The 7 worst – very worst – bowling figures in the history of T20I cricket > Liam McCarthy’s ‘mare enters the fray
T20 Internationals showcase the greatest battles between bat and ball on the world stage with some of the best big-hitters and versatile bowlers fighting it out for glory.
But sometimes a mixture of the pitch, small boundaries and a bad day can make T20Is a nightmare for bowlers with the heartless boundary hitters of the world cashing in.
Last week, Ireland’s Liam McCarthy recorded some of the worst bowling figures seen in T20I cricket as he was bullied by the West Indies batters.
Cricket365 takes a look at the 7 worst bowling displays in T20 Internationals history…
7. Kyle Abbott – 4 overs for 68 at 17.00 RPO
Abbott’s nightmare came in 2015 at the expense of a rampaging West Indies side, who dominated South Africa in Johannesburg.
When Chris Gayle is in full beast mode, there’s little a bowler can do to contain him, and Abbott found out the hard way with dot balls few and far between.
The small boundary at the DP World Wanderers Stadium left little room for error as the usually economical Abbot had a rare day to forget.
6. Barry McCarthy – 4 overs for 69 17.25 RPO
Afghanistan ruthlessly demolished the bowling of Ireland in Greater Noida in 2017, with McCarthy’s bowling smashed to every corner of the park.
The Irish bowler just couldn’t find his mark with his yorkers missing and Mohammad Nabi picking his variations with ease in a late rampage.
It was a spell to forget for McCarthy and a testament to Afghanistan’s rise in T20 cricket.
5. Tunahan Turan – 4 overs for 70 at 17.50 RPO
Representing Turkey in a T20I against the Czech Republic, Turan’s inexperience was brutally exploited in 2019 with his lack of pace and control punished through his four-over spell.
The Czech batters showed their ever-improving class, capitalising on multiple loose deliveries and cashing in as Turan shipped 70 runs.
4. Chris Sole – 4 overs for 72 at 18.00 RPO
Edinburgh has become a T20 venue renowned for high-scoring contests, with New Zealand‘s star-studded top order taking the attack to the bowling of Scotland’s seamer Chris Sole.
Despite regularly clocking high speeds, Sole had no answers for the destruction of Glenn Phillips and Finn Allen, who were in ruthless form.
He did manage to take a wicket but shipped 18 runs an over.
3. Kasun Rajitha – 4 overs for 75 at 18.75 RPO
Australia can be a tough place to play T20 cricket, and Sri Lanka’s Rajitha will testify to this.
The Sri Lankan struggled to find his line and length, and when bowling to the opening pairing of David Warner and Aaron Finch, taking time to settle wasn’t an option.
The pair piled on the runs with poor wicketless Rajitha delivering the most costly spell in the history of Sri Lankan T20I cricket.
2. Liam McCarthy – 4 overs for 81 at 20.25 RPO
Ireland returned to the wrong end of the record books with Liam McCarthy bowling a grim four-over spell against a spirited West Indies batting unit.
Their notorious power-hitters were clearing the boundary rope in Ireland at will, and the Irish bowler had no answer to break their flow.
No wickets – 81 runs – over 20 runs an over. Pretty tough reading for an improving Ireland side.
1. Musa Jobarteh – 4 overs for 93 at 23.25 RPO
The most expensive spell in T20I history will take some beating. Gambia’s Musa Jobarteh was dismantled by Zimbabwe in 2024.
His bowling lacked deception, pace and any form of variation as Zimbabwe’s top order cashed in on his lackluster bowling.
He was wicketless and dispatched for over 23 runs an over, a harsh reality check on the perils and discipline required for international T20 bowling.