Pakistan has always been a formidable team in T20 cricket, with a number of world-class bowlers in their ranks. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 best bowling figures in a T20I for Pakistan. These performances have not only helped Pakistan win matches but have also played a key role in their success in ICC tournaments. From the likes of Umar Gul and Mohammad Amir to current stars, these bowlers have displayed their skills on some of the biggest stages in T20 cricket, and have become household names in the process. This article serves as a tribute to their skill and consistency, and is a testament to Pakistan's dominance in the shortest format of the game.
1. Umar Gul Against New Zealand
In a memorable performance against New Zealand, Umar Gul, the former Pakistani fast bowler, showcased his exceptional skills and helped his team secure a crucial victory. During the 2009 ICC World Twenty20 tournament, Gul took five wickets for just six runs, which is still the best figures by a Pakistani in T20 internationals. His fiery spell of bowling dismantled the Kiwi batting line-up and earned him the player of the match award.
2. Umar Gul Against South Africa
In the T20I match against South Africa at Centurion in 2013, Umar Gul produced a stunning spell of bowling that helped his team secure a comfortable victory. He once again picked up five wickets for just six runs. His exceptional display of swing and seam bowling ripped through the South African batting line-up, and he was deservedly named the player of the match.
3. Imad Wasim Against West Indies
In a T20I match against West Indies at Dubai in 2016, Imad Wasim, the Pakistani all-rounder, delivered a match-winning performance with the ball. He took five wickets for just 14 runs in his four overs, helping restrict the West Indies to a modest total. His all-round efforts earned him the player of the match award and showcased his potential as a valuable asset for the team in T20Is.
4. Umar Gul Against Australia
In a T20I match played against Australia on 7th May 2009, Umar Gul, once again, produced a stunning spell of bowling to help his team secure a comfortable victory. Gul picked up four wickets for just eight runs in his four overs. His accurate and consistent bowling proved to be too much for the Australian batsmen, and he was rightly awarded the player of the match for his match-winning performance. Gul's efforts helped Pakistan register a convincing win over one of their fiercest rivals.
5. Shadab Khan Against Hong Kong
In the match against Hong Kong in 2022, Shadab Khan, the Pakistani all-rounder, showcased his bowling skills and helped his team secure an easy victory. Shadab bowled with great accuracy and control, picking up four wickets for just 8 runs in only 2.4 overs. His variations and ability to deceive the batsmen came in handy and his efforts ensured that Pakistan continued their dominance over Hong Kong in T20Is.
6. Mohammad Hafeez Against Zimbabwe
In a T20I match played against Zimbabwe in Harare in 2011, Mohammad Hafeez, the Pakistani all-rounder, produced a magnificent display of bowling to help his team secure a comprehensive victory. Hafeez bowled with great accuracy and control, picking up four wickets for just 10 runs in only 2.2 overs. His clever variations and changes of pace made it extremely difficult for the Zimbabwean batsmen to score runs. Hafeez's performance earned him the player of the match award and played a crucial role in Pakistan's victory.
7. Shahid Afridi Against Netherlands
In a T20I match played against the Netherlands, Shahid Afridi, the former Pakistani all-rounder, produced a devastating display of bowling to help his team secure a comfortable victory. Afridi picked up four wickets for just 11 runs in his four overs, including a hat-trick, which is still the only one by a Pakistani in T20Is. His lethal googly and accurate leg-spin proved too much for the Dutch batsmen, and he was rightly awarded the player of the match for his exceptional performance.
8. Imad Wasim Against Zimbabwe
In a T20I match played against Zimbabwe, Imad Wasim, the Pakistani all-rounder, put on a clinical display of spin bowling to help his team secure a comfortable victory. Wasim bowled with great control and variation, picking up four wickets for just 11 runs in his four overs. His left-arm spin proved too difficult for the Zimbabwean batsmen to read, and he was deservedly awarded the player of the match award for his performance.
9. Umar Gul Against Sri Lanka
In a T20I match against Sri Lanka on 11th October 2008, Umar Gul, the former Pakistani fast bowler, produced a sensational display of bowling to help his team secure a crucial victory. Gul picked up four wickets for just 13 runs in only three overs, including the prized scalp of Kumar Sangakkara. His pace and accuracy made it difficult for the Sri Lankan batsmen to score runs, and he was awarded the player of the match for his match-winning performance.
10. Mohammad Amir Against Sri Lanka
In a T20I match against Sri Lanka on 29th October 2017, Mohammad Amir, the Pakistani left-arm fast bowler, produced a magnificent display of swing bowling to help his team secure a comfortable victory. Amir picked up four wickets for just 13 runs in his four overs, including the crucial wicket of the Sri Lankan captain, Thisara Perera. His ability to move the ball both ways at a sharp pace made it difficult for the Sri Lankan batters to handle, and he was awarded the player of the match for his exceptional performance.
