Explore the best bowling figures in Test cricket in 2026. Check the top spell performances in red ball matches.
Best Bowling Figures in Tests in 2026
| Player | Team | Bowling Figures | Overs Bowled | Econ | Opponent | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoriful Islam | Bangladesh | 7/48 | 15.0 | 3.20 | v Australia | Mackay | 22 Aug 2026 |
| Taijul Islam | Bangladesh | 7/138 | 40.2 | 3.42 | v Zimbabwe | Harare | 28 Jun 2026 |
| Mitchell Starc | Australia | 6/12 | 10.0 | 1.20 | v Bangladesh | Mackay | 22 Aug 2026 |
| Matt Henry | New Zealand | 6/29 | 18.1 | 1.59 | v England | The Oval | 17 Jun 2026 |
| Manav Suthar | India | 6/33 | 22.0 | 1.50 | v Afghanistan | New Chandigarh | 6 Jun 2026 |
| Nathan Smith | New Zealand | 6/40 | 14.0 | 2.85 | v Ireland | Belfast | 27 May 2026 |
| Hasan Mahmud | Bangladesh | 6/55 | 17.0 | 3.23 | v Australia | Darwin | 13 Aug 2026 |
| Manav Suthar | India | 6/55 | 23.4 | 2.32 | v Sri Lanka | Galle | 15 Aug 2026 |
| Nathan Smith | New Zealand | 6/70 | 17.0 | 4.11 | v England | Lord’s | 4 Jun 2026 |
| Josh Hazlewood | Australia | 6/89 | 28.0 | 3.17 | v Bangladesh | Darwin | 13 Aug 2026 |
| Jomel Warrican | West Indies | 6/112 | 46.0 | 2.43 | v Pakistan | Port of Spain | 2 Aug 2026 |
| Taijul Islam | Bangladesh | 6/120 | 34.2 | 3.49 | v Pakistan | Sylhet | 16 May 2026 |
| Mohammad Saleem | Afghanistan | 6/140 | 27.0 | 5.18 | v India | New Chandigarh | 6 Jun 2026 |
| Jayden Seales | West Indies | 5/20 | 14.2 | 1.39 | v Pakistan | Tarouba | 25 Jul 2026 |
| Mohammad Abbas | Pakistan | 5/22 | 15.5 | 1.38 | v West Indies | Tarouba | 25 Jul 2026 |
Key Insights on 2026’s Best Bowling Spells by Bowlers
Taijul Islam’s Marathon Spells: Bangladesh’s Taijul Islam holds the single best bowling performance of the year so far. He claimed an incredible 7/138 from a grueling 40.2 overs against Zimbabwe in Harare. He, along with Nathan Smith, appears twice in the top six with another massive spell of 6/120 against Pakistan,
Matt Henry’s Clinical Precision: New Zealand’s Matt Henry boasts the second-best figures on the list with a highly economical 6/29 off 18.1 overs. Achieved against England at The Oval, this stands as the most devastating 6-wicket haul of the year in terms of runs conceded.
Manav Suthar’s Dream Debut: India’s Manav Suthar delivered a stunning 6/33 in 22 overs against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh. This remarkable spell occurred during his Test debut, placing him in elite company as it registered as India’s third-best innings figures in a maiden Test appearance.
New Zealand’s Bowling Dominance: The Kiwis feature heavily at the top of the leaderboard, securing three of the top five spots. Alongside Henry, Nathan Smith proved highly lethal, delivering two outstanding 6-wicket hauls in consecutive weeks (6/40 against Ireland and 6/70 against England).
The Lord’s Wicket Fest: The June 4th Test match between England and New Zealand at Lord’s proved to be incredibly bowler-friendly. It generated three separate entries on this top 10 list: Nathan Smith (6/70) for New Zealand, alongside Gus Atkinson (5/30) and Ollie Robinson (5/39) for England.
Afghanistan vs. India Spin Battle: The June 6th Test in New Chandigarh saw massive hauls from both sides. While Suthar spun a web for India, Afghanistan’s Mohammad Saleem also bowled a massive 27-over spell to claim 6/140.
Nahid Rana’s Dual Format Success: Bangladesh pacer Nahid Rana stands out as the only bowler this year to secure five-wicket hauls in both Test and ODI formats. He claimed his maiden Test five-for against Pakistan with figures of 5-40, complementing his multiple five-wicket performances in ODIs.
