Top 5 Best Bowling Averages in IPL History

The Best Bowling Averages in IPL History highlight the bowlers who have mastered the art of taking wickets while conceding the fewest possible runs. In cricket, a bowling average is calculated by dividing the total runs conceded by the total wickets taken. A lower bowling average always indicates a more successful and effective bowler because it shows that the player regularly dismisses batters without leaking too many runs. This statistic is considered one of the most reliable ways to judge the overall performance of a bowler in the Indian Premier League.

Over the years, the IPL has featured some of the greatest fast bowlers and spinners from around the world. While many bowlers have collected a large number of wickets, only a handful have maintained the Best Bowling Averages in IPL History across their careers. Some enjoyed long and successful IPL journeys, while others made a massive impact despite playing only a limited number of matches. Their consistency, control, accuracy, and wicket-taking ability have earned them a place among the finest bowlers in IPL history.

List of 5 Best Bowling Averages in IPL History

5. Adam Zampa

Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa begins this list of the Best Bowling Averages in IPL History at number five. Although he has not featured in as many IPL matches as several legendary bowlers, he has consistently produced quality performances whenever given the opportunity. Zampa is known for his clever variations, accurate line and length, and deceptive googlies that often trouble even the best batters in T20 cricket.

His calm approach and attacking mindset make him a dangerous wicket-taking option during the middle overs. Zampa has frequently broken important partnerships and helped his teams regain control in difficult situations. His ability to mix up his deliveries without losing accuracy has allowed him to maintain one of the Best Bowling Averages in IPL History despite limited appearances. Every spell he bowls reflects his excellent cricketing intelligence and ability to perform under pressure.

Matches	Runs	Wickets	Bowling Average
22	652	31	21.03

4. Imran Tahir

Former South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir occupies fourth place among the players with the Best Bowling Averages in IPL History. Tahir became one of the most exciting overseas bowlers in IPL history because of his attacking style, fearless approach, and remarkable ability to take wickets during the middle overs. His celebrations after taking wickets became famous, but it was his outstanding bowling that truly made him a valuable asset.

Throughout his IPL career, Tahir consistently troubled batters with his sharp leg-breaks, well-disguised googlies, and clever variations in flight and pace. Even on batting-friendly pitches, he found ways to dismiss top-order players and slow the scoring rate. His experience in international cricket also helped him remain calm under pressure. These qualities helped him maintain one of the Best Bowling Averages in IPL History, making him one of the finest spin bowlers to play in the tournament.

Matches	Runs	Wickets	Bowling Average
59	1703	82	20.77

3. Lungi Ngidi

South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi stands in third place on the list of the Best Bowling Averages in IPL History. Even though injuries have prevented him from playing more IPL matches, he has always impressed whenever he has taken the field. His natural pace, steep bounce, and ability to generate movement have made him a genuine wicket-taking threat.

Ngidi has often delivered breakthroughs during crucial moments of the innings. Whether bowling with the new ball or returning in the death overs, he has shown excellent control and composure. His aggressive style allows him to attack batters without giving away too many runs. This balance between economy and wicket-taking ability explains why he owns one of the Best Bowling Averages in IPL History.

Matches	Runs	Wickets	Bowling Average
28	869	42	20.69

READ MORE: Top 5 Highest Runs Conceded by Bowlers in IPL Cricket History

2. Lasith Malinga

Sri Lankan fast-bowling legend Lasith Malinga ranks second among players with the Best Bowling Averages in IPL History. Widely regarded as one of the greatest T20 bowlers of all time, Malinga transformed death bowling with his deadly yorkers, slower deliveries, and unmatched accuracy. His unique bowling action made him extremely difficult to face, especially during pressure situations.

Unlike several bowlers on this list who played fewer matches, Malinga maintained one of the Best Bowling Averages in IPL History across a long and highly successful IPL career. He regularly dismissed the world’s best batters while representing the Mumbai Indians and played a major role in the franchise winning multiple IPL championships. His consistency over many seasons makes his achievement even more remarkable because maintaining such a low bowling average across more than 100 matches is extremely difficult.

Matches	Runs	Wickets	Bowling Average
122	3366	170	19.80

1. Doug Bollinger

Doug Bollinger sits at the top of the list with the Best Bowling Averages in IPL History. The Australian left-arm fast bowler may have played only a limited number of IPL matches, but his impact was extraordinary. His ability to swing the new ball, bowl disciplined lengths, and consistently trouble top-order batters made him one of the most effective overseas fast bowlers during his IPL career.

Bollinger combined pace, movement, and accuracy to dismiss quality batters while keeping the scoring rate under control. He rarely bowled loose deliveries and regularly delivered match-winning performances for his franchise. Although his IPL career was relatively short, his remarkable consistency allowed him to finish with the lowest bowling average in tournament history. Even today, his record remains the benchmark for bowlers aiming to achieve the Best Bowling Averages in IPL History.

Matches	Runs	Wickets	Bowling Average
27	693	37	18.73

The Best Bowling Averages in IPL History showcase bowlers who consistently delivered wickets while conceding very few runs. Maintaining a low bowling average over multiple IPL seasons is never easy because the tournament features the world’s best batters and some of the most batting-friendly conditions in cricket. Yet these five bowlers proved their quality through outstanding performances and remarkable consistency.

Doug Bollinger leads the list with the lowest bowling average in IPL history, followed by Lasith Malinga, Lungi Ngidi, Imran Tahir, and Adam Zampa. Each of these bowlers displayed exceptional control, accuracy, and wicket-taking ability throughout their IPL careers. Their achievements continue to inspire future generations and ensure their place among the players with the Best Bowling Averages in IPL History.

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