The T20 World Cup has seen some exceptional bowling performances over the years. One of the key metrics that highlight a bowler’s dominance in the shortest format of the game is the number of dot balls they deliver in an innings. Dot balls not only build pressure but also restrict the scoring rate, often leading to wickets. Here’s a look at the ten bowlers who have bowled the most dot balls in an innings in T20 World Cup history.

1. Ajantha Mendis (Sri Lanka)

• Match: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, 2012
• Dot Balls: 18
• Details: Ajantha Mendis delivered an exceptional spell of 4 overs, 2 maidens, 8 runs, and 6 wickets against Zimbabwe in the 2012 T20 World Cup, including 18 dot balls. His unplayable spin variations left the batsmen clueless.

2. Sunil Narine (West Indies)

• Match: West Indies vs New Zealand, 2012
• Dot Balls: 17
• Details: In the 2012 T20 World Cup, Narine bowled a spell of 4 overs, 3 wickets, and 20 runs against New Zealand, with 17 dot balls. His tight bowling and mystery spin were pivotal for the West Indies.

3. Rangana Herath (Sri Lanka)

• Match: Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, 2014
• Dot Balls: 17
• Details: Herath’s memorable spell in the 2014 T20 World Cup saw him take 5 wickets for 3 runs in 3.3 overs, including 17 dot balls, dismantling New Zealand’s batting lineup.

4. Dale Steyn (South Africa)

• Match: South Africa vs New Zealand, 2014
• Dot Balls: 16
• Details: Steyn’s fiery spell of 4 overs, 4 wickets, and 17 runs against New Zealand in the 2014 T20 World Cup included 16 dot balls, showcasing his pace and precision.

5. Samuel Badree (West Indies)

• Match: West Indies vs Bangladesh, 2014
• Dot Balls: 16
• Details: Badree’s spell of 4 overs, 3 wickets, and 10 runs against Bangladesh in the 2014 T20 World Cup featured 16 dot balls, as his leg-spin controlled the flow of runs.

6. Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Afghanistan)

• Match: Afghanistan vs Scotland, 2021
• Dot Balls: 16
• Details: Mujeeb’s spell of 4 overs, 5 wickets, and 20 runs against Scotland in the 2021 T20 World Cup included 16 dot balls, reflecting his growing prowess as a spinner.

7. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)

• Match: Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, 2009
• Dot Balls: 15
• Details: Malinga’s lethal yorkers and variations led to a spell of 4 overs, 2 wickets, and 12 runs against New Zealand in the 2009 T20 World Cup, including 15 dot balls.

8. Mitchell Starc (Australia)

• Match: Australia vs Pakistan, 2014
• Dot Balls: 15
• Details: Starc’s aggressive fast bowling resulted in a spell of 4 overs, 2 wickets, and 20 runs against Pakistan in the 2014 T20 World Cup, with 15 dot balls.

9. Imran Tahir (South Africa)

• Match: South Africa vs Netherlands, 2014
• Dot Balls: 15
• Details: Tahir’s leg-spin yielded a spell of 4 overs, 4 wickets, and 21 runs against the Netherlands in the 2014 T20 World Cup, including 15 dot balls.

10. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)

• Match: Afghanistan vs West Indies, 2016
• Dot Balls: 15
• Details: Rashid’s spell of 4 overs, 2 wickets, and 26 runs against the West Indies in the 2016 T20 World Cup featured 15 dot balls, underscoring his effectiveness in T20 cricket.

Conclusion:

These bowlers have delivered extraordinary performances, often changing the course of the match with their ability to bowl dot balls consistently. Their contributions have not only restricted the scoring but also created pressure that led to crucial wickets, proving their mettle in the high-stakes environment of the T20 World Cup.