Top 10 Most Economical Spells in T20 World Cups

T20 cricket is built on aggression, but it’s the calm, clever, and clinical bowlers who often flip the game. While the format favors big-hitters and explosive scores, some bowlers have delivered spells so tight that they completely choked the opposition’s momentum. These aren’t just good bowling figures — they are acts of tactical brilliance on cricket’s biggest T20 stage.

This list celebrates the bowlers who bowled the most economical spells in T20 World Cups, delivering pressure over fireworks — and proving that even in the shortest format, control is king.

10. Ajantha Mendis – 4-2-8-2

• Year: 2012
• Opponent: Zimbabwe
• Economy: 2.00

Mendis’ mystery spin crushed Zimbabwe. He gave nothing away — a nightmare to read, let alone hit.

9. Michael Clarke – 4-1-7-1

• Year: 2007
• Opponent: Bangladesh
• Economy: 1.75

Yes, Clarke bowled in a World Cup — and shockingly, outfoxed Bangladesh with tight part-time spin!

8. Daniel Vettori – 4-1-11-4

• Year: 2007
• Opponent: India
• Economy: 2.75

Vintage Vettori — drift, dip, and deadly. His spell derailed India’s chase and reminded everyone of his class.

7. Sunil Narine – 4-1-9-3

• Year: 2012
• Opponent: Sri Lanka
• Economy: 2.25

Sri Lanka couldn’t decode Narine. His variations stunned even veterans like Sangakkara and Jayawardene.

6. Rashid Khan – 4-1-8-2

• Year: 2021
• Opponent: Scotland
• Economy: 2.00

The Afghan wizard was unstoppable. Scotland had no answers to his pace, spin, and accuracy.

5. Mohammad Nabi – 4-1-12-4

• Year: 2021
• Opponent: Netherlands
• Economy: 3.00

Calm, mature, deadly — Nabi proved again why he’s Afghanistan’s crisis man in T20s.

4. Anrich Nortje – 4-0-10-4

• Year: 2022
• Opponent: Bangladesh
• Economy: 2.50

Nortje’s raw pace was on full display — he didn’t just contain, he destroyed.

3. Harbhajan Singh – 4-1-12-4

• Year: 2010
• Opponent: England
• Economy: 3.00

Bhajji mixed off-spin with quicker darts to suffocate England. Vintage stuff from India’s Turbanator.

2. Mujeeb Ur Rahman – 4-0-9-5

• Year: 2021
• Opponent: Scotland
• Economy: 2.25

A dream spell. Five wickets, under 10 runs — pure match control from the young Afghan star.

1. Rangana Herath – 3.3-2-3-5

• Year: 2014
• Opponent: New Zealand
• Economy: 0.85

Yes, 0.85 economy in a T20 World Cup match. Herath turned the ball square and ripped through New Zealand, defending a low total like a magician. The most economical spell in T20 World Cup history — and arguably the most clutch.

These bowlers showed that even in T20s — where every ball is a scoring opportunity — control and strategy can silence any lineup. Delivering the most economical spells in T20 World Cups isn’t just about stats; it’s about shifting momentum, forcing mistakes, and building pressure like a true craftsman.

From Herath’s unforgettable 3-run spell to Rashid’s pinpoint precision, these moments remind fans that tight bowling is just as thrilling as towering sixes.

FAQ – Most Economical Spells in T20 World Cups!