Top 5 best economy rates by a bowler in a single edition of Men's T20 World Cup ft. Jasprit Bumrah
The ICC Men's T20 World Cup just concluded with India lifting the title, ending their 11-year ICC trophy drought. Rohit Sharma and his men beat South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling final at Barbados, becoming only the third team after West Indies and England to win the competition twice.
While T20 cricket has come along to become a batting-friendly format, with the batters dominating more often than not and putting up huge scores, this edition of the T20 World Cup had a lot for the bowlers to bank on as well.
Given the pitches and conditions, particularly in the USA, the bowlers dominated, with the batters finding it difficult to score freely. There were some exceptional performances with the ball throughout, with the bowlers giving nothing away.
We take a look at bowlers who have displayed their extraordinary skills across various editions of the T20 World Cup, making life difficult for batters at the crease. Here is a list of five bowlers with the best economy rates in a single edition of a Men's T20 World Cup over the years. (minimum criteria of 20 overs bowled)
Top 5 best economy rates by a bowler in a single edition of Men's T20 World Cup
#5 Daniel Vettori (5.33) - 2007
New Zealand had a successful campaign at the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup in 2007, making the semi-finals.
Unfortunately, they lost their semi-final clash to Pakistan by six wickets. One of their key performers throughout was Daniel Vettori, contributing to their impressive run.
Having bowled a total of 24 overs, the veteran Kiwi spinner grabbed 11 wickets. He conceded just 128 runs in the whole tournament, maintaining an economy rate of 5.33, which was the best by any bowler in that particular edition.
#4 Shahid Afridi (5.32) - 2009
After losing the final of the 2007 edition, Pakistan made a brilliant comeback to lift the trophy in 2009, beating Sri Lanka comprehensively in the final by eight wickets.
Legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi carried out a vital role in Pakistan's victorious campaign that year. He was among the leading wicket-takers as well, with 11 scalps from seven matches.
Afridi bowled 28 overs in the entire competition, giving away only 149 runs at an economy rate of 5.32, which was the best for any bowler (min. 20 overs) in the 2009 T20 World Cup.
#3 Wanindu Hasaranga (5.20) - 2021
Winning all three games in the first round, Sri Lanka progressed to the Group stages of the 2021 edition. However, they failed to progress from there on, finishing fourth in Group 1.
On a personal note, however, willy leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga had a successful outing, ending as the highest wicket-taker with 16 dismissals. Bowling 30 overs and conceding 156 runs, Hasaranga had the best economy rate of 5.20, keeping the batters from scoring aggressively against him.
His magic failed to help Sri Lanka win the title. Nonetheless, he became a massive takeaway for them from an otherwise disappointing tournament overall.
#2 Sunil Narine (4.60) - 2014
West Indies failed to defend their title from the 2012 edition, losing to eventual champions Sri Lanka in the first semi-final in 2014.
Evergreen 'mystery' spinner Sunil Narine was a standout performer for the West Indies in that tournament. While he wasn't among the leading wicket-takers, he still proved his worth, putting up an influential show with the ball.
The smart and clever spinner that he is, Narine kept the batters under control, giving away a mere 92 runs in 20 overs, registering the best economy rate of 4.60 throughout.
#1 Jasprit Bumrah (4.17) - 2024
At the top spot on this list is arguably the best fast bowler in the world at present, Jasprit Bumrah. The pacer was one of the main reasons behind India's triumph at the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Leading the attack as the senior pacer, Bumrah proved why he is the best in the business yet again. The ever-consistent quick picked up 15 wickets in the tournament, bowling crucial spells when it mattered the most.
His overs at the backend in the final are a testament to his class and ability to deliver under extreme pressure. Bumrah bowled 29.4 overs, giving away 124 runs at a staggering economy rate of just 4.17, which also won him the Player of the Tournament award.