Bowling in T20 cricket is often considered a high-pressure job, especially when batters are looking to score at a strike rate above 150. However, over the years, several bowlers have stood tall under pressure and delivered magical spells that turned games on their heads. The Best bowling figures in a Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) innings are a testament to those rare but game-changing performances.
This article highlights the most incredible bowling performances in the BPL, focusing on those rare spells where bowlers tore through batting lineups with remarkable precision, accuracy, and intensity.
Taskin Ahmed’s 7-Wicket Brilliance Against Dhaka (2025)
In one of the most memorable spells in the history of BPL, Taskin Ahmed, playing for Rajshahi, delivered a masterclass in pace bowling. On January 2, 2025, at the Mirpur ground, Taskin ripped through the Dhaka batting order with staggering figures of 4 overs, 19 runs, and 7 wickets.
His spell, with an economy rate of just 4.75, not only stands as the Best bowling figures in BPL history but also placed him among an elite group of bowlers in global T20 leagues who have taken 7 wickets in an innings.
What made the performance even more remarkable was the consistency in line and length coupled with deceptive pace variations. The Dhaka batsmen had no answer to Taskin’s brilliance that day, and the performance remains a benchmark for BPL bowlers.
Mohammad Amir’s Spell of Precision for Khulna (2020)
Mohammad Amir has long been recognized as a lethal left-arm pacer with the ability to swing the ball both ways. On January 13, 2020, while representing Khulna, Amir delivered an extraordinary spell against the Royals, finishing with 6 wickets for 17 runs in his quota of 4 overs.
This performance came in the second innings of the match at Mirpur and is still talked about for its sheer clinical execution. His economy rate of 4.25 ensured that the Royals never gained momentum, and Amir’s early breakthroughs dismantled the top order within the first six overs.
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The spell ranks among the Best bowling figures in BPL and showcased Amir’s ability to dominate in pressure situations, reaffirming his place among the finest bowlers to grace the league.
Mohammad Sami’s Economical Destruction (2012)
Veteran pacer Mohammad Sami, representing Rajshahi, created waves during the 2012 BPL season with a stunning performance against Dhaka. On February 27, Sami bowled 3.2 overs, conceding just 6 runs and taking 5 wickets, at a jaw-dropping economy of 1.80.
Sami’s spell stands out not just for the number of wickets but also for the sheer economy. Restricting runs in a T20 game while also picking wickets is a rare feat, and Sami managed both with finesse.
It was one of the earliest examples of the Best bowling figures in the BPL and helped set the standard for bowlers in the seasons that followed.
Faheem Ashraf’s Game-Changing Five-For (2025)
On January 26, 2025, Faheem Ashraf took the field for Barishal against the Strikers and stunned everyone with an impressive performance. His figures of 3.1 overs, 7 runs, and 5 wickets were not only match-winning but also left a lasting impact on the tournament.
With an economy rate of 2.21, Ashraf displayed exceptional control and execution, constantly pressuring the batsmen and forcing errors. His sharp seam movement and subtle changes in pace played a crucial role in building pressure, eventually leading to a collapse.
This spell is a deserving entry into the Best bowling figures list in BPL and reflects the increasing influence of bowling in the format often dominated by batters.
Wahab Riaz’s Fiery Spell for Platoon (2019)
The ever-aggressive Wahab Riaz showed his bowling prowess for the Platoon in a 2019 clash against the Royals. On December 30 at Mirpur, Wahab returned with remarkable figures: 3.4 overs, 8 runs, 5 wickets, and an economy rate of 2.18.
What made this spell special was Wahab’s trademark aggression combined with pinpoint accuracy. He bowled with fire and venom, troubling every batsman he faced. His spell came in the second innings, making it all the more valuable as it helped seal a tight victory.
Ranked among the Best bowling figures in the BPL, this performance was a reminder of Wahab’s match-winning abilities even in the shortest format of the game.
Comparative Table of Best Bowling Figures in BPL
To get a better look at how these legendary spells compare with each other, here is a comprehensive table detailing the performances:
| Player | Overs | Mdns | Runs | Wkts | Econ | Team | Innings | Opposition | Ground | Date | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taskin Ahmed | 4.0 | – | 19 | 7 | 4.75 | Rajshahi | 1 | v Dhaka | Mirpur | 02 Jan 2025 | Twenty20 |
| Mohammad Amir | 4.0 | – | 17 | 6 | 4.25 | Khulna | 2 | v Royals | Mirpur | 13 Jan 2020 | Twenty20 |
| Mohammad Sami | 3.2 | – | 6 | 5 | 1.80 | Rajshahi | 1 | v Dhaka | Mirpur | 27 Feb 2012 | Twenty20 |
| Faheem Ashraf | 3.1 | – | 7 | 5 | 2.21 | Barishal | 1 | v Strikers | Mirpur | 26 Jan 2025 | Twenty20 |
| Wahab Riaz | 3.4 | 1 | 8 | 5 | 2.18 | Platoon | 2 | v Royals | Mirpur | 30 Dec 2019 | Twenty20 |
Impact of These Spells on Match Outcomes
All the above-mentioned spells had a significant impact on the outcome of their respective matches. In a tournament like the BPL, where momentum plays a crucial role, such impactful bowling performances often become the deciding factor between victory and defeat.
The Best bowling figures in BPL have generally occurred in tightly contested matches where early wickets or economical spells changed the course of the game. These bowlers not only restricted the opposition’s scoring ability but also mentally dominated them, creating pressure that led to collapses.
What Makes a Spell Among the Best Bowling Figures?
Achieving the Best bowling figures in T20 cricket is not merely about taking wickets; it’s about doing so while maintaining economy and consistency. Each of the performances listed above involved a high level of planning, execution, and mental strength.
Conditions, pitch behavior, opposition strategy, and match pressure all play vital roles. A bowler who can rise above these factors and deliver under the lights earns their place in BPL folklore.
Evolution of Bowling Standards in BPL
Over the years, the Bangladesh Premier League has witnessed a significant improvement in bowling standards. What used to be a batsman-dominated format is now increasingly balanced due to the emergence of skilled pacers and spinners who have learned to outthink batters.
The Best bowling figures discussed in this article demonstrate how bowlers have evolved — from sheer pace and bounce to cunning variations and precise line and length. This evolution has also elevated the quality of competition in the league.
Conclusion: Celebrating the Art of Bowling in BPL
While T20 cricket is often viewed as a batsman’s game, the BPL has shown that bowlers can be just as influential. The Best bowling figures listed here are a celebration of skill, strategy, and spirit.
As future editions of the Bangladesh Premier League unfold, fans and analysts alike will look forward to new names being added to this elite list. Until then, the likes of Taskin Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, and Faheem Ashraf will be remembered for producing some of the most electrifying bowling spells in the tournament’s history.
