The Mens T20 Asia Cup has always produced unforgettable bowling moments that cricket fans cherish. Over the years, bowlers from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan have showcased their skills on this high-pressure stage. As the 2025 edition approaches in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 28, it is the perfect time to revisit the best bowling figures in Mens T20 Asia Cup history. These top five performances demonstrate how bowlers can dominate matches and turn games in their team’s favor.
Table of Contents
List of 5 Best Bowling Figures in Mens T20 Asia Cup
5. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 4/26 vs Pakistan (2022)
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 4 for 26 against Pakistan on August 28, 2022, is a standout example of consistency and skill. This performance is one of the most memorable in Best Bowling Figures in Mens T20 Asia Cup history. Opening the match, Bhuvneshwar immediately targeted Pakistan’s key batter Babar Azam and later dismissed Khan, Asif Ali, and Naseem Shah in the death overs. His control over line and length, combined with intelligent swing bowling, allowed India to restrict a strong batting lineup. This spell highlighted why Bhuvneshwar remains one of the most dependable pacers in T20 cricket.
| Bowler | Figures | Opponent | Year | Venue |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 4/26 | Pakistan | 2022 | Dubai |
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4. Lasith Malinga – 4/26 vs UAE (2016)
Sri Lankan fast-bowling legend Lasith Malinga produced an extraordinary display of skill against UAE in the 2016 Asia Cup. His 4 for 26 is remembered among the best bowling figures in Mens T20 Asia Cup because it came under high-pressure conditions. Defending a modest total of 129, Malinga struck twice in the first over, unsettling the UAE batters with his trademark yorkers. Mixing slower deliveries with precise bouncers, he consistently outwitted the opposition. This spell reinforced Malinga’s reputation for performing brilliantly in T20 Asia Cup matches.
| Bowler | Figures | Opponent | Year | Venue |
| Lasith Malinga | 4/26 | UAE | 2016 | Mirpur |
3. Mohammad Nabi – 4/17 vs Hong Kong (2016)
Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi delivered a masterclass in bowling against Hong Kong during the 2016 Asia Cup qualifiers. His 4 for 17 ranks among the best bowling figures in Mens T20 Asia Cup history due to the smart use of flight, pace, and subtle variations. Nabi’s strategy kept the Hong Kong batters under pressure throughout his spell. He bowled 12 dot balls out of four overs, with three wickets coming from mistimed big shots. This performance not only earned him the Player of the Match award but also showcased Afghanistan’s growing strength in international T20 cricket.
| Bowler | Figures | Opponent | Year | Venue |
| Mohammad Nabi | 4/17 | Hong Kong | 2016 | Mirpur |
2. Shadab Khan – 4/8 vs Hong Kong (2022)
Shadab Khan’s leg-spin brilliance against Hong Kong in Sharjah on September 2, 2022, is considered one of the finest spells in the Best Bowling Figures in Mens T20 Asia Cup list. Pakistan had set a challenging target of 193, but Shadab’s 4 for 8 dismantled the batting lineup in just 2.4 overs. Three wickets came from perfectly disguised googlies, leaving the batters unable to read his variations. His domination helped Pakistan win by 155 runs and secure a crucial spot in the Super Four stage. Shadab’s spell proves the impact a quality spinner can have in T20 Asia Cup cricket.
| Bowler | Figures | Opponent | Year | Venue |
| Shadab Khan | 4/8 | Hong Kong | 2022 | Sharjah |
1. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 5/4 vs Afghanistan (2022)
At the top of the Best Bowling Figures in Mens T20 Asia Cup list is Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s phenomenal 5 for 4 against Afghanistan on September 8, 2022, in Dubai. India had already posted 212 runs, highlighted by Virat Kohli’s 122*, but Bhuvneshwar’s spell completely shattered Afghanistan’s batting. Swinging the ball both ways, maintaining seam, and showing impeccable accuracy, he bowled a maiden over and took key wickets, including edges and clean bowled dismissals. This spell remains one of the most devastating in T20 Asia Cup history, setting a benchmark for future bowlers.
| Bowler | Figures | Opponent | Year | Venue |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 5/4 | Afghanistan | 2022 | Dubai |
1. Who holds the best bowling figures in Mens T20 Asia Cup history?
Bhuvneshwar Kumar holds the record for the best bowling figures in Mens T20 Asia Cup with 5 wickets for just 4 runs against Afghanistan in 2022. His spell is widely regarded as one of the most devastating in T20 Asia Cup history.
2. Which bowlers have taken 4-wicket hauls in Mens T20 Asia Cup matches?
Several bowlers have achieved 4-wicket hauls in Mens T20 Asia Cup history, including Bhuvneshwar Kumar (4/26 vs Pakistan, 2022), Lasith Malinga (4/26 vs UAE, 2016), Mohammad Nabi (4/17 vs Hong Kong, 2016), and Shadab Khan (4/8 vs Hong Kong, 2022).
3. How many overs did Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowl to take 5/4 against Afghanistan?
Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled a full four-over spell, using swing, seam, and precise line and length to take 5 wickets for just 4 runs, making it one of the best bowling figures in Mens T20 Asia Cup history.
4. Why are these bowling figures considered special in the Asia Cup?
These bowling performances are considered special because they came under high-pressure T20 conditions, often turning matches in favor of their teams. Skill, control, and strategy make these spells part of the best bowling figures in Mens T20 Asia Cup history.