In ICC World Test Championship history, there have been some bowling spells that have remained etched in the minds of fans forever. These performances were not just a game of stats but changed the flow of the entire match. Today, we will talk about those iconic records of the best bowling figures in a match, which have been the most impactful in the WTC so far.
Top 7 Best Bowling Figures in a Match – ICC World Test Championship Stars
1. Ajaz Patel – 14 Wickets vs India (Wankhede 2021)
- Overs 73.5 | Maidens 15 | Runs 225 | Wickets 14 | Economy 3.04
New Zealand’s left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel created history in the Wankhede Test. He did not stop even after 10 wickets in an innings, he delivered an all-time great bowling spell in the ICC WTC by taking 14 wickets in the entire match.
2. Mitchell Santner – 13 Wickets vs India (Pune 2024)
- Overs 48.3 | Maidens 3 | Runs 157 | Wickets 13 | Economy 3.23
Santner’s performance was a masterclass on slow Indian pitches. He took 13 wickets while tackling India’s strong batting line-up in both innings was proof of his consistency and variation.
3. Gus Atkinson – 12 Wickets vs West Indies (Lord’s 2024)
- Overs: 26.0 | Maidens: 7 | Runs: 106 | Wickets: 12 | Economy: 4.07
England pacer Gus Atkinson destroyed the West Indies batting lineup in the Lord’s Test with his raw pace and accuracy. Taking 12 wickets in just 26 overs is a dream for any young bowler.
4. Sajid Khan – 12 Wickets vs Bangladesh (Mirpur 2021)
- Overs 47.4 | Maidens 12 | Runs 128 | Wickets 12 | Economy 2.68
Pakistan’s off-spinner Sajid Khan made maximum use of the slow pitch in Mirpur. He dominated Bangladesh in both innings with his turn and flight.
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5. R Ashwin – 12 Wickets vs West Indies (Roseau 2023)
- Overs 46.0 | Maidens 13 | Runs 131 | Wickets 12 | Economy 2.84
Ashwin showed complete control in the Roseau Test. West Indies batsmen could not answer his variations and drift. This spell was a strong entry in the best bowling figures of the ICC World Test Championship.
6. Prabath Jayasuriya – 12 Wickets vs Australia (Galle 2022)
- Overs 52.0 | Maidens 5 | Runs 177 | Wickets 12 | Economy 3.40
Only stats are enough to explain Jayasuriya’s impact in the Galle Test. He kept the pressure on and continued taking wickets against a strong Australian batting unit.
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7. Axar Patel – 11 Wickets vs England (Ahmedabad 2021)
- Overs 36.4 | Maidens 6 | Runs 70 | Wickets 11 | Economy 1.90
Axar takes advantage of the full use of the spin-friendly pitch of Ahmedabad. England’s batsmen constantly struggled with their angle and speed. 11 wickets with just 70 runs is truly among the best bowling performances in a Test match.
These bowling spells of the ICC World Test Championship are not just records, they are inspiration. Each bowler gave a match-winning performance and showed their impact at every moment of the game. Records like the best bowling figures in a match tell us the importance of patience, skill, and strategy in Test cricket. For such and more historic moments, keep watching every WTC match, because here a story is written in every over.
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