The Asia Cup has seen some thrilling cricket over the years, and since the tournament adopted the T20I format in 2016, bowlers have also left their mark with match-winning spells. While big runs and big hitters often grab headlines in T20s, a few bowlers have produced magical spells that turned the game in their team’s favor.
5. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (India) – 4/26 vs Pakistan, 2022
- Match: India vs Pakistan, Group Stage, Dubai
- Figures: 4 overs, 4 wickets for 26 runs
The Indian pacer features in this list twice. In the high-pressure clash against Pakistan in the 2022 Asia Cup, Bhuvneshwar was at his best. He dismissed key batters including Babar Azam and finished with 4/26. This was also the first time an Indian bowler picked up four wickets against Pakistan in a T20I.
4. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) – 4/26 vs UAE, 2016
- Match: Sri Lanka vs UAE, Group Stage, Mirpur
- Figures: 4 overs, 4 wickets for 26 runs
Known for his deadly yorkers and unique action, Lasith Malinga showed his class once again during the 2016 Asia Cup. Against the UAE, he claimed 4 wickets while giving away 26 runs. Malinga’s early strikes ensured Sri Lanka stayed on top in a tricky contest, proving why he was one of the best T20 bowlers in the world.
3. Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan) – 4/17 vs Hong Kong, 2016
- Match: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong, Qualifier, Mirpur
- Figures: 4 overs, 4 wickets for 17 runs
Afghanistan’s veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has been a match-winner with both bat and ball. In the 2016 Asia Cup qualifiers, he produced a crucial spell against Hong Kong, finishing with 4/17. His performance helped Afghanistan dominate the match and secure their place in the main event.
2. Shadab Khan (Pakistan) – 4/8 vs Hong Kong, 2022
- Match: Pakistan vs Hong Kong, Group Stage, Sharjah
- Figures: 2.4 overs, 4 wickets for 8 runs
Pakistan’s star leg-spinner Shadab Khan destroyed Hong Kong’s batting line-up in Sharjah. He bowled with great control and picked up 4 wickets while conceding just 8 runs. This spell was key to Pakistan’s huge win and remains one of the most economical four-wicket hauls in Asia Cup history.
1. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (India) – 5/4 vs Afghanistan, 2022
- Match: India vs Afghanistan, Super Four, Dubai
- Figures: 4 overs, 5 wickets for 4 runs
In 2022, Bhuvneshwar Kumar delivered a spell that will be remembered for years. Against Afghanistan in Dubai, he ripped through the top order and ended with the only five-wicket haul in Asia Cup T20I history. His swing and accuracy left Afghan batters helpless, and his 5/4 is still the best bowling performance in the tournament.
Summary Table
| Rank | Bowler | Figures | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 5/4 | Afghanistan | 2022 |
| 2 | Shadab Khan | 4/8 | Hong Kong | 2022 |
| 3 | Mohammad Nabi | 4/17 | Hong Kong | 2016 |
| 4 | Lasith Malinga | 4/26 | UAE | 2016 |
| 5 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 4/26 | Pakistan | 2022 |
Conclusion
These five performances show how bowlers can shift the momentum of a T20I game with skill, control, and clever variations. Bhuvneshwar Kumar stands out as the only Indian on the list and the only bowler to take a five-wicket haul in T20I Asia Cup history. Along with Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Lasith Malinga, he has given fans some unforgettable moments in the shortest format of the Asia Cup.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
