The T20 format is known for fast-paced action and explosive batting. While many bowlers rise to the challenge, some have experienced nightmare performances. The Top 10 Worst Bowling Spells in T20I History focuses on those difficult moments when bowlers were punished heavily, struggling to make an impact. These bowlers gave away the most runs in a single T20I innings, and their names are remembered for setting unwanted records.
List of 10 Most Worst Bowling Spells in T20I History
10. IC Simao
Brazil’s IC Simao experienced one of the Worst Bowling Spells in T20I in 2024. Playing against the Cayman Islands, Simao bowled his full quota of 4 overs but gave away 67 runs. His line and length lacked control, and he was punished by aggressive batting throughout. With an economy rate of 16.75, it was a day to forget Worst Bowling Spells in T20I.
| Player | Runs | Overs | Wickets | Economy | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IC Simao | 67 | 4.0 | 0 | 16.75 | 14 Dec 2024 |
9. SSB Magala
South African bowler SSB Magala also recorded one of the Worst Bowling Spells in T20I. In a match against the West Indies in 2023, Magala conceded 67 runs in just 4 overs without claiming any wickets. Despite his strength and experience, the West Indian batters handled him with ease, resulting in a similar economy rate to Simao 16.75.
| Player | Runs | Overs | Wickets | Economy | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSB Magala | 67 | 4.0 | 0 | 16.75 | 26 Mar 2023 |
READ MORE: Top 10 Most Fastest Centuries in Cricket World Cup History
8. M Prasidh Krishna
India’s fast bowler Prasidh Krishna had one of the Worst Bowling Spells in T20I against Australia in 2023. Although he bowled with decent pace, the Australian batters dominated him from the start. He gave away 68 runs in 4 overs without taking a wicket, leading to a high economy of 17.00
| Player | Runs | Overs | Wickets | Economy | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M Prasidh Krishna | 68 | 4.0 | 0 | 17.00 | 28 Nov 2023 |
7. KJ Abbott
KJ Abbott’s spell in 2015 for South Africa against the West Indies is remembered as one of the Worst Bowling Spells in T20I. Despite taking 1 wicket, Abbott allowed 68 runs in 4 overs. His economy rate matched Krishna’s at 17.00, showing how relentlessly the West Indian batters attacked.
| Player | Runs | Overs | Wickets | Economy | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KJ Abbott | 68 | 4.0 | 1 | 17.00 | 11 Jan 2015 |
6. BJ McCarthy
BJ McCarthy from Ireland had a forgettable day in 2017 while facing Afghanistan. He delivered all 4 overs but conceded 69 runs without taking a wicket. This game was part of the Worst Bowling Spells in T20I due to his high economy rate of 17.25, as Afghan batters kept finding boundaries with ease.
| Player | Runs | Overs | Wickets | Economy | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BJ McCarthy | 69 | 4.0 | 0 | 17.25 | 12 Mar 2017 |
5. T Turan
Turan from Turkey struggled badly against the Czech Republic in 2019. He gave away 70 runs in 4 overs and took just 1 wicket. This match added his name to the Worst Bowling Spells in T20I, mainly because of his poor economy rate of 17.50 and lack of control.
| Player | Runs | Overs | Wickets | Economy | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T Turan | 70 | 4.0 | 1 | 17.50 | 30 Aug 2019 |
4. CB Sole
Scotland’s CB Sole gave up 72 runs in 4 overs against New Zealand in 2022. Though he picked up a wicket, he couldn’t contain the run rate. His performance is among the Worst Bowling Spells in T20I due to a high economy of 18.00 and lack of variation to deceive the batters.
| Player | Runs | Overs | Wickets | Economy | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CB Sole | 72 | 4.0 | 1 | 18.00 | 27 Jul 2022 |
3. CAK Rajitha
Rajitha from Sri Lanka gave away 75 runs in 4 overs in a brutal match against Australia in 2019. He failed to take a wicket and had an economy rate of 18.75. It was one of the Worst Bowling Spells in T20I, as Australian batsmen smashed nearly every delivery.
| Player | Runs | Overs | Wickets | Economy | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAK Rajitha | 75 | 4.0 | 0 | 18.75 | 27 Oct 2019 |
2. L McCarthy
L McCarthy from Ireland endured a tough day against the West Indies in 2025. He conceded 81 runs in 4 overs without taking a wicket. It ranks as the second-highest in the Worst Bowling Spells in T20I. His economy rate of 20.25 is among the worst ever recorded.
| Player | Runs | Overs | Wickets | Economy | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L McCarthy | 81 | 4.0 | 0 | 20.25 | 15 Jun 2025 |
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1. M Jobarteh
Topping the Worst Bowling Spells in T20I is M Jobarteh from Gambia. In 2024, he gave away an unbelievable 93 runs in 4 overs without taking any wickets. His economy rate of 23.25 is the highest ever in T20I cricket. The Zimbabwean batters punished every ball, making it the most expensive spell in the history of the format.
| Player | Runs | Overs | Wickets | Economy | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M Jobarteh | 93 | 4.0 | 0 | 23.25 | 23 Oct 2024 |
The Top 10 Worst Bowling Spells in T20I History reminds us how challenging the T20 format is for bowlers. A few mistimed deliveries or missed chances can lead to disaster. Each of these performances shows the fine line between glory and disappointment in T20Is. While these records may be painful, they’re also a part of the game’s rich history, and every bowler has a chance to bounce back and prove themselves again.