3 Greatest Spells in IPL History
Ever since India’s victory in the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, T20 cricket took an upward surge in the country and IPL came into existence the very next year. In the last 12 years of the mega event, we have witnessed some extraordinary individual performances which have lighted up the tournament and has made it arguably the best T20 domestic competition in the world.
Since the inception of the cash-rich league, we have witnessed several youngsters rise through the ranks and going onto play for the country. The IPL has given India some exceptional bowlers and despite its fair share of controversies and drama, the tournament will always have its name in history because of the sheer talent it has produced.
Over the course of the last 12 years, there have been several bowling heroics from different individuals. There are bound to be disagreements on the top 3 spells. Analyzing the impact of the spells I have come up with arguably 3 best spells in the tournament.
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Lasith Malinga- 5/13 for Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals 2011
He is definitely the greatest fast bowler in IPL history. He has been a champion for the Mumbai Indians ever since the tournament began. On this day back in 2011, Malinga produced a magical spell of bowling against the Delhi Daredevils.
It was the opening match for Mumbai Indians in that edition and the slinga Malinga began with a bang. The current defending champions started brilliantly courtesy a sensational opening spell from Lasith Malinga. He bagged the wickets of David Warner and Unmukt's hand in his opening spell.
When he came back to bowl in the 2nd spell, DD were reduced to 87/6. He came out to wipe out the lower order which included the likes of Albie Morkel who is known to be a powerful hitter of the ball. His spell helped MI began their campaign with a resounding victory.
Alzarri Joseph- 6/12 for Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad- 2019
Making his IPL debut, who would have thought the young lanky speedster from Windies would go onto script history. Alzarri Joseph ended the day with the best figures in IPL history after demolishing the Sunrisers Hyderabad batting line-up with his hostile bowling.
After batting first, Mumbai Indians posted a modest 136 in their allotted 20 overs and SRH were well on top at the halfway stage. It was ominous signs for MI when David Warner and Jonny Bairstow began brilliantly. However, two quick wickets set Mumbai right on track and from there on it was a one-team show.
Alzarri Joseph bagged the wicket of David Warner and followed it up with the wickets of Vijay Shankar and Deepak Hooda. He finished off the SRH tail with 3 wickets in no time to skittle them out for just 96 runs. With the wicket of Siddharth Kaul, Joseph broke the record of Sohail Tanvir for the best figures in IPL history which he held from the inaugural season.
Sohail Tanvir- 6/14 for Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings 2008
It was the only time that Pakistan players were allowed to participate in the cash-rich extravaganza and Sohail Tanvir didn’t leave the opportunity to make a big impact. In a fairytale competition for the Rajasthan Royals, Sohail Tanvir produced a magical spell in a group game against the Chennai Super Kings.
With an uncanny action, 1/2 in the opening over as he trapped both the openers Parthiv Patel and Stephen Fleming plumb infront to get Rajasthan off to a dream start. He also bagged the wicket of Sivaramakrishnan Vidyut before coming back strongly to wipe out the lower order.
His 2nd spell was nothing different from his first. The hostility and versatility of the bowler were out on display. He mixed up his faster deliveries very well with the cutters and the slower deliveries. Tanvir’s extraordinary spell proved to be decisive as Rajasthan Royals defied the odds and lifted the trophy under the leadership of a charismatic and an inspiring Shane Warne.