IPL 2019: 3 best spells by Lasith Malinga

T20 cricket has always been a batsmen-friendly game due to the invention of new shots, shorter boundaries and the white ball. However, there are few bowlers who have still kept their dominance alive in the shortest format. Lasith Malinga is one such bowler who has been one of the greatest bowlers in the history of 20-20 cricket.

The Indian Premier League has provided benefits to bowlers who have come up with innovative bowling techniques in this league. Lasith Malinga has been one such top bowler in the history of IPL who has shone in each season. So far, Malinga has played for just one franchise right from 2009 to 2017. He didn’t play the opening season of IPL which took place in the year 2008.

Mumbai Indians have been lucky to have a pacer like Malinga in their side. He has so far grabbed 154 wickets from the 110 matches he has played in. In 2018 he was unsold in the auction and joined Mumbai Indians as the bowling coach of the side. However, he will playing for the Mukesh Ambani-owned franchise once again in the upcoming IPL season.

On that note, let’s take a look at the top 3 spells bowled by Lasith Malinga in the history of IPL:

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#3 - 4/22 vs Kings XI Punjab, 2010

Lasith Malinga's best bowling figures of IPL 2010 were 4/22.

Lasith Malinga has been mainly known for his quick, daunting yorkers at the death. He has knocked down the stumps of the greatest batsmen with his slinging action. The same happened in the 27th match of IPL 2010 when Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab faced-off against each other, with Mumbai winning the match by four wickets.

The credit of it went to Lasith Malinga as he restricted the opponents at the score of just 163 runs. He took 4 wickets in that match which even included some big names like Shaun Marsh and Manvinder Bisla. Malinga just conceded two fours in the KXIP innings and played a big role in his side‘s win.

#2 - 4/16 v Deccan Chargers, 2012

Malinga completely shattered the Deccan Chargers line-up with his spell of 4/16

The 40th match of the Indian Premier League of 2012 was played on 29 April at Mumbai. The fans witnessed the two top teams in Mumbai Indians and the now-defunct Deccan Chargers battle it out with each other. However, ultimately the match became a lopsided affair because of Malinga’s top-class spell.

Batting first, Deccan Chargers lost all of their wickets at the score of just 100 runs due to the fiery bowling line-up of the Mumbai side. Malinga stole the show as he completely shattered the opposition batting line-up with his quick yorkers and wily change of pace. He bowled a mind-boggling spell in that match, taking four wickets for just 16 runs.

He took the crucial wicket of Cameron White on the first ball itself and turned the match in favorr of the home side, which they ultimately won by five wickets.

#1 5/13 v Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals), 2011

Lasith Malinga took his first 5-wicket haul of IPL in the year 2011

To take a 5-wicket haul in a T20 match is a matter of pride for every bowler, especially when it comes to the Indian Premier League. However, Lasith Malinga had achieved this feat way back in the year 2011. He conquered this record in the 4th match of the IPL 2011, playing against Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals).

After winning the toss, the Delhi side elected to bat first with the idea of posting a huge target on the board. However, they failed miserably as Mumbai’s main front line bowler, Lasith Malinga didn’t let their plans come to fruition. The whole Delhi line-up folded at the score of just 95 runs pertaining to Malinga’s 5 wicket-haul.

Out of the 5 wickets, three batsmen were clean bowled by the Sri Lankan sensation, which even included David Warner. Mumbai easily won the match, with Lasith Malinga taking home the man of the match award.

In that game, it looked like Malinga would claim a wicket with every ball of his, such was his rhythm, pace and variation. Not to mention, the veteran used his short balls to great effect.

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