Top 5 bowlers with best figures in T20Is

This list comprises sensational bowling figures from associate cricket teams in T20Is.

Associate cricket has often been a breeding ground for remarkable individual performances that rarely receive the global spotlight they deserve.

Despite limited exposure and resources, players from emerging nations have produced spells that rival, and in some cases surpass, the finest bowling feats seen at the highest level of international cricket.

This list highlights some of the most sensational bowling figures recorded by associate teams in T20I history. From teenage prodigies to seasoned campaigners, these performances showcase raw skill, discipline, and the growing competitive depth of associate cricket on the global stage.

5. Peter Aho (Nigeria) – 5/6 vs Sierra Leone

In a sensational display of pace bowling during the fifth T20I between Nigeria and Sierra Leone in Lagos on October 24, 2021, 18-year-old Peter Aho shattered records by claiming 6 wickets for just 5 runs in 3.4 overs (including a maiden), with an economy of 1.36.

The right-arm medium-fast bowler struck twice in his first over, followed by a hat-trick in his second (a first for Nigeria in T20Is), dismantling the top order and reducing Sierra Leone to 4/4 early on. His spell propelled Nigeria to a 19-run victory, sealing a 4-1 series win,

4. Harsha Bharadwaj (Singapore) – 3/6 vs Mongolia

Another superb spell of spin bowling was seen during Singapore’s T20I against Mongolia at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier A, as 18-year-old off-spinner Harsha Bharadwaj claimed sensational figures of 3/6 in his four overs.

Bharadwaj’s spell included the key wickets of top-order batsmen, exploiting turn and bounce on a helpful pitch to dismantle the opposition early. His economical and wicket-taking effort earned him Player of the Match honors, cleaning up the opposition for an all-time low score of just 10 runs.

3. Ali Dawood (Bahrain) – 19/7 vs Bhutan

In a stunning exhibition of disciplined swing bowling during Bahrain’s T20I against Bhutan at Gelephu, right-arm pacer Ali Dawood delivered extraordinary figures of 7/19 in his four overs, the third-best in T20I history.

The 28-year-old exploited early movement and bounce on a lively pitch, ripping through Bhutan’s top and middle order with relentless accuracy, to bowl them out for 125.

2. Syazrul Idrus (Malaysia) – 8/7 vs China

In a historic performance during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier B match in Kuala Lumpur on July 26, 2023, Malaysian right-arm fast bowler Syazrul Idrus etched his name in cricket lore by claiming extraordinary figures of 8/7 in four overs, the second-best bowling spell in T20I history.

The 32-year-old swung the new ball prodigiously and varied his pace masterfully to dismantle China’s batting, reducing them to 10/5 early before completing his haul as they collapsed to 23 all out.

1. Sonam Yeshey (Bhutan) – 7/8 vs Myanmar

Records were shattered during Bhutan’s third T20I against Myanmar at the ACC Men’s Challenger Cup in Bangkok on December 26, 2026.

Right-arm medium-pacer Sonam Yeshey delivered sensational figures of 7/8 in his four overs, the best in T20I history. This was the first eight-wicket haul in any men’s T20 match, international or domestic.

Yeshey’s spell demolished Myanmar’s batting, bundling them out for a paltry 45 while defending Bhutan’s 127/9, securing a dominant victory in the one-sided series (where he already had 12 wickets from four games).

This breaks the previous record of 7 wickets and is a huge achievement for associate cricket, showcasing the rapid progress of Yeshe since his debut in 2022. He now has 37 T20I wickets in 34 matches.

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