The Pakistan Super League has witnessed some breathtaking bowling performances over the years, with bowlers delivering unforgettable match-winning spells. Ravi Bopara leads the chart with his incredible 6/16, a performance that combined both batting and bowling brilliance.
There are 4 6-wicket hauls in PSL history; all 3 others belong to Pakistani bowlers.
Interestingly, the list is dominated by Pakistani bowlers, with only 2 foreign bowlers. Stars like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shahid Afridi have delivered some of the most destructive spells, thrilling fans with their skill and aggression.
These performances prove that in T20 cricket, a single spell can completely change the game. Keep reading to know more about this incredible PSL feat.
Best Bowling Figures In An Inning PSL
Here are the top 10 bowling performances in PSL history.
| Player Name | Runs | Wickets | Economy | Team | Opposition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ravi Bopara | 16 | 6 | 4 | Karachi Kings | Lahore Qalandars |
| Faheem Ashraf | 19 | 6 | 4.75 | Islamabad United | Lahore Qalandars |
| Umar Gul | 24 | 6 | 6 | Multan Sultans | Quetta Gladiators |
| Usama Mir | 40 | 6 | 10 | Multan Sultans | Lahore Qalandars |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | 4 | 5 | 1.09 | Lahore Qalandars | Multan Sultans |
| Shahid Afridi | 7 | 5 | 1.75 | Peshawar Zalmi | Quetta Gladiators |
| Mohammad Sami | 8 | 5 | 2 | Islamabad United | Karachi Kings |
| Ihsanullah | 12 | 5 | 3 | Multan Sultans | Quetta Gladiators |
| Rashid Khan | 20 | 5 | 5 | Lahore Qalandars | Peshawar Zalmi |
| Naseem Shah | 20 | 5 | 5.71 | Quetta Gladiators | Karachi Kings |
1. Ravi Bopara’s 6/16
Ravi Bopara delivered a stunning all-round show for Karachi Kings against Lahore Qalandars in PSL 2015-16 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Bowling his full 4 overs, he took 6 wickets for just 16 runs at an economy of 4.00.
His victims wrecked the Qalandars’ batting, restricting them to a low total of 151/8. Karachi Kings first scored 178/5 and then won this match by 27 runs. Bopara also smashed 71* off 43 balls with the bat, earning Player of the Match.
2. Faheem Ashraf’s 6/19
Faheem Ashraf starred for Islamabad United versus Lahore Qalandars in PSL 2018-19’s 27th match at National Stadium, Karachi. In the second innings, he claimed 6 wickets for 19 runs at 4.75 economy.
His swing and pace demolished the Qalandars, who folded cheaply. In the 1st inning, with the help of Cameron Delport, 117* off 60, Islamabad United scored 238/3 and bowled out Lahore Qalandars at just 189/9 to win the match by 49 runs.
3. Umar Gul’s 6/24
Veteran Umar Gul shone for Multan Sultans against Quetta Gladiators in PSL 2017-18’s 17th match at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. In the second innings, he bowled 4 overs, taking 6 wickets for 24 runs at an economy rate of 6.00.
His experience and yorkers triggered a collapse, bowling out the Gladiators for 156/8, but couldn’t stop his team’s loss. Gul’s spell dismantled Quetta’s strong batting line-up, but they won by 2 wickets.
4. Usama Mir’s 6/40
Usama Mir fired for Multan Sultans against Lahore Qalandars in PSL 2023-24’s 14th match at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. He snared 6 wickets for 40 runs at 10.00 economy in the second innings.
Despite runs leaked, his leg-spin dismissed the complete Lahore Qalandars’ line-up at just 154. Multan Sultans defended 214/4 to win by 60 runs.
5. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s 5/4
Shaheen Shah Afridi produced magic for Lahore Qalandars against Multan Sultans in the 20th match of PSL 2017-18 at Dubai. In the first innings, he bowled 3.4 overs with 1 maiden, taking 5 wickets for 4 runs at an economy rate of 1.09.
His raw pace obliterated the Sultans for 114 all out. Qalandars romped to a 6-wicket win, scoring 115/4. This demolition propelled Qalandars forward, marking Shaheen’s rise as PSL’s premier fast bowler.
6. Shahid Afridi’s 5/7
Shahid Afridi’s leg-spin wizardry lit up Peshawar Zalmi’s clash with Quetta Gladiators in PSL 2015-16’s 17th match at Sharjah. In the first innings, Shahid Afridi bowled a historic spell with 5 wickets for 7 runs at 1.75 economy.
He ripped through Gladiators, bowling them out for 129. Zalmi chased it down for an 8-wicket win. This spell helped Zalmi to win convincingly.
7. Mohammad Sami’s 5/8
Mohammad Sami dominated for Islamabad United against Karachi Kings in PSL 2015-16’s 2nd qualifying final at Dubai. During the first inning, he took 5 wickets for 8 runs at 2.00 economy.
His express bounce destroyed the Kings, who were bowled out for 111/9. United easily chased this target with 9 wickets in hand with 34 balls remaining. This clinical performance in a do-or-die game showcased his comeback story, silencing critics in PSL’s high-stakes knockout stage.
8. Ihsanullah’s 5/12
Ihsanullah burst onto the scene for Multan Sultans versus Quetta Gladiators in PSL 2022-23’s 3rd match at Multan Cricket Stadium. He bowled an incredible 24 balls and took 5 wickets for 12 runs at an economy rate of 3.00.
The slingy pacer skittled Gladiators for 110. During the chase, Sultans scored 111/1 and won the match with 9 wickets easily. Sultans started their title-winning campaign strongly. Ihsanullah’s debut PSL heroics hinted at stardom.
9. Rashid Khan’s 5/20
Rashid Khan mesmerized for Lahore Qalandars against Peshawar Zalmi in PSL 2020-21’s 17th match at Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. During the second innings, he took 5 wickets for 20 runs at 5.00 economy.
The Afghan leg-spin ace derailed Zalmi’s chase, restricting them to just 160/8. Qalandars defended to win by 10 runs. Rashid’s googlies dismissed Zalmi’s power-hitters, proving his world-class status. This win boosted the Qalandars’ morale in a bio-secure PSL bubble.
10. Naseem Shah’s 5/20
Teen prodigy Naseem Shah excelled for Quetta Gladiators against Karachi Kings in the 4th match of PSL 2021-22 at the National Stadium, Karachi. First innings: 3.3 overs (no maidens), 5 wickets for 20 runs at 5.71 economy.
His slingy yorkers bowled out the Kings for 113. Gladiators chased it for an 8-wicket victory by scoring 115/2. Naseem’s raw pace and swing overwhelmed, including a memorable over.
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Conclusion: Ravi Bopara Took 6/16, the Best Bowling Figure in PSL
The Pakistan Super League has delivered some of the most thrilling bowling performances in T20 cricket history. From Ravi Bopara’s record-breaking 6/16 to fiery spells by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shahid Afridi, these moments show how a single spell can completely dominate a game. As PSL 2026, which player do you think can join this elite list?
