The term "Best Bowling Figures" in the context of the Indian Premier League (IPL) refers to the most effective and efficient bowling performance by an individual bowler in a single match.
This is typically measured by the number of wickets taken while conceding the fewest runs. Bowling figures in cricket are usually represented as a combination of overs bowled, maidens bowled (overs in which no runs are scored), runs conceded, and wickets taken.
The Best Bowling Figure in IPL History
In the IPL, which is one of the most popular Twenty20 cricket leagues in the world, exceptional bowling performances are highly valued due to the generally high-scoring nature of T20 matches.
Achieving the "best bowling figures" in an IPL match signifies a significant impact on the game, often turning the match in favor of the bowler's team.
These performances can include multiple wickets, including key players, low economy rates, and sometimes even hat-tricks.
IPL Records: The Best Bowling Figure in IPL History
#
Player
Team
Overs
Runs
Wickets
Against
Venue
Date
1
Alzarri Joseph
MI
3.4
12
6
SRH
Rajiv Gandhi Intl. Cricket Stadium
06-04-2019
2
Sohail Tanvir
RR
4
14
6
CSK
Sawai Mansingh Stadium
04-05-2008
3
Adam Zampa
RPS
4
19
6
SRH
ACA-VDCA Stadium
10-05-2016
4
Anil Kumble
RCB
3.1
5
5
RR
Newlands
18-04-2009
5
Akash Madhwal
MI
3.3
5
5
LSG
MA Chidambaram Stadium
24-05-2023
6
Jasprit Bumrah
MI
4
10
5
KKR
DY Patil Stadium
09-05-2022
7
Mohit Sharma
GT
2.2
10
5
MI
Narendra Modi Stadium
26-05-2023
8
Ishant Sharma
DEC
3
12
5
KTK
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
27-04-2011
9
Lasith Malinga
MI
3.4
13
5
DC
Arun Jaitley Stadium
10-04-2011
10
Mark Wood
LSG
4
14
5
DC
Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium
01-04-2023
11
Ankit Rajpoot
PBKS
4
14
5
SRH
Rajiv Gandhi Intl. Cricket Stadium
26-04-2018
12
Andre Russell
KKR
2
15
5
MI
Chidambaram
13-04-2021
13
Ravindra Jadeja
CSK
4
16
5
DEC
ACA-VDCA Stadium
07-04-2012
14
James Faulkner
RR
4
16
5
SRH
Rajiv Gandhi Intl. Cricket Stadium
17-05-2013
15
Andrew Tye
GL
4
17
5
RPS
Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium
14-04-2017
16
Amit Mishra
DC
4
17
5
DEC
Arun Jaitley Stadium
15-05-2008
17
Wanindu Hasaranga
RCB
4
18
5
SRH
Wankhede Stadium
08-05-2022
18
Harbhajan Singh
MI
4
18
5
CSK
Wankhede Stadium
22-04-2011
19
Sunil Narine
KKR
4
19
5
PBKS
Eden Gardens
15-04-2012
20
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
SRH
4
19
5
PBKS
Rajiv Gandhi Intl. Cricket Stadium
17-04-2017
21
Varun Chakaravarthy
KKR
4
20
5
DC
Zayed Cricket Stadium
24-10-2020
22
James Faulkner
RR
4
20
5
SRH
Sawai Mansingh Stadium
27-04-2013
23
Munaf Patel
MI
4
21
5
PBKS
IS Bindra Stadium
10-05-2011
24
Lakshmipathy Balaji
CSK
4
24
5
PBKS
Chidambaram
10-05-2008
25
Dimitri Mascarenhas
PBKS
4
25
5
PWI
IS Bindra Stadium
12-04-2012
Best Bowling Figures in IPL History: IPL Records
Who is the best bowler in the IPL? This kind of question remains unanswered as the IPL continues to evolve each season. The record for the best bowling figures in the IPL is subject to change, with many promising players emerging.
Top 5 Best Bowling Figures in IPL
Over the years, several bowlers have delivered remarkable performances in the IPL, setting records for the best bowling figures in IPL for a single match.
These records are celebrated and remembered as some of the most outstanding individual performances in the IPL history.
1. Alzarri Joseph
Alzarri Joseph’s exceptional performance for Mumbai Indians against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 6, 2019, stands out for his IPL debut, where he secured 6 wickets for just 12 runs.
Joseph’s remarkable spell included key dismissals, such as bouncing out Rashid Khan for a golden duck and cleaning up Deepak Hooda for 20, showcasing his pace and skill on a sluggish pitch.
This contributed significantly to Mumbai Indians’ victory by 40 runs, as they defended a total of 136 runs, also mark his early performance with the best bowling figures in IPL debut title.
Tanvir’s 6 wickets for just 14 runs at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur stood as the best bowling figures in IPL until 2019.
His exceptional control over swing and a consistent stump-to-stump line led to an early collapse of the Chennai Super Kings’ batting order.
Tanvir’s spell began with the dismissal of Parthiv Patel on the first ball and continued with the wickets of Stephen Fleming and Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan in quick succession, leaving Chennai reeling at 11 for 3.
Tanvir’s return in the death overs further decimated Chennai’s lineup, finishing with a mini recovery by taking the last three wickets.
Rajasthan Royals chased down the target of 110 comfortably, marking their fifth consecutive win and solidifying their position as title contenders.
Tanvir’s performance not only earned him the Man of the Match award but also highlighted his crucial role alongside Shane Watson in Rajasthan’s successful campaign that year.
3. Adam Zampa
Adam Zampa’s performance for Rising Pune Supergiants against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 10, 2016, is remembered for his incredible bowling figures in IPL history up to that point, with 6 wickets for 19 runs in a match held at Visakhapatnam.
Zampa, playing only his second IPL match, showcased a masterclass in leg-spin bowling, taking six wickets in just 18 deliveries during the crucial death overs.
Despite his record-breaking spell, Pune fell short by four runs in a closely contested match where Sunrisers defended a modest total of 137.
Zampa’s spell was not only the best by an Australia player in T20 cricket but also the second-best in IPL history at the time, demonstrating his exceptional skill and control in the format.
4. Anil Kumble
Anil Kumble delivered an exceptional performance for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Rajasthan Royals on April 18, 2009, in Cape Town, South Africa.
He took 5 wickets for just 5 runs, leading his team to a 75-run victory. This performance showcased Kumble’s mastery over spin bowling, even in a format thought to be challenging for spinners.
5. Akash Madhwal
In the IPL 2023 Qualifier match against Lucknow Super Giants, Akash Madhwal of Mumbai Indians delivered an extraordinary performance, taking 5 wickets for just 5 runs.
This achievement set a record for the best bowling figures in 2023 and also the best figures in a knockout match of a franchise tournament, surpassing previous records in the IPL and other leagues.
Madhwal’s spell was pivotal in Mumbai Indians’ victory, securing their place in Qualifier 2 of the tournament.
Best Bowling Average in IPL History: IPL Records
The Bowling Average is a critical metric in cricket. It enables team coaches and selectors to ...
Read More
Final Words on the Best Bowling Figures in IPL
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has consistently showcased some of the most electrifying bowling performances in T20 cricket.
The best bowling figures in IPL history, ranging from remarkable debuts like Alzarri Joseph’s to standout performances in key matches such as Akash Madhwal’s in IPL 2023, highlight the league’s capacity to bring the best out of its players.
Each season, including the memorable spells in 2018 and 2022, contributes to the evolving narrative of exceptional bowling feats.
All in all, the best bowling figures in IPL records not only celebrate individual brilliance but also underline the strategic importance of bowling in shaping the outcomes of high-stake matches.
Anything You Need to Know about the Best Bowling Figures in IPL
What is the best bowling figures in cricket history?
While Alzarri Joseph holds the record for the IPL, the best-ever bowling figures in all of cricket history belong to Jim Laker, an English spinner. He captured 19 wickets for just 53 runs against Australia in 1956, a truly astonishing feat.
Who is the highest wicket-taker in IPL history?
The title of highest wicket-taker in IPL history currently goes to Lasith Malinga, the former Sri Lankan pacer, with a staggering 170 wickets in his IPL career. He’s followed by Imran Tahir (160 wickets) and Dwayne Bravo (154 wickets).
While Alzarri Joseph may not hold the overall record for wickets taken, his bowling figures stand out for their efficiency and sheer dominance in a single match, making it a memorable piece of IPL history.