IPL: Best figures in powerplay spells
T20 cricket is considered a batter’s game where bowlers are only there to get smacked all around the park. However, there have been some occasions when bowlers have stamped their authority on the batters and got their wickets right from the word go. In the history of IPL, there have been many breathtaking spells by bowlers which have dismantled the top order of the opposition. On that note, let’s take a look at the best powerplay spells in the IPL history:
3. Dhawal Kulkarni, 4/8, GL vs RCB, Qualifier 1, IPL 2016
Defending a low score of 158 against a strong batting lineup, Kulkarni bowled his heart out and picked 4/8 inside the powerplay. His four-for included scalps of Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, KL Rahul and Sachin Baby. He finished his spell with figures of 4/14 in four overs. However, despite his efforts, Gujarat Lions ended up losing the match by four wickets and Kulkarni’s sensational spell went in vain.
2. Mohammed Shami, 4/7, GT vs DC, 2023
Shami decimated the Delhi Capitals’ batting with his incredible spell of 4/7 in three overs inside the powerplay. The speedster got the prized scalps of Philip Salt, Rilee Rossouw, Manish Pandey and Priyam Garg. Shami finished his spell with figures of 4/11 in four overs. Courtesy of his spell, GT restricted DC to 130/8 in their allotted 20 overs. However, they ended up losing the match by five runs but Shami was awarded Player of the Match for his incredible spell.
1. Ishant Sharma, 5/12, Kochi Tuskers Kerala vs Deccan Chargers, IPL 2011
Defending a low total of 129/7, Ishant Sharma gave the perfect start with the ball to Deccan Chargers as he picked five wickets in his first two overs itself. He finished the powerplay with figures of 5/12 in three overs. His fifer included scalps of Mahela Jayawardene, Parthiv Patel, Brad Hodge, Raiphi Gomez and Kedar Jadhav. Courtesy of his spell, Kochi were bundled out for 74 and Deccan Chargers won the match by 55 runs. Sharma was deservedly awarded Player of the Match for his breathtaking spell.
