T20 format isn&#8217;t only about batsmen thrashing the bowler ruthlessly. Bowlers are also equally potent and give mind-blowing performances from time to time. The bowlers obviously try to be the as dominant as their bat-wielding counterparts. Especially if it is the World T20. They innovate and put in their best efforts to outclass the batsmen with their magical performance. Here in this article, we discuss such great performances by the bowlers in the biggest stage of the competition for T20 cricket.

<strong>Here are the Top 10 Best bowling figures in World T20(Min 4 overs):</strong>

 <strong>10. </strong><strong>RP Singh – 4/13 v South Africa (2007):</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/04/RP-Singh-Troll.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-15868"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-15868" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/RP-Singh-Troll.jpg" alt="RP Singh" width="594" height="434" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-15868" class="wp-caption-text">RP Singh. (©Getty Images)</figcaption>

RP Singh played in only the inaugural T20 World. It was a memorable one for him as he played a huge role in India’s path to becoming the champions. RP Singh produced a brilliant spell of 4/13 against the strong South Africa side. Defending 154, Singh gave the perfect start which a team would want while defending 154 runs. He dismissed both openers Herschelle Gibbs and Graeme Smith in the 2<sup>nd</sup> over of the match and then followed up with the wicket of all-rounders Shaun Pollock and Albie Morkel. As a result, the Proteas could eventually manage just 116, losing the match by 37 runs.<br>

<strong>9. </strong><strong>Ajantha Mendis – 4/12 v West Indies (2012):</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/02/Ajantha-Mendis.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-55374"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-55374" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ajantha-Mendis.jpg" alt="Ajantha Mendis" width="640" height="427" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-55374" class="wp-caption-text">Sri Lankan bowler Ajantha Mendis. (Photo by DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption>

The occasion was the 2012 ICC World T20 final between hosts Sri Lanka and West Indies. The former were the favorites to win to win largely due to the bowling attack they possessed. Mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis was their key weapon and he did not disappoint. Mendis weaved his magic with his wonderful bowling, claiming 4/12 to restrict West Indies for just 137 runs. However, his efforts went in vain as the West Indies bowlers sprung a surprise to win the match 26 runs to upset the hosts.<br>

<strong>8. </strong><strong>Harbhajan Singh – 4/12 v England (2012):</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/07/Harbhajan-Singh-ODI.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-23302"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-23302" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Harbhajan-Singh-ODI.jpg" alt="spinners" width="594" height="427" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-23302" class="wp-caption-text">Harbhajan Singh. (© Getty Images)</figcaption>

Harbhajan Singh was the star performer for India when they humiliated England by 90 runs at the R Premadasa Stadium.  Batting first, India had set up a target of 171 runs for the ‘Poms’ to chase. In reply, He along with Irfan Pathan rocked the English batting line-up. Bhajji, in particular, ran through the batting order. He began with the wicket of Eoin Morgan in the 7th over and dismissed Tim Bresnan and Craig Kieswetter in successive overs. He then got Swann stumped behind in the last over of his spell to finish with the number of 4/12. Eventually, England were all out cheaply for 80 runs and the ‘Turbanator’ was adjudged as Man of the Match’ for his brilliant show.

<strong>7. </strong><strong>Mitchell Santner – 4/11 v India (2016)</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/03/Mitchell-Santner.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-58517"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-58517" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mitchell-Santner.jpg" alt="Mitchell Santner World T20" width="600" height="444" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-58517" class="wp-caption-text">Mitchell Santner of New Zealand. (Photo by Christopher Lee-IDI/IDI via Getty Images)</figcaption>

It was a spin rout at VCA Stadium in Nagpur as left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, who did not like didn’t look like a big threat initially, reaped full benefits of the turning track and bowled a dream spell to help New Zealand defend the modest target of 127. Kane Williamson surprised a few when he decided to go in with three spinners, benching his main fast bowlers. This move paid off as the spinners shared 9 wickets among themselves, bundling out the Indians for just 79 runs. Santner ended up as the top wicket-taker for the Kiwis with figures of 4/11. His scalps in the match included Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya. He was rewarded with the Man of the Match award for his brilliant effort.

<strong>6. </strong><strong>Shahid Afridi – 4/11 v Netherlands (2009):</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/Shahid-Afridi-T20I-Man-Of-The-Match-e1444207485150.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-35340"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-35340" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shahid-Afridi-T20I-Man-Of-The-Match-e1444207485150.jpg" alt="man of the match awards in T20Is" width="594" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-35340" class="wp-caption-text">Shahid Afridi. (© GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Netherlands had no answer to Shahid Afridi and his steaming fast leg breaks when they met with Pakistan the Group B match at Lord’s. Afridi took advantage of the feeble batting line-up and claimed his best World T20 bowling figures of 4/11. The match, in fact belonged to the Pakistan spinners who shared 8 wickets among them. The Associate nation, as result, surrendered meekly for just 93 chasing a formidable target of 176 runs.

<strong>5. L</strong><strong>asith Malinga – 5/31 v England (2012):</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/11/Lasith-Malinga.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-6999"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-6999" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Lasith-Malinga.jpg" alt="Sri Lanka’s premier fast bowler Lasith Malinga picked up 12 3 wicket hauls in 52 matches since Jan 2013. (Photo Source: ICC)" width="600" height="365" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6999" class="wp-caption-text">Sri Lanka’s premier fast bowler Lasith Malinga. (Photo Source: ICC)</figcaption>

Lasith Malinga is the one the most formidable fast bowlers in the T20 format looked menacing during the Group 1 match against England. Malinga rocked the English top order, claiming all their four-wicket at the top. His added three wickets to his kitty in his first over of the match by dismissing Luke Wright, Jonny Bairstow and Alex Hales in the space of 4 balls. His other two victims of the match were Samit Patel and Ravi Bopara. Malinga was rightly chosen as the ‘Man of the Match’ for his performance.

<strong>4. James Faulkner &#8211; 5/27 v Pakistan (2016):</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/03/Australia-2.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-60034"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-60034" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Australia-2.jpg" alt="World T20" width="600" height="420" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-60034" class="wp-caption-text">Australian team. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Aussie all-rounder James Faulkner with his career best figures of 5/27 kept his team hopes alive in the 2016 WT20 tournament. His scalps include opener Sharjeel Khan, Khalid Latif, Imad Wasim, Sarfraz Ahmed &amp; Wahab Riaz. His figures of 5/22 are the best figures by an Aussie in World T20 tournaments. 

<strong>3. Mustafizur Rahman &#8211; 5/22 v New Zealand (2016):</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/02/Mustafizur-Rahman-celebrates-the-wicket.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-56436"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-56436" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mustafizur-Rahman-celebrates-the-wicket.jpg" alt="Bangladesh" width="640" height="426" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-56436" class="wp-caption-text">Bangladesh&#8217;s Mustafizur Rahman (2nd-L) celebrates with teammates after the dismissal of Sri Lanka&#8217;s Thisara Perera during the Asia Cup T20 cricket tournament match between Bangladesh and Sri Lankaat at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on February 28, 2016. / AFP / MUNIR UZ ZAMAN (Photo credit should read MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Mustafizur is the new bowling sensation for Bangladesh. He became the youngest bowler to pick the fifer at the World T20 tournaments when he faced New Zealand batting attack. His bowling figures read 5 for 22. The match played at Eden Gardens where his scalps in the game were openers Henry Nicolls, Kane Williamson, Grant Elliott, Mitchell Santner &amp; Nathan McCullum. 4 of the wickets were dismissed as bowled. He is also the 2nd bowler to take a 5-wicket haul in a T20International before the age of 21.<br>

<strong>2. Ahsan Malik – 5/19 v South Africa (2014):</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/07/Ahsan-Malik.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-23643"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-23643" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ahsan-Malik.jpg" alt="Ashan Malik - 5/19" width="594" height="381" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-23643" class="wp-caption-text">Ahsan Malik. (© Getty Images)</figcaption>

Ahsan Malik is the only bowler to feature in this list from an associate nation. The right arm medium pacer from Netherlands bowled the dream spell of his life when he rattled the strong South African side with match figures of 5/19. His scalps included Graeme Smith, Albie Morkel, David Miller, Dale Steyn and Beuran Hendricks. His superb effort resulted in Netherlands restricting the Proteas for just 145 runs. However, Netherlands lost out on an opportunity to create an upset and eventually lost the match narrowly by 6 runs.

<strong>1. Ajantha Mendis – 6/8 v Zimbabwe (2012):</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/07/Ajantha-Mendis-v-Zim.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-23651"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-23651" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ajantha-Mendis-v-Zim.jpg" alt="Best Bowling Figures In T20Is" width="781" height="507" sizes="(max-width: 781px) 100vw, 781px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-23651" class="wp-caption-text">Ajantha Mendis &#8211; 6/8. (Photo Source: AFP)</figcaption>

Ajantha Mendis finds his name in list yet again, courtesy to his astonishing stats of 6/8. This bowling figure is not only the best of the World T20s but also in overall T20I format. Mendis was proved to be too big as an opponent for the Zimbabweans during the opening match of the Group C. The Lankan batted first and posted 183 runs for Zimbabwe to chase. While chasing, Zimbabwe had no clue whether how to counter the deceptive bowling style of Mendis and surrendered to him totally. Mendis unpicked all the top four of the batting order and later added two more wickets of the lower order to finish with the magical numbers.

<strong>(All stats updated till 26th march 2016)</strong>

<h5><a href="http://www.crictracker.com/top-10-oldest-cricketers-to-play-t20is/"><strong>Also read: Top 10 Oldest cricketers to play T20Is</strong></a></h5>

<p>T20 format isn’t only about batsmen thrashing the bowler ruthlessly. Bowlers are also equally potent and give mind-blowing performances from time to time. The bowlers obviously try to be the as dominant as their bat-wielding counterparts. Especially if it is the World T20. They innovate and put in their best efforts to outclass the batsmen with their magical performance. Here in this article, we discuss such great performances by the bowlers in the biggest stage of the competition for T20 cricket.</p>
<p><strong>Here are the&nbsp;Top 10 Best bowling figures in World T20(Min 4 overs):</strong></p>
<h4>&nbsp;<strong>10.&nbsp;</strong><strong>RP Singh – 4/13 v South Africa (2007):</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_15868" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-15868" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/04/RP-Singh-Troll.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-15868"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-15868" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/RP-Singh-Troll.jpg" alt="RP Singh" width="594" height="434" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-15868" class="wp-caption-text">RP Singh. (©Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>RP Singh played in only the inaugural T20 World. It was a memorable one for him as he played a huge role in India’s path to becoming the champions. RP Singh produced a brilliant spell of 4/13 against the strong South Africa side. Defending 154, Singh gave the perfect start which a team would want while defending 154 runs. He dismissed both openers Herschelle Gibbs and Graeme Smith in the 2<sup>nd</sup> over of the match and then followed up with the wicket of all-rounders Shaun Pollock and Albie Morkel. As a result, the Proteas could eventually manage just 116, losing the match by 37 runs.<br>
</p>
<h4><strong>9.&nbsp;</strong><strong>Ajantha Mendis – 4/12 v West Indies (2012):</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_55374" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-55374" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/02/Ajantha-Mendis.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-55374"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-55374" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ajantha-Mendis.jpg" alt="Ajantha Mendis" width="640" height="427" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-55374" class="wp-caption-text">Sri Lankan bowler Ajantha Mendis. (Photo by DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The occasion was the 2012 ICC World T20 final between hosts Sri Lanka and West Indies. The former were the favorites to win to win largely due to the bowling attack they possessed. Mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis was their key weapon and he did not disappoint. Mendis weaved his magic with his wonderful bowling, claiming 4/12 to restrict West Indies for just 137 runs. However, his efforts went in vain as the West Indies bowlers sprung a surprise to win the match 26 runs to upset the hosts.<br>
</p>
<h4><strong>8.&nbsp;</strong><strong>Harbhajan Singh – 4/12 v England (2012):</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_23302" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-23302" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/07/Harbhajan-Singh-ODI.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-23302"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-23302" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Harbhajan-Singh-ODI.jpg" alt="spinners" width="594" height="427" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-23302" class="wp-caption-text">Harbhajan Singh. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Harbhajan Singh was the star performer for India when they humiliated England by 90 runs at the R Premadasa Stadium.&nbsp; Batting first, India had set up a target of 171 runs for the ‘Poms’ to chase. In reply, He along with Irfan Pathan rocked the English batting line-up. Bhajji, in particular, ran through the batting order. He began with the wicket of Eoin Morgan in the 7th over and dismissed Tim Bresnan and Craig Kieswetter in successive overs. He then got Swann stumped behind in the last over of his spell to finish with the number of 4/12. Eventually, England were all out cheaply for 80 runs and the ‘Turbanator’ was adjudged as Man of the Match’ for his brilliant show.</p>
<h4></h4>
<h4><strong>7.&nbsp;</strong><strong>Mitchell Santner – 4/11 v India (2016)</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_58517" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-58517" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/03/Mitchell-Santner.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-58517"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-58517" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mitchell-Santner.jpg" alt="Mitchell Santner World T20" width="600" height="444" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-58517" class="wp-caption-text">Mitchell Santner of New Zealand. (Photo by Christopher Lee-IDI/IDI via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>It was a spin rout at VCA Stadium in Nagpur as left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, who did not like didn’t look like a big threat initially, reaped full benefits of the turning track and bowled a dream spell to help New Zealand defend the modest target of 127. Kane Williamson surprised a few when he decided to go in with three spinners, benching his main fast bowlers. This move paid off as the spinners shared 9 wickets among themselves, bundling out the Indians for just 79 runs. Santner ended up as the top wicket-taker for the Kiwis with figures of 4/11. His scalps in the match included Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya. He was rewarded with the Man of the Match award for his brilliant effort.</p>
<h4></h4>
<h4><strong>6.&nbsp;</strong><strong>Shahid Afridi – 4/11 v Netherlands (2009):</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_35340" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-35340" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/Shahid-Afridi-T20I-Man-Of-The-Match-e1444207485150.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-35340"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-35340" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shahid-Afridi-T20I-Man-Of-The-Match-e1444207485150.jpg" alt="man of the match awards in T20Is" width="594" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-35340" class="wp-caption-text">Shahid Afridi. (© GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Netherlands had no answer to Shahid Afridi and his steaming fast leg breaks when they met with Pakistan the Group B match at Lord’s. Afridi took advantage of the feeble batting line-up and claimed his best World T20 bowling figures of 4/11. The match, in fact belonged to the Pakistan spinners who shared 8 wickets among them. The Associate nation, as result, surrendered meekly for just 93 chasing a formidable target of 176 runs.</p>
<h4></h4>
<h4><strong>5. L</strong><strong>asith Malinga – 5/31 v England (2012):</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_6999" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6999" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/11/Lasith-Malinga.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-6999"><amp-img class="wp-image-6999" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Lasith-Malinga.jpg" alt="Sri Lanka’s premier fast bowler Lasith Malinga picked up 12 3 wicket hauls in 52 matches since Jan 2013. (Photo Source: ICC)" width="600" height="365" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6999" class="wp-caption-text">Sri Lanka’s premier fast bowler Lasith Malinga. (Photo Source: ICC)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Lasith Malinga is the one the most formidable fast bowlers in the T20 format looked menacing during the Group 1 match against England. Malinga rocked the English top order, claiming all their four-wicket at the top. His added three wickets to his kitty in his first over of the match by dismissing Luke Wright, Jonny Bairstow and Alex Hales in the space of 4 balls. His other two victims of the match were Samit Patel and Ravi Bopara. Malinga was rightly chosen as the ‘Man of the Match’ for his performance.</p>
<h4></h4>
<h4><strong>4. James Faulkner – 5/27 v Pakistan (2016):</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_60034" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-60034" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/03/Australia-2.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-60034"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-60034" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Australia-2.jpg" alt="World T20" width="600" height="420" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-60034" class="wp-caption-text">Australian team. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Aussie all-rounder James Faulkner with his career best figures of 5/27 kept his team hopes alive in the 2016 WT20 tournament. His scalps include opener Sharjeel Khan, Khalid Latif, Imad Wasim, Sarfraz Ahmed &amp; Wahab Riaz.&nbsp;His figures of 5/22 are the best figures by an Aussie in World T20 tournaments.&nbsp;</p>
<h4><strong>3. Mustafizur Rahman – 5/22 v New Zealand (2016):</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_56436" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-56436" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/02/Mustafizur-Rahman-celebrates-the-wicket.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-56436"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-56436" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mustafizur-Rahman-celebrates-the-wicket.jpg" alt="Bangladesh" width="640" height="426" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-56436" class="wp-caption-text">Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman (2nd-L) celebrates with teammates after the dismissal of Sri Lanka’s Thisara Perera during the Asia Cup T20 cricket tournament match between Bangladesh and Sri Lankaat at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on February 28, 2016. / AFP / MUNIR UZ ZAMAN (Photo credit should read MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Mustafizur is the new bowling sensation for Bangladesh. He became the youngest bowler to pick the fifer at the World T20 tournaments when he faced New Zealand batting attack. His bowling figures read 5 for 22. The match played at Eden Gardens where his scalps in the game were openers Henry Nicolls, Kane Williamson, Grant Elliott, Mitchell Santner &amp; Nathan McCullum. 4 of the wickets were dismissed as bowled. He is also the 2nd bowler to take a 5-wicket haul in a T20International before the age of 21.<br>
</p>
<h4><strong>2. Ahsan Malik – 5/19 v South Africa (2014):</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_23643" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-23643" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/07/Ahsan-Malik.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-23643"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-23643" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ahsan-Malik.jpg" alt="Ashan Malik - 5/19" width="594" height="381" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-23643" class="wp-caption-text">Ahsan Malik. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Ahsan Malik is the only bowler to feature in this list from an associate nation. The right arm medium pacer from Netherlands bowled the dream spell of his life when he rattled the strong South African side with match figures of 5/19. His scalps included Graeme Smith, Albie Morkel, David Miller, Dale Steyn and Beuran Hendricks. His superb effort resulted in Netherlands restricting the Proteas for just 145 runs. However, Netherlands lost out on an opportunity to create an upset and eventually lost the match narrowly by 6 runs.</p>
<h4><strong>1. Ajantha Mendis – 6/8 v Zimbabwe (2012):</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_23651" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-23651" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/07/Ajantha-Mendis-v-Zim.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-23651"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-23651" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ajantha-Mendis-v-Zim.jpg" alt="Best Bowling Figures In T20Is" width="781" height="507" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-23651" class="wp-caption-text">Ajantha Mendis – 6/8. (Photo Source: AFP)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Ajantha Mendis finds his name in list yet again, courtesy to his astonishing stats of 6/8. This bowling figure is not only the best of the World T20s but also in overall T20I format. Mendis was proved to be too big as an opponent for the Zimbabweans during the opening match of the Group C. The Lankan batted first and posted 183 runs for Zimbabwe to chase. While chasing, Zimbabwe had no clue whether how to counter the deceptive bowling style of Mendis and surrendered to him totally. Mendis unpicked all the top four of the batting order and later added two more wickets of the lower order to finish with the magical numbers.</p>
<p><strong>(All stats updated till 26th march 2016)</strong></p>
<blockquote class="td_quote_box td_box_center">
<h5><a href="http://www.crictracker.com/top-10-oldest-cricketers-to-play-t20is/"><strong>Also read: Top 10 Oldest cricketers to play T20Is</strong></a></h5>
</blockquote>

<p>T20 format isn&#8217;t only about batsmen thrashing the bowler ruthlessly. Bowlers are also equally potent and give mind-blowing performances from time to time. The bowlers obviously try to be the as dominant as their bat-wielding counterparts. Especially if it is the World T20. They innovate and put in their best efforts to outclass the batsmen with their magical performance. Here in this article, we discuss such great performances by the bowlers in the biggest stage of the competition for T20 cricket.</p>
<p><strong>Here are the Top 10 Best bowling figures in World T20(Min 4 overs):</strong></p>
<h4> <strong>10. </strong><strong>RP Singh – 4/13 v South Africa (2007):</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_15868" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-15868" style="width: 594px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/04/RP-Singh-Troll.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-15868"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-15868" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/RP-Singh-Troll.jpg" alt="RP Singh" width="594" height="434" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-15868" class="wp-caption-text">RP Singh. (©Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>RP Singh played in only the inaugural T20 World. It was a memorable one for him as he played a huge role in India’s path to becoming the champions. RP Singh produced a brilliant spell of 4/13 against the strong South Africa side. Defending 154, Singh gave the perfect start which a team would want while defending 154 runs. He dismissed both openers Herschelle Gibbs and Graeme Smith in the 2<sup>nd</sup> over of the match and then followed up with the wicket of all-rounders Shaun Pollock and Albie Morkel. As a result, the Proteas could eventually manage just 116, losing the match by 37 runs.<br>
</p>
<h4><strong>9. </strong><strong>Ajantha Mendis – 4/12 v West Indies (2012):</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_55374" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-55374" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/02/Ajantha-Mendis.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-55374"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-55374" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ajantha-Mendis.jpg" alt="Ajantha Mendis" width="640" height="427" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-55374" class="wp-caption-text">Sri Lankan bowler Ajantha Mendis. (Photo by DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The occasion was the 2012 ICC World T20 final between hosts Sri Lanka and West Indies. The former were the favorites to win to win largely due to the bowling attack they possessed. Mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis was their key weapon and he did not disappoint. Mendis weaved his magic with his wonderful bowling, claiming 4/12 to restrict West Indies for just 137 runs. However, his efforts went in vain as the West Indies bowlers sprung a surprise to win the match 26 runs to upset the hosts.<br>
</p>
<h4><strong>8. </strong><strong>Harbhajan Singh – 4/12 v England (2012):</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_23302" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-23302" style="width: 594px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/07/Harbhajan-Singh-ODI.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-23302"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-23302" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Harbhajan-Singh-ODI.jpg" alt="spinners" width="594" height="427" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-23302" class="wp-caption-text">Harbhajan Singh. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Harbhajan Singh was the star performer for India when they humiliated England by 90 runs at the R Premadasa Stadium.  Batting first, India had set up a target of 171 runs for the ‘Poms’ to chase. In reply, He along with Irfan Pathan rocked the English batting line-up. Bhajji, in particular, ran through the batting order. He began with the wicket of Eoin Morgan in the 7th over and dismissed Tim Bresnan and Craig Kieswetter in successive overs. He then got Swann stumped behind in the last over of his spell to finish with the number of 4/12. Eventually, England were all out cheaply for 80 runs and the ‘Turbanator’ was adjudged as Man of the Match’ for his brilliant show.</p>
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<h4><strong>7. </strong><strong>Mitchell Santner – 4/11 v India (2016)</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_58517" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-58517" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/03/Mitchell-Santner.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-58517"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-58517" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mitchell-Santner.jpg" alt="Mitchell Santner World T20" width="600" height="444" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-58517" class="wp-caption-text">Mitchell Santner of New Zealand. (Photo by Christopher Lee-IDI/IDI via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>It was a spin rout at VCA Stadium in Nagpur as left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, who did not like didn’t look like a big threat initially, reaped full benefits of the turning track and bowled a dream spell to help New Zealand defend the modest target of 127. Kane Williamson surprised a few when he decided to go in with three spinners, benching his main fast bowlers. This move paid off as the spinners shared 9 wickets among themselves, bundling out the Indians for just 79 runs. Santner ended up as the top wicket-taker for the Kiwis with figures of 4/11. His scalps in the match included Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya. He was rewarded with the Man of the Match award for his brilliant effort.</p>
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<h4><strong>6. </strong><strong>Shahid Afridi – 4/11 v Netherlands (2009):</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_35340" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-35340" style="width: 594px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/Shahid-Afridi-T20I-Man-Of-The-Match-e1444207485150.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-35340"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-35340" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shahid-Afridi-T20I-Man-Of-The-Match-e1444207485150.jpg" alt="man of the match awards in T20Is" width="594" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-35340" class="wp-caption-text">Shahid Afridi. (© GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Netherlands had no answer to Shahid Afridi and his steaming fast leg breaks when they met with Pakistan the Group B match at Lord’s. Afridi took advantage of the feeble batting line-up and claimed his best World T20 bowling figures of 4/11. The match, in fact belonged to the Pakistan spinners who shared 8 wickets among them. The Associate nation, as result, surrendered meekly for just 93 chasing a formidable target of 176 runs.</p>
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<h4><strong>5. L</strong><strong>asith Malinga – 5/31 v England (2012):</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_6999" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6999" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/11/Lasith-Malinga.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-6999"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-6999" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Lasith-Malinga.jpg" alt="Sri Lanka’s premier fast bowler Lasith Malinga picked up 12 3 wicket hauls in 52 matches since Jan 2013. (Photo Source: ICC)" width="600" height="365" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-6999" class="wp-caption-text">Sri Lanka’s premier fast bowler Lasith Malinga. (Photo Source: ICC)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Lasith Malinga is the one the most formidable fast bowlers in the T20 format looked menacing during the Group 1 match against England. Malinga rocked the English top order, claiming all their four-wicket at the top. His added three wickets to his kitty in his first over of the match by dismissing Luke Wright, Jonny Bairstow and Alex Hales in the space of 4 balls. His other two victims of the match were Samit Patel and Ravi Bopara. Malinga was rightly chosen as the ‘Man of the Match’ for his performance.</p>
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<h4><strong>4. James Faulkner &#8211; 5/27 v Pakistan (2016):</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_60034" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-60034" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/03/Australia-2.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-60034"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-60034" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Australia-2.jpg" alt="World T20" width="600" height="420" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-60034" class="wp-caption-text">Australian team. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Aussie all-rounder James Faulkner with his career best figures of 5/27 kept his team hopes alive in the 2016 WT20 tournament. His scalps include opener Sharjeel Khan, Khalid Latif, Imad Wasim, Sarfraz Ahmed &amp; Wahab Riaz. His figures of 5/22 are the best figures by an Aussie in World T20 tournaments. </p>
<h4><strong>3. Mustafizur Rahman &#8211; 5/22 v New Zealand (2016):</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_56436" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-56436" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/02/Mustafizur-Rahman-celebrates-the-wicket.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-56436"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-56436" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mustafizur-Rahman-celebrates-the-wicket.jpg" alt="Bangladesh" width="640" height="426" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-56436" class="wp-caption-text">Bangladesh&#8217;s Mustafizur Rahman (2nd-L) celebrates with teammates after the dismissal of Sri Lanka&#8217;s Thisara Perera during the Asia Cup T20 cricket tournament match between Bangladesh and Sri Lankaat at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on February 28, 2016. / AFP / MUNIR UZ ZAMAN (Photo credit should read MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Mustafizur is the new bowling sensation for Bangladesh. He became the youngest bowler to pick the fifer at the World T20 tournaments when he faced New Zealand batting attack. His bowling figures read 5 for 22. The match played at Eden Gardens where his scalps in the game were openers Henry Nicolls, Kane Williamson, Grant Elliott, Mitchell Santner &amp; Nathan McCullum. 4 of the wickets were dismissed as bowled. He is also the 2nd bowler to take a 5-wicket haul in a T20International before the age of 21.<br>
</p>
<h4><strong>2. Ahsan Malik – 5/19 v South Africa (2014):</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_23643" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-23643" style="width: 594px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/07/Ahsan-Malik.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-23643"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-23643" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ahsan-Malik.jpg" alt="Ashan Malik - 5/19" width="594" height="381" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-23643" class="wp-caption-text">Ahsan Malik. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Ahsan Malik is the only bowler to feature in this list from an associate nation. The right arm medium pacer from Netherlands bowled the dream spell of his life when he rattled the strong South African side with match figures of 5/19. His scalps included Graeme Smith, Albie Morkel, David Miller, Dale Steyn and Beuran Hendricks. His superb effort resulted in Netherlands restricting the Proteas for just 145 runs. However, Netherlands lost out on an opportunity to create an upset and eventually lost the match narrowly by 6 runs.</p>
<h4><strong>1. Ajantha Mendis – 6/8 v Zimbabwe (2012):</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_23651" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-23651" style="width: 781px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/07/Ajantha-Mendis-v-Zim.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-23651"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-23651" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ajantha-Mendis-v-Zim.jpg" alt="Best Bowling Figures In T20Is" width="781" height="507" sizes="(max-width: 781px) 100vw, 781px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-23651" class="wp-caption-text">Ajantha Mendis &#8211; 6/8. (Photo Source: AFP)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Ajantha Mendis finds his name in list yet again, courtesy to his astonishing stats of 6/8. This bowling figure is not only the best of the World T20s but also in overall T20I format. Mendis was proved to be too big as an opponent for the Zimbabweans during the opening match of the Group C. The Lankan batted first and posted 183 runs for Zimbabwe to chase. While chasing, Zimbabwe had no clue whether how to counter the deceptive bowling style of Mendis and surrendered to him totally. Mendis unpicked all the top four of the batting order and later added two more wickets of the lower order to finish with the magical numbers.</p>
<p><strong>(All stats updated till 26th march 2016)</strong></p>
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<h5><a href="http://www.crictracker.com/top-10-oldest-cricketers-to-play-t20is/"><strong>Also read: Top 10 Oldest cricketers to play T20Is</strong></a></h5>
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Top 10 Best bowling figures in World T20

T20 format is only about batsmen thrashing the bowler ruthlessly. Bowlers are also equally potent and give mind-blowing performances from time to time...