Across nine editions of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, several bowling performances have stood out, leaving a lasting mark on the grand stage.
As we gear up for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to begin on June 12 in England and Wales, here’s a look at some of the greatest bowling performances ever witnessed in the tournament’s history.
3/6 – Katherine Sciver-Brunt v New Zealand, Final, 2009
One of the most iconic spells ever bowled in a T20 World Cup Final, England’s Katherine Sciver-Brunt dismantled the New Zealand top order with a breathtaking performance, returning with figures of 3/6 off her four overs.
Sciver-Brunt set the tone early, delivering a maiden in the second over of the innings. She struck her first blow on the very first ball of the fourth over, dismissing New Zealand skipper Aimee Watkins to provide England wih a perfect start. Her precision and control were evident throughout the innings, as she followed it up with another maiden over in her third.
The right-arm quick, however, reserved her best for her final over. She removed Lucy Doolan and Rachel Priest on the second and fifth deliveries respectively, putting the game firmly in England’s grasp as New Zealand were bundled out for 85.
Finishing with three wickets for just six runs in her four overs, including two maidens, Sciver-Brunt’s spell earned a well-deserved Player of the Match award as England clinched the maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title.
3/18 – Ellyse Perry v New Zealand, Final, 2010
Ellyse Perry’s effort under pressure in the summit clash of 2010 edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup announced the arrival of one’s the game’s global stars. The young pacer returned with impressive figures of 3/18 from her four overs, but what truly stood out was her composure in bowling her final two overs of the match.
Perry began her spell in the last over of the powerplay, striking early by dismissing Suzie Bates. In her second over, she continued to make an impact, removing Amy Satterthwaite to put Australia firmly in control of the game.
She then delivered a crucial 18th over, conceding just four runs while picking up the key wicket of Nicola Browne, who was well set at the crease. With 14 runs to defend in the final over and the T20 World Cup on the line, Perry showcased a calmness that would become synonymous with her career.
Conceding only 10 runs and making an iconic save off the last ball, Perry held her nerve as Australia clinched victory by three runs, securing their first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup title.
5/22 – Julie Hunter v West Indies, Semi-Final, 2012
Australia’s Julie Hunter celebrates dismissing Tremayne Smartt during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2012 semi-final against the West Indies // Getty Images
Julie Hunter’s remarkable bowling (5/22) proved crucial in helping Australia defeat West Indies in the semi-final and securing a place in their second-straight Women’s T20 World Cup Final.
Hunter made early inroads, striking in the fifth over to dismiss West Indies skipper Merissa Aguilleira. She returned to the attack in the 14th over but proved slightly expensive, conceding 12 runs. However, in her final two overs, Hunter proved decisive in the knockout clash.
On the very first ball of the 18th over, she removed the well set Juliana Nero, striking again in thre same over to dismiss Stacy-Ann King
Hunter then wrapped things up in style, picking up two wickets in the first two balls of the 20th over to bowl West Indies out and seal Australia’s place in the title decider, which they eventually went on to win.
5/5 – Deandra Dottin v Bangladesh, Group Stage, 2018
Deandra Dottin delivered a mind-boggling spell of 5/5 early in the 2018 edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup. West Indies, batting first, were put on the back foot early and were eventually bowled out for just 106.
Facing a daunting task with the ball, the hosts stepped up in their response, with Deandra Dottin leading the charge. Delivering masterclass in bowling, Dottin struck twice in the ninth over, dismissing Fargana Haque and Nigar Sultana Joty in a remarkable double-wicket maiden.
The all-rounder continued her dominance in the 11th over, claiming two more wickets by removing Rumana Ahmed and Lata Mondal to take her tally to four. She completed her five-wicket haul by dismissing Salma Khatun on the very first ball of the 15th over, registering the best ever-bowling figures in Women’s T20 World Cup history.