The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup has hosted some of the most dramatic spectacles in cricket history. In a format heavily tailored to aggressive batting and explosive power plays, the margins for bowlers are razor-thin. Conceding less than six runs an over is a massive win, making a five-wicket haul an unbelievable feat.
When a bowler hits perfect lengths and completely dismantles an opponent, they cement their name in tournament history. The all-time best individual bowling spells in an innings at the Women's T20 World Cup highlight three absolute masterclasses.
1. Deandra Dottin (West Indies) - 5 for 5 vs. Bangladesh (2018)
Affectionately nicknamed the "World Boss," West Indies all-rounder Deandra Dottin delivered the single most destructive spell in tournament history during the opening match of the 2018 edition.
Playing on home soil in Guyana, the West Indies were in deep trouble after being bundled out for a meager 106 runs. Bangladesh looked entirely capable of executing the chase until Dottin took the ball.
Dottin single-handedly turned the match into a nightmare for the batters. In the ninth over, she sent shockwaves through the stadium with a double-wicket maiden, dismissing Fargana Haque and Nigar Sultana Joty. She repeated her ruthless efficiency in the 11th over, picking up two more scalps to leave Bangladesh completely unraveled. Returning in the 15th over, she took her fifth wicket on the very first delivery to secure final figures of 3.4 overs, 1 maiden, 5 runs, and 5 wickets. Bangladesh was rolled over for just 46 runs, and Dottin's unbelievable 1.36 economy rate remains the gold standard of T20 World Cup bowling.
2. Suné Luus (South Africa) - 5 for 8 vs. Ireland (2016)
Long before she captained her country, a 20-year-old Suné Luus showed the world the devastating potential of her leg-spin. During the 2016 World Cup in Chennai, India, South Africa was defending a modest total of 156.
Luus completely choked out the Irish middle and lower order with a textbook display of spin bowling. Relying on flight, sharp turn, and flawless accuracy, she sliced through the lineup to finish with figures of 4 overs, 0 maidens, 8 runs, and 5 wickets. Her spell led South Africa to a comfortable 67-run victory.
3. Deepti Sharma (India) - 5 for 10 vs Pakistan (2026)
India all-rounder Deepti Sharma delivered one of the greatest bowling performances in ICC Women's T20 World Cup history with outstanding figures of 5/10 in four overs against Pakistan Women at Birmingham on 14 June 2026. Bowling with exceptional accuracy and control, Deepti conceded just 10 runs at an incredible economy rate of 2.50 while picking up five crucial wickets to dismantle Pakistan's batting lineup. Her match-winning spell not only showcased her ability to thrive under pressure but also earned its place among the best bowling figures ever recorded in the history of the Women's T20 World Cup.
4. Ashleigh Gardner (Australia) - 5 for 12 vs. New Zealand (2023)
Australian vice-captain and premier all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner has a reputation for stepping up on the biggest stages. In Australia's opening match of the 2023 T20 World Cup in Paarl, South Africa, she produced her career-best T20I performance against a formidable New Zealand side.
Chasing a massive 174, New Zealand's top order was already rattled before Gardner introduced her sharp off-break bowling. She immediately found her rhythm, targeting the stumps and reaping the rewards. Gardner first broke a stabilizing partnership by cleaning up the dangerous Amelia Kerr. From there, she triggered a catastrophic collapse, picking up three wickets in the span of just 11 deliveries. She wrapped up the tail to finish with 3 overs, 0 maidens, 12 runs, and 5 wickets, anchoring a massive 97-run victory that set the tone for Australia's eventual championship run.
5. Renuka Singh (India) - 5 for 15 vs. England (2023)
The Indian fast bowler, Renuka Singh, was on fire against England in the 2023 edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup. Bowling first, Renuka ripped through the batting order of England as she took the first three wickets to fall. She dismissed Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Alice Capsey, and Sophia Dunkley to reduce England to 29 for 3. She returned later to dismiss a well-set Amy Jones for 40 and Katherine Sciver-Brunt for a duck. She finished with figures of 4-0-15-5 and helped India restrict England to 151. Her performance, though, was not enough as India fell short by 11 runs in the end.
