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The best bowling figures in a men's T20 innings

Computed from ball-by-ball data · 22 August 2026

When it comes to a single, unplayable spell in men's T20 cricket, one name now sits at the very summit. Taskin Ahmed produced figures of seven for 19 in the BPL in 2025, becoming the standout haul across T20 internationals and every major franchise league covered here. His seven-wicket burst is the only entry on this list to breach the six-wicket barrier, setting it apart from a fiercely competitive chase for second place.

By the numbers · Wickets
  1. 1
    Taskin Ahmed7
    Runs 19Comp BPLYear 2,025
  2. 2
    Shakib Al Hasan6
    Runs 6Comp CPLYear 2,013
  3. 3
    Lasith Malinga6
    Runs 7Comp BBLYear 2,012
  4. 4
    Deepak Chahar6
    Runs 7Comp T20IYear 2,019
  5. 5
    Ajantha Mendis6
    Runs 8Comp T20IYear 2,012
  6. 6
    Wanindu Hasaranga6
    Runs 9Comp LPLYear 2,023
  7. 7
    Saurabh Netravalkar6
    Runs 9Comp MLCYear 2,023
  8. 8
    Ish Sodhi6
    Runs 11Comp BBLYear 2,017
  9. 9
    Alzarri Joseph6
    Runs 12Comp IPLYear 2,019
  10. 10
    Sohail Tanvir6
    Runs 14Comp IPLYear 2,008

Behind Taskin, the battle is decided by economy, and the man who edges it is Shakib Al Hasan. His six for six in the CPL in 2013 is a study in ruthless control, conceding just a single run per wicket taken. It is the tightest six-wicket return in this collection.

Then come the near-identical marvels of pace and precision. Lasith Malinga's six for seven in the BBL in 2012 is matched exactly by Deepak Chahar, who claimed six for seven in a T20 international in 2019. Ajantha Mendis, ever the mystery spinner, follows with six for eight in a T20I in 2012, a reminder that no format has been immune to these demolitions.

The list then broadens across the global league landscape. Wanindu Hasaranga's six for nine came in the LPL in 2023, mirrored by Saurabh Netravalkar's six for nine in the MLC that same year. Ish Sodhi's six for 11 returned the BBL to the reckoning in 2017.

Rounding out the elite ten are two IPL entries. Alzarri Joseph announced himself with six for 12 in 2019, while Sohail Tanvir's six for 14 in 2008 stands as one of the tournament's foundational spells. Together, they showcase T20's most devastating overs, spread across continents and competitions.