Women’s Test cricket, despite being a format with limited opportunities and participation from only a few nations, has witnessed cricketers rise to the occasion and showcase their immense talent. Over the years, several players have delivered phenomenal bowling performances, leaving a lasting impact on the global stage. Here is a list of the top 5 bowling spells that have graced the game.
Best Bowling Figures in a Women’s Test Match:
Shaiza Khan – 13/226
Shaiza Khan, a notable former player for Pakistan women’s cricket team, had a commendable career in Test cricket from 1998 to 2004. Across three matches, she took 19 wickets at an average of 24.05, with an economy rate of 3.17 and a strike rate of 45.4. Her best bowling performance came against the West Indies in March 2004, at Karachi, where she claimed an impressive 7/59 in a 16-over spell of the first innings, boasting an economy of 3.68, in the next innings she continued her dominance taking 6/167 displaying her consistency and control, with an economy rate of 3.03 over 55 overs. These spells combined, helped her achieve her career-best match figures of 13/226, the match eventually resulted in a draw, but it was a memorable farewell match for Shazia.
Ashleigh Gardner – 12/165
Ashleigh Gardner, a key player for the Australian women’s cricket team, has had a remarkable career in Test cricket since 2019. In her six matches, she has claimed 23 wickets at an impressive average of 21.00, with an economy rate of 2.66 and a strike rate of 47.3. Her best bowling performance came during the 2023 Women’s Ashes series against England at Nottingham, where she delivered a match-winning performance. In her first innings, she claimed 4 wickets against 99, and continuing her form in the second innings, she achieved her career-best figures of 8/66, with an economy rate of 3.30 over 20 overs. Gardner ended with match winnings figures of 12/165, earning her Player of the Match award and marking an 89-run win against England.
Betty Wilson – 11/16
Betty Wilson, a legend of Australian women’s cricket team, left an indelible mark in Test cricket between 1948 and 1958. Across her 11 matches, she scored an incredible 68 wickets at an average of just 11.80, with an economy rate of 1.67 and a strike rate of 42.4. Wilson’s standout performance came during her match in the Melbourne Test against England in February 1958, where she delivered one of the greatest all-round bowling displays in cricket history. In the first innings, she bowled a mesmerizing spell of 7/7 in just 10.3 overs, including four maidens, at an extraordinary economy rate of 0.66. She followed this with another exceptional effort in the second innings, taking 4/9 from 19 overs, including 14 maidens, at an unbelievable economy of 0.47, ending her match figures to iconic 11/16, reflecting her unmatched accuracy and control. Though the match ended in a tie, her spell remains etched in cricketing history.
Julia Greenwood – 11/63
Julia Greenwood, a prominent figure in England women’s cricket, showcased exceptional bowling skills during her Test career spanning from 1976 to 1979. In just six matches, she captured 29 wickets at an outstanding average of 16.13, with an economy rate of 2.50 and a strike rate of 38.7. Her most remarkable performance came against the West Indies at Canterbury in June 1979. In the first innings, Greenwood bowled a stellar spell of 6/46 from 21 overs, including six maidens, at an economy rate of 2.19. She followed this with another brilliant effort in the second innings, taking 5/17 in 15 overs, nine of which were maidens, with an extraordinary economy of 1.13. Her match figures of 11/63 highlighted her precision and effectiveness, helping her team claim a dominating 9-wicket victory. Greenwood’s exceptional performances in her short career established her as one of England’s finest bowlers during that era.
Lucy Pearson – 11/107
Lucy Pearson, a distinguished bowler for England women, had a significant impact during her Test career from 1996 to 2004. In 12 matches, she claimed 30 wickets at an average of 29.36, with an economy rate of 2.40 and a strike rate of 73.1. Her career-best performance came against Australia women in Sydney in February 2003, where she delivered a phenomenal display of skill and endurance. In the first innings, Pearson produced a stunning spell of 7/51 from 25 overs, including 10 maidens, at an economy rate of 2.04. She followed this with another disciplined effort in the second innings, taking 4/56 from 33 overs, 11 of which were maidens, at a remarkable economy of 1.69, ending her spell with match-winning figures of 11/107 showcasing her ability to dominate even the strongest opposition. Though the match ended in a draw, Lucy was awarded Player of the Match for her phenomenal spell.
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