In the Indian Premier League, there is not only a rain of runs but also a flurry of wickets. In the world's most popular league, while the batsmen have scored mountains of runs, the bowlers have also taken heaps of wickets. 

In Match 42 of IPL 2025, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru claimed their first home win, defeating the Rajasthan Royals by 11 runs. Josh Hazlewood starred with 4/33 in four overs. With this, he also reached 50 IPL wickets in just 36 matches, the joint-fourth 50 IPL wickets among pacers.

Also Read: IPL Facts: Most Fifty Plus Scores in T20s

In this article, we will be discussing about the fastest 50 IPL wickets among pacers.

Fastest 50 IPL Wickets Among Pacers

5. Mitchell McClenaghan | 36

Mitchell McClenaghan, the former Kiwi bowler is the joint-fourth fastest pacer to 50 IPL wickets, having taken just 36 matches. He achieved the feat during the 2016 season while playing for MI against the Delhi Capitals, returning with figures of 2/37.

Overall, he claimed 71 wickets in 56 matches at an average of 25.39, including a four-wicket haul with best figures of 4/21.

4. Josh Hazlewood | 36*

As mentioned, the RCB pacer is now the joint-fourth fastest to 50 IPL wickets, reaching the mark in just 36 matches. His milestone wicket came against RR, when he dismissed Shimron Hetmyer for 11, his third wicket of the match.

With this performance, Hazlewood now has 16 wickets in nine matches this season and 51 wickets overall in his 36-match IPL career.

3. Khaleel Ahmed | 35

Khaleel Ahmed ranks third on this list, reaching 50 IPL wickets in 35 matches. He achieved the milestone in 2023, dismissing Nicholas Pooran while playing for Dehli Capitals against Lucknow Super Giants.

Notably, he is the fastest Indian bowler to do so, having broken Amit Mishra's 37-match record. Playing for CSK this season, Ahmed has raced to 85 wickets in 65 matches.

2. Lasith Malinga | 33

Former Sri Lankan veteran bowler Lasith Malinga is in third place in terms of taking fastest 50 IPL Wickets among pacers, having bagged 50 IPL wickets in 33 matches. Malinga achieved the feat with a stunning 5/13 against Delhi Capitals in the fourth match of IPL 2011.

A one-franchise man, Malinga played his entire IPL career with Mumbai Indians, finishing with 170 wickets in 122 matches at an average of 19.79, including six four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul.

Also Read: Most Dot Balls Bowled in IPL History: No one is catching Bhuvi

1. Kagiso Rabada | 27

Kagiso Rabada is the fastest pacer to reach 50 IPL wickets, doing so in just 27 matches, surpassing Lasith Malinga's longstanding record of 33 matches. He achieved this milestone in 2019 against Chennai Super Kings, dismissing Faf du Plessis in the 15th over while playing for Delhi Capitals.

Debuting in 2017, Rabada now owns 119 wickets in 82 IPL matches, including six four-wicket hauls.

Bengal has a deep-rooted passion for cricket, and the IPL offers a great opportunity to have their local talents compete at the highest level. Several players from Bengal were a part of the exciting IPL 2025 season.

Whether through match-winning spells, consistent contribution, or vital innings, their presence was always prominent in the season. Check out the full list and performance of Bengal Players in IPL 2025 along with their on-field impact.

1. Mohammed Shami (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Mohammed Shami has been a long-standing and key figure in Bengal's domestic cricketing landscape. After being ruled out of the previous IPL season (2024) due to an ankle injury, he made a comeback this year as Sunrisers Hyderabad's key pick and second-highest buy for ₹10 crore.

Shami had a somewhat mixed IPL 2025 season and struggled with consistency and his lengths. After his stellar Purple Cap-winning season in 2023, his 2025 campaign saw him take 6 wickets in 9 matches, with an economy of 11.25.

However, Shami continued to prove his excellence by becoming the only bowler in IPL history to claim a first-ball wicket 4 times. He achieved the fourth one by dismissing Shaik Rasheed in the SRH vs CSK match in the 2025 season.

Shami IPL 2025 stats:

Read Also: Will Sanju Samson join CSK for IPL 2026? Manager's hint fuels mega transfer rumours

2. Abishek Porel (Delhi Capitals)

Born in Chandannagar, West Bengal, Abishek Porel is a true local and a proud representative of the state. He was retained for ₹4 crore by Delhi Capitals, where he continued to showcase his brilliance as a wicket-keeper batter.

He began this season with a good pace and proved to be vital by accelerating the run flow when needed. He scored 301 runs in 13 matches, which makes him the second-highest scorer for DC this season.

While his form and the team's overall performance had a slight dip towards the latter part of the tournament, his contributions as a top-order batter were undeniable. He proved that he can adapt to different batting positions and do well.

Porel IPL 2025 stats:

Read Also: Suryavanshi touching Dhoni's feet: Here are 10 best moments of IPL 2025

3. Mukesh Kumar (Delhi Capitals)

Mukesh Kumar is another example of an incredible pacer who plays for Bengal in domestic cricket and has done exceptionally well in the stage of IPL. Following his brilliant 2024 season for DC, he was retained this year for ₹8 crore via RTM (Right to Match).

He proved to be a reliable performer, delivering effective spells in death overs and under pressure. His ability to use variations and bowl yorkers with accuracy made him a key part of the team's bowling unit.

He delivered a standout performance in IPL 2025 against LSG with his 4-wicket haul and great spell, which earned him the POTM award after their victory.

Kumar IPL 2025 stats:

Read Also: Top 5 underrated players in IPL 2025

4. Akash Deep (Lucknow Super Giants)

Hailing from Bihar, Akash Deep moved to Bengal to pursue cricket and performed well in the domestic field, then later making it to the India 'A' team. In IPL 2025, he was secured by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹8 crore and played 6 matches.

Akash missed some initial games due to a back injury, and later bounced back to showcase a glimpse of his quality and experience as a fast-medium bowler.

There wasn't any particular "game-changing" performance or moment for him this season, but his contributions were a part of LSG's overall bowling efforts.

Akash IPL 2025 stats:

5. Shahbaz Ahmed (Lucknow Super Giants)

A keu all-rounder for Bengal's state team, Shahbaz Ahmed was bought for ₹2.4 crore in the mega auction by Lucknow Super Giants. He played a supporting role in IPL 2025 and provided depth in their squad.

He played only 3 matches, where he came out to bat for a single innings and took 1 wicket in the entire season. While the 2025 season did not see any noteworthy performance, his presence in the squad was enough to back then up and bring flexibility as an all-rounder option.

Read Also: Is 2025 the miraculous year in sports history?

Ahmed IPL 2025 stats:

Bowling contribution in a format like T20 matters a lot. One single good spell can crush the opponent down and turn the game completely in a blink. The T20 World Cup is a stage where some truly legendary bowlers have delivered such game-changer spells that are remembered for years!

So, let's take a look at such a fabulous class and display of bowling that goes down in history. Here are the best bowling spells in T20 World Cups:

1. Ajantha Mendis (6/8 in 4 overs) vs ZIM | 2012

• Wickets taken: 6
• Runs conceded: 8
• Overs: 4.0
• Maidens: 2
• Economy: 2.0

The Sri Lankan mystery spinner, Ajantha Mendis, holds the record for the best bowling spell in T20 World Cup history. Playing against Zimbabwe in 2012, he achieved this feat with his carrom ball and variations, tearing through their batting lineup.

Mendis bowled 4 overs, two of which were maidens, conceding only 8 runs while picking up 6 wickets. With this extraordinary performance, he became the first and only bowler to deliver a 6-wicket haul in the T20 World Cup.

He is deserving of all the credit for Sri Lanka's dominant victory in the match and for ending the contest single-handedly.

Read Also: Most sixes in T20 Internationals in 2025 so far (men & women)

2. Rangana Herath (5/3 in 3.3 overs) vs NZ | 2014

• Wickets taken: 5
• Runs conceded: 3
• Overs: 3.3
• Maidens: 2
• Economy: 0.85

Another spinner from Sri Lanka, Rangana Herath, has secured his position right at the 2nd spot for best bowling spells in T20 World Cups. His spell was full of unbelievable control and precision, which did not let New Zealand chase down a mere target of 120 runs.

Herath's destructive spell fetched him 5 wickets in only 3.3 overs, with two maidens. He took the first three wickets without conceding a single run, and later gave away only 2 more runs! 

His match-winning efforts collapsed the strong middle order and sealed the victory. This was a very special spell, that too, coming in the same year when Sri Lanka lifted the T20 World Cup for the first time (2014).

3. Umar Gul (5/6 in 3 overs) vs NZ | 2009

• Wickets taken: 5
• Runs conceded: 6
• Overs: 3.0
• Maidens: 0
• Economy: 2.00

The Pakistani pacer Umar Gul's performance against New Zealand in the 2009 T20 World Cup stands out as one of the most destructive fast-bowling spells in the tournament's history. His pinpoint yorkers and smart changes in pace dismissed the batters in quick succession.

In just 3 overs, Gul picked up 5 wickets, conceding only 6 runs. His contribution helped them restrict the opponent to 99 runs in the first innings, and he eventually bagged him the POTM trophy after their one-sided victory.

Read Also: Teams and Results of Every T20 World Cup Finals

The next set of players in the list of best bowling spells in T20 World Cups

Following the Top 3 performances, there's an impressive list of players who have such impressive figures in T20 World Cup history. Check them out:

For years, the Board of Control for Crock in India (BCCI) has navigated various challenges. However a recent coury order is set to have a major financial impact on the sport's governing body.

This ruling revisits a past chapter involving a former IPL team and a long-standing dispute with them. The decision has arrived after a decade of the case, and brings a major setback for BCCI as Bombay HC orders to pay ₹538 crore to defunct IPL team Kochi Tuskers Kerala.

Read the full story to know why.

How the BCCI-Kochi Tuskers Kerala dispute began

The root of this major legal battle dates back to 2011, when the BCCI terminated the contract of the IPL team Kochi Tuskers Kerala. The team, managed by Kochi Cricket Private Limited (KCPL), had only played in one IPL season.

The BCCI claimed they ended the contract because Kochi Tuskers failed to provide a required annual bank guarantee by a deadline in March 2011. This was seen by the BCCI as a serious breach of their agreement.

However, the team owners had a different view. They argued that their delay was due to several issues, including problems with the stadium in Kochi and delays in getting necessary approvals. They also stated that the BCCI continued to deal with them and even accepted payments for months after the March deadline.

The team owners believed this showed the BCCI had waived or overlooked the deadline, making their sudden contract termination unfair.

Taking the matter to arbitration:

Because they felt the termination was wrong, the Kochi Tuskers owners took the matter to arbitration in 2012. An independent tribunal looked at all the facts. In June 2015, this tribunal ruled in favor of Kochi Tuskers Kerala.

The tribunal specifically directed the BCCI to pay ₹384.83 crore to Kochi Cricket Private Limited (KCPL) for lost earnings and ₹153.34 crore to Rendezvous Sports World (RSW) for a wrongfully cashed bank guarantee. These amounts also included interest and legal costs.

Read Also: Anaya Bangar requests BCCI, ICC to revisit their current policies on transgender inclusion in women’s cricket

The Financial Fallout: Why ₹538 crore to be paid now?

The BCCI challenged the 2015 arbitration award in the Bombay High Court, arguing it was unfair and that the damages were too high. However, the recent Bombay HC ruling upheld the original arbitration decision.

This means the BCCI is now legally required to pay a total of over ₹538 crore, including accumulated interest since 2015, to the KTK owners. This represents a major financial loss and a significant legal defeat for the Indian cricket board.

A single social media activity has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world ahead of IPL 2026 auction. A recent 'hint' from Sanju Samson's manager has intensified the possibility of his transfer to Chennai Super Kings from Rajasthan Royals in the next season.

Fans are wondering whether this would come true and change the landscape for both the teams in the future, or is it just another false call.

There's been a mixed bag of positive and upsetting reactions in the past 24 hours, but the real question still stands: Will Sanju Samson join CSK for IPL 2026? Check out how Manager's hint fuels mega transfer rumours.

"Time to Move": Samson's recent viral Instagram post

On June 7, Sanju Samson posted a photo on Instagram that begin the rumors. The image featured him alongside his wife, crossing a prominent yellow line on the road. He captioned the post: "Time to MOVE..!!"

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sanju V Samson (@imsanjusamson)

This visual cue, combined with the caption and the fact that a Tamil song ('Mun Andhi' from 7 Aum Arivu) was also part of the post, immediately sparked discussion. The comments section was quickly flooded with fans linking the "yellow" color and the "move" message to the Chennai Super Kings.

Comments like "He is definitely moving to CSK" and "Welcome to CSK 💛" can be seen all over the post.

Read Also: "Whatever the future brings," Yashasvi Jasiwal's cryptic post after the Royals' end of IPL 2025

Manager's IPL 2026 hint that sparked Sanju Samson transfer rumours

The intense speculation regarding Sanju Samson moving to CSK for IPL 2026 intensified due to a subtle yet impactful social media action by his manager, Prashob Suvedan. He liked a viral post on X (formerly Twitter), which explicitly stated that Samson might be released from Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

This gets more interesting as the post also claimed CSK having already approached Samson regarding the move.

Therefore, the timing and nature of his manager's digital interaction ignited widespread speculation and put a layer of possibility about this matter.

Read Also: Value of the IPL Franchises since 2008 to the present

How the cricket fans reacted:

Fans have flooded with opinions and future calculations after the incident. Here's a glimpse of that:

Can’t blame them 😉 https://t.co/XviV2CVSM8 pic.twitter.com/RHsZDNJUZ7

— Sanju Samson Fans Page (@SanjuSamsonFP) June 16, 2025

🚨 Sanju Samson wants to join CSK, CSK wants Sanju Samson. Talks are on but it is not at all this simple.

RR doesn't want to trade Samson with any CSK's player, if Samson wants to join CSK then he will have to do it through auction. But then in Auction there is KKR who gonna… pic.twitter.com/Dy6mpX1Ke2

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) June 17, 2025

Sanju Samson's manager Prashobh Sudevan has liked a post which says that Sanju Samson will be released by Rajasthan Royals.

This means that Sanju is definitely joining CSK.💛#csk #WhistlePodu #IPL #SanjuSamson #MSDhoni𓃵 pic.twitter.com/VNtAiOzlrs

— kuldeep singh (@kuldeep0745) June 16, 2025

Every now and then, a year comes along that changes sports history. Imagine waiting years, even decades, for your favourite team to win. For fans across the globe, 2025 has turned that dream into reality.

This year has been special, marked by some of the longest trophy droughts in sports finally coming to an end. Teams like South Africa in cricket and Bologna in football have broken long-standing curses, proving that anything is possible. 

Is 2025 the miraculous year in sports history? Join us as we explore why 2025 is a year sports fans won't soon forget, and is also termed as "Year of the underdogs."

1. South Africa won an ICC Trophy after 27 years/ 9,862 days

For nearly three decades, the "chokers" tag clung to the Proteas like an unwanted shadow. Time and again, they reached close to the glory, only to falter at crucial moments. But 2025 changed everything, as they lifted ICC WTC Trophy defeating a strong Australian side in the Final.

South Africa showcased a cricketing masterclass with extraordinary team efforts in a high-stakes final match. From Aiden Markram's century to Temba Bavuma's batting class, they gave it all to earn the standing ovation from the crowd as they walked with pride after the win.

This victory, as Mark Boucher previously said, indeed is the turnaround they needed to inspire future generations and earn global respect as champions that they truly deserve.

They made the world chant "It's time for Africa" with their performance.

Read Also: Most ICC Trophies by any men's team

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A post shared by ICC (@icc)

2. RCB won their first ever IPL trophy after 18 years/ 6,570 days

For 18 painfully long years, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and their passionate fans endured a rollercoaster of hope and heartbreak in IPL. Led by Rajat Patidar, RCB delivered exceptional, balanced performance this season, finally breaking free of their curse.

The image of Virat Kohli lifting the IPL trophy, the last major piece missing from his glittering cabinet, was one of the most iconic sporting moments of this year. It not only signified the team's victory, but also the ultimate reward for loyalty and career-long excellence.

The overall team contribution and management are the key factors that led them to secure their place as champions, shutting all the haters down.

Read Also: IPL 2025: RCB batters create this unique history before the playoffs

AAAAARRRRR CEEEEEEE BEEEEEE ❤🏆#TATAIPL | #RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/lp3AwgCVQl

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 3, 2025

3. Go Ahead Eagles won the KNVB Cup after 93 years/ 33,968 days

Go Ahead Eagles soared to their first major trophy in 93 years, winning the KNVB Cup in 2025. For generations of fans in Deventer, this was a moment they might have only dreamed of. The emotions outpouring after the victory were sensational.

Their journey in the tournament was an underdog saga, defeating AZ Alkmaar, where they equalised the final match in the 99th minute to take it to penalties, and ultimately winning it from there!

4. Bologna won the Italian Cup after 51 years/ 18,619 days

Bologna's victory in the Italian Cup after 51 years was a testament to patience and a perfectly executed season. Their triumph in 2025, defeating AC Milan 1-0 in the final, was a moment they manifested for years.

Key contributions from players like Don Ndoye, who scored the decisive goal despite returning from injury, and the tactical decisions of the coach, Vincenzo Italiano, brought joy to a city that waited for so long.

5.  Crystal Palace won the first ever major trophy (FA Cup) after 119 years/ 43,714 days

Perhaps the most astonishing drought-breaker of 2025 belonged to Crystal Palace. After 119 years, the Eagles finally lifted their first-ever major trophy, the FA Cup. 

The single decisive goal from Eberechi Eze and crucial saves from goalkeeper Dean Henderson shaped their 1-0 victory over Manchester City FC. This victory proved that even after more than a century, a club's biggest dream can still become reality!

Read Also: Football teams with most international trophies

6. Newcastle United won the League Cup after a long wait of 55 years/ 20,367 days

For the passionate supporters of Newcastle United, 2025 brought an end to a 55-year wait for a major domestic trophy as they won the English Football League Cup.

The sight of the Magpies defeating the 10-time champions Liverpool (1-2) was a powerful moment that reinforced belief in their new era. Goals from local hero Dan Burn and Alexander Isak brought the victory home for them.

7. Harry Kane won his first-ever major trophy (Bundesliga) after 32 years/ 11,676 days

For years, England's most prolific striker, Harry Kane, was burdened by an unfortunate tag: "trophy virgin." Despite his goal-scoring records and individual brilliance, a major team trophy has always slipped away from him.

But 2025 finally saw the narrative shattered as Kane immediately made his mark after joining Bayern Munich, leading them to their 33rd Bundesliga title. He was also the top scorer of the 2024-25 season, having scored 26 goals and 8 assists.

This victory felt like a personal one, putting a line to complete the picture in his football career.

Read Also: 11 players who have won the most trophies in football history

This one’s coming home with me! 🏆

Buzzing to be Bundesliga top goalscorer for the second year in a row and this one’s even more special as it goes alongside the Bundesliga title! Couldn’t have achieved this without the support of my teammates! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/WnvIvCf28S

— Harry Kane (@HKane) May 17, 2025

8. Tottenham won the UEFA Europa League after 17 years/ 6,296 days

2025 finally broke Tottenham Hotspur's 17-year trophy drought, as they won the UEFA Europa League. This was a monumental win, bringing the title back to North London.

The tense final against Manchester United saw a crucial goal from Brennan Johnson secure the 1-0 victory. However, the most iconic image was Son Heung-min, the club's long-serving captain, finally lifting a major trophy.

After a decade of dedication and numerous near misses, Son's emotional moment, draped in the Korean flag, was the highlight of his commitment and love for football.

A moment Tottenham fans will never forget 🏆#UELfinal | @SpursOfficial pic.twitter.com/ROFK5pRtDD

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 22, 2025