their unique style and skill, contributing significantly to India’s successes in the tournament.