IPL 2019: 3 best spells by Lasith Malinga
T20 cricket has always been a batsmen-friendly game due to the invention of new shots, shorter boundaries and the white ball. However, there are few bowlers who have still kept their dominance alive in the shortest format. Lasith Malinga is one such bowler who has been one of the greatest bowlers in the history of 20-20 cricket.
The Indian Premier League has provided benefits to bowlers who have come up with innovative bowling techniques in this league. Lasith Malinga has been one such top bowler in the history of IPL who has shone in each season. So far, Malinga has played for just one franchise right from 2009 to 2017. He didn’t play the opening season of IPL which took place in the year 2008.
Mumbai Indians have been lucky to have a pacer like Malinga in their side. He has so far grabbed 154 wickets from the 110 matches he has played in. In 2018 he was unsold in the auction and joined Mumbai Indians as the bowling coach of the side. However, he will playing for the Mukesh Ambani-owned franchise once again in the upcoming IPL season.
On that note, let’s take a look at the top 3 spells bowled by Lasith Malinga in the history of IPL:
#3 - 4/22 vs Kings XI Punjab, 2010
Lasith Malinga has been mainly known for his quick, daunting yorkers at the death. He has knocked down the stumps of the greatest batsmen with his slinging action. The same happened in the 27th match of IPL 2010 when Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab faced-off against each other, with Mumbai winning the match by four wickets.
The credit of it went to Lasith Malinga as he restricted the opponents at the score of just 163 runs. He took 4 wickets in that match which even included some big names like Shaun Marsh and Manvinder Bisla. Malinga just conceded two fours in the KXIP innings and played a big role in his side‘s win.