Top 5 bowling performances of Lasith Malinga in IPL
There is no denying that Lasith Malinga is one of the best death-over bowlers we have ever seen in the history of IPL. His ability to bowl in the power play as well as death overs is unparalleled. Over the years, Malinga has proved to be a vital cog for MI in IPL. He is, in fact, the highest wicket-taker for the franchise in the tournament.
Malinga has played 122 matches for MI in IPL and has claimed 170 wickets at an average of 19.80. With his impressive bowling performances, he helped his clinch titles in 2013, 2015 and 2017 and 2019. Malinga was nothing but outstanding in the 2015 edition where he claimed 24 wickets in just 15 matches.
With age not on his age, it would be interesting to see if he still has in him to spring magic in 2020 IPL or not.
In this article, we look at Lasith Malinga’s top 5 bowling performances in IPL:
1. 5 for 13 against Delhi Capitals in 2011 IPL
In the fourth edition of the IPL, Malinga was unstoppable and picked up 28 scalps to win the Purple Cap. His only fifer in the IPL game against Delhi Daredevils that season. Batting first, DD (95/10) was foxed by Malinga’s offerings. His 5/13 in 3.3 overs stunned the hosts as David Warner‘s wicket was key. In reply, Mumbai Indians won the game by eight wickets.
2. 4 for 31 against RCB in IPL 2019
Malinga was instrumental against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 12th edition of the IPL. His 4/31 saw MI restricted RCB to 171 for 7. Malinga pegged RCB by removing Moeen Ali and Marcus Stoinis (0) in the 18th over, besides taking two wickets in the final over. The match was evenly poised in the chase before Hardik Pandya sealed a brilliant win for MI.
3. 4 for 23 against SRH in 2019
Malinga showed his tremendous accuracy at the death to thwart Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2015 edition. The eventual champions managed 157/8 in 20 overs. In reply, SRH got off to a decent start, before Malinga dismissed Warner. The veteran pacer came back at the death and claimed three more wickets in the 18th over. He finished with figures of 4/23.
4. 4 for 16 against Deccan Chargers in 2012 IPL
In the fifth edition of the IPL, Malinga played a crucial role in MI’s victory against Deccan Chargers. DC were bowled out for a paltry 100 in just 18.4 overs. Malinga (4/16) was once again the key at the death. Earlier, he had got the key scalp of Cameron White. In reply, MI worked hard to seal a five-wicket win.
5. 4 for 22 against KKR in 2010 IPL
Mumbai’s game against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2010 IPL saw Malinga put on one of his finest spells in IPL. With his raw pace and nasty bouncers, Malinga proved to be the biggest trouble for KKR. On the 4th ball of his first over, Malinga bowled a perfect yorker to dismiss Gambhir for zero. This was followed by the wickets of both the set batsmen in Manish Pandey and Kallis. Shakib soon lost his wicket for just one as Malinga ended his figures with 4 for 22, his best in 2010 edition.
His spells sit at fifth position in the list of top 5 bowling performances in IPL.
