For most of its life, the Asia Cup was a 50-over affair. That all changed in 2016 when the T20 format burst onto the scene, giving bowlers a new stage to shine. We’ve seen some absolutely unforgettable spells since then. With the teams heading to the UAE this September, what better time to look back at the most dominant bowling performances the tournament has ever seen?
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 5/4 vs Afghanistan, 2022
At the top of the list is India’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Against Afghanistan in Dubai, he delivered a spell that was as close to unplayable as you’ll see in T20 cricket. India had already put up 212 on the board. Then Bhuvneshwar tore through Afghanistan’s batting, grabbing four wickets in the powerplay and finishing with 5 for 4 in his four overs. No one else has managed a five-wicket haul in Asia Cup T20 history.
Shadab Khan’s 4/8 vs Hong Kong, 2022
Pakistan’s Shadab Khan is next. Playing in Sharjah, he spun Hong Kong out of the contest with a devastating 2.4-over spell. Chasing 194, Hong Kong collapsed once Shadab got going. His googly was too good that night, leaving him with figures of 4 for 8 as the opposition folded for just 38.
Mohammad Nabi’s 4/17 vs Hong Kong, 2016
Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi takes the third spot. In a qualifier against Hong Kong in Mirpur, he broke a strong opening stand almost single-handedly. Nabi finished with 4 for 17, his best figures in T20 internationals, as Hong Kong’s chase ended at 112.
Lasith Malinga’s 4/26 vs UAE, 2016
Few names strike fear in T20 cricket like Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga. Returning from injury in 2016, he showed why he was still considered one of the greats. Opening the attack against UAE, Malinga struck twice in the first over and later added two more, ending with 4 for 26. Sri Lanka edged out UAE by 14 runs that night.
Bhuvneshwar again, 4/26 vs Pakistan, 2022
That whole match in Dubai came down to one man: Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He was on another planet that day. His masterful 4 for 26 spell was the only reason Pakistan was stuck at a low-grade 147.
You’d think that’d be that. But the chase was a complete nail-biter. India made everyone sweat it out, needing almost every last ball of the game to finally snatch the win.
Five spells. Five different stories. Yet they share something in common: the ability of a single bowler to change the course of a T20 game in just a few overs. With another Asia Cup around the corner, the question is simple. Who will be next to add their name to this list?
