3 Best Spells By Moazzam Baig In T20I Cricket

Moazzam Baig of Malawi recently grabbed his third T20I fifer (@moazzambaig/X.com)Moazzam Baig of Malawi recently grabbed his third T20I fifer (@moazzambaig/X.com)

Moazzam Baig, a batting all-rounder from Malawi, has made cricketing history by becoming the first-ever man to take as many as three five-wicket-hauls in T20Is. This incredible achievement cements Baig's reputation as one of the top emerging talents in the sport. 

His journey to this record-breaking feat spans several memorable performances across various international tournaments, with his first fifer happening in 2021 and the latest in 2024. On the occasion of his historic milestone, let's revisit Moazzam Baig's previous best spells that serve as an inspiration for future generations of cricketers in Malawi and beyond.

Moazzam Baig - 5/13 vs Swaziland, 2021

Moazzam Baig - 5/13 vs Swaziland, 2021 (@moazzambaig/X.com)Moazzam Baig - 5/13 vs Swaziland, 2021 (@moazzambaig/X.com)

Moazzam Baig's first standout performance came against Eswatini in 2021. Malawi was playing in a T20I match, and Baig delivered a spell of extraordinary bowling that left the Swaziland batting lineup in tatters. He bagged his career first fifer to claim the entire middle order of Swaziland. The 5/13 figure in four overs' performance was the first indication of Baig's potential to become a game-changer for Malawi in international cricket.

Moazzam Baig - 6/9 vs Rwanda, 2023

Moazzam Baig - 6/9 vs Rwanda, 2023 (@moazzambaig/X.com)Moazzam Baig - 6/9 vs Rwanda, 2023 (@moazzambaig/X.com)

In the Malawi vs Rwanda matchup in 2023, Moazzam Baig took his bowling exploits to new heights. In one of the most devastating spells of bowling seen in T20Is, Baig took 6 wickets for just 9 runs that helped his team restrict Rwanda to 89 runs in a 136-run chase.

Baig was extremely disciplined with his line and length, with the pitch assisting him with enough swing movements, thus making him almost unplayable on the day. Rwanda's batting order had no answers for his accuracy, and he tore through their lineup, securing his second five-wicket haul in T20 internationals.

Moazzam Baig - 5/4 vs Cameroon, 2024

Moazzam Baig - 5/4 vs Cameroon, 2024 (@moazzambaig/X.com)Moazzam Baig - 5/4 vs Cameroon, 2024 (@moazzambaig/X.com)

Moazzam Baig's third and latest fifer came in 2024 against Cameroon, where he once again demonstrated his mastery over the art of T20 bowling. He took 5 wickets for just 4 runs in 1.5 overs to rank among the most economical and quick five-wicket hauls in the format's history. 

This spell was perhaps the pinnacle of his career, as it etched his name in the record books. With a third fifer, Baig is the first ever bowler to record as many as three five-wicket-hauls in the history of T20I format. Owing to his success, Malawi restricted Cameroon to 30 runs and clinched a nine-wicker victory.