Top 5 Best Bowling Performances in SMAT History

The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) has witnessed some extraordinary bowling displays in Indian T20 cricket. Bowlers have often changed the course of matches with brilliant spells, combining pace, swing, and spin to dominate the opposition. Here, we present the top 5 best bowling performances in SMAT history, highlighting bowlers who turned games with unforgettable displays.

List of 5 Best Bowling Performances in SMAT History

5. Venkatesh Iyer - 6/20 vs Rajasthan, Rajkot 2022

Venkatesh Iyer's performance for Madhya Pradesh in the 2022 SMAT season is remembered as a true all-round contribution. After scoring a quick 62 off 31 balls, he came back with the ball to bowl an outstanding 6 for 20 against Rajasthan in Rajkot. His accurate deliveries dismantled the opposition, leaving Rajasthan struggling to chase the target. Madhya Pradesh won the match by 38 runs, thanks largely to Iyer's performance. This match is considered one of the best bowling performances in SMAT history, demonstrating his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.

4. Arzan Nagwaswalla - 6/19 vs Maharashtra, Vadodara 2021

Arzan Nagwaswalla impressed cricket fans in the 2021 SMAT season with his spell of 6 for 19 against Maharashtra in Vadodara. Gujarat was defending a total of 158, which looked below par, but Nagwaswalla's left-arm seam bowling changed the game entirely. Taking wickets at crucial moments, he ensured Maharashtra never gained momentum. The visitors were bowled out for 128, handing Gujarat a vital victory. This performance stands out as one of the best bowling performances in SMAT history, marking Nagwaswalla as a rising T20 star.

3. Swapnil Singh - 6/19 vs Saurashtra, Pune 2015

Swapnil Singh delivered a phenomenal performance for Baroda in the 2015 SMAT season, taking 6 wickets for just 19 runs against Saurashtra in Pune. Defending a modest total of 143, Singh struck at key moments, breaking crucial partnerships. Early resistance from Sheldon Jackson and Cheteshwar Pujara was broken by his precise bowling, triggering a batting collapse. Saurashtra fell 24 runs short, giving Baroda a memorable victory. This spell is often cited among the best bowling performances in SMAT history, showing how swing and seam can dominate T20 matches.

2. Ravi Teja - 6/13 vs Chhattisgarh, Jaipur 2024

Ravi Teja's 2024 SMAT season was remarkable, with his spell of 6 for 13 against Chhattisgarh in Jaipur being a standout. Bowling first, the Hyderabad pacer tore through the batting line-up with pace and accuracy, dismissing the opponents for just 97 runs. This dominant performance gave Hyderabad a commanding position, allowing them to chase the small total comfortably with six wickets in hand. Ravi Teja's bowling is remembered as one of the best bowling performances in SMAT history, showing how a single bowler can completely control a T20 match.

1. Arshad Khan - 6/9 vs Chandigarh, Kolkata 2025

Arshad Khan delivered an unforgettable spell for Madhya Pradesh against Chandigarh in Kolkata during the 2025 SMAT season. He took an incredible 6 wickets for just 9 runs, dismantling the opposition from the very first ball. Chandigarh managed only 134/8, a total easily chased by MP with six overs to spare. Khan's left-arm pace, accuracy, and wicket-taking ability made this performance the undisputed best in the best bowling performances in SMAT history. His is also Known as one of the most dominant bowler in domestic T20 cricket.