Australia‘s pace spearhead, Mitchell Starc, has called time on his career in the shortest format, leaving a legacy of fiery spells and match-winning moments. While he’s widely celebrated for his heroics in Tests and ODIs, his impact in T20s was no less significant. Starc was never the flashy, attention-grabbing figure of T20 cricket, but he was always the quiet force who could change a game in a single over. He was a master of intimidation, using his raw pace and pinpoint yorkers to unsettle even the best batsmen. Starc finished his career with an impressive tally of 79 wickets from 65 matches at an economy rate of 7.74. While his numbers are good, it was his ability to deliver a game-changing spell at the most critical moments that truly set him apart.
Here are the top 5 spells of Mitchell Starc in T20i cricket:
5) 3/26 vs Sri Lanka, Colombo: 2022
In a clinical performance in Sri Lanka, Starc’s three wickets for 26 runs were vital in restricting the hosts to a low total. This spell was a prime example of his disciplined line and length, showing how he could combine pace with control to consistently pick up wickets and set the stage for an Australian victory.
4) 3/23 vs South Africa, Cape Town: 2020
This was a masterful display of pace and swing. Starc’s three wickets for 23 runs shattered the South African top order and left them reeling. It was a spell that was as much about psychological pressure as it was about skill, proving that he could be a relentless force in any conditions and against any opposition.
3) 3/20 vs Pakistan, Colombo: 2012
During the T20 World Cup 2012, Starc showed his class against a formidable Pakistan side. His three wickets for just 20 runs kept the Pakistan batters in check and ensured they couldn’t get away, although the Aussie side eventually lost the game. This spell was a testament to his tactical brilliance and his ability to bowl with great intelligence under pressure.
2) 3/11 vs Pakistan, Dubai: 2012
A couple of months after the shortest format World Cup, Starc produced an even more sensational spell against the same opponent in the same year. He was unplayable, delivering three wickets for a mere 11 runs. This hostile and aggressive performance with the new ball was a turning point, completely derailing Pakistan’s chase and leading Australia to a comfortable win.
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1) 4/20 vs West Indies, Brisbane: 2022
This spell stands out as Starc’s career-best T20I performance. His four wickets for just 20 runs against the hard-hitting West Indies lineup were a true sight to behold. He bowled with incredible precision, using a mix of pace and cunning variations to bamboozle the batters in Brisbane and secure a dominant victory for Australia.
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