Even though women’s Test cricket offers limited chances and participation is confined to a handful of nations, the format has seen cricketers rise to meet the challenge and exhibit their remarkable abilities. Over time, numerous players have achieved extraordinary bowling feats, leaving a profound impression on the international stage. Below is a compilation of the top five bowling performances that have adorned the sport.
Shaiza Khan – 13/226
Shaiza Khan, a prominent former player for the Pakistan women’s cricket team, had an impressive Test career spanning from 1998 to 2004. In her three matches, she captured 19 wickets at an average of 24.05, with an economy rate of 3.17 and a strike rate of 45.4. Her standout bowling performance took place against the West Indies in March 2004 in Karachi, where she achieved a remarkable 7/59 in her first innings spell of 16 overs, with an economy of 3.68. Continuing her momentum in the second innings, she secured 6/167, showcasing her consistency and precision with an economy rate of 3.03 over 55 overs. These efforts culminated in her career-best match figures of 13/226. Although the match ended in a draw, it served as a memorable farewell for Shaiza.
Ashleigh Gardner – 12/165
Ashleigh Gardner, a pivotal player for the Australian women’s cricket team, has made a significant impact in Test cricket since her debut in 2019. Across six matches, she has taken 23 wickets at an impressive average of 21.00, maintaining an economy rate of 2.66 and a strike rate of 47.3. Her best bowling performance occurred during the 2023 Women’s Ashes series against England in Nottingham, where she delivered a match-winning exhibition. In her first innings, she secured 4 wickets for 99 runs and continued her excellent form in the second innings with career-best figures of 8/66, boasting an economy rate of 3.30 over 20 overs. Gardner concluded with match-winning figures of 12/165, earning the Player of the Match accolade and leading her team to an 89-run victory over England.
Betty Wilson – 11/16
Betty Wilson, a trailblazer for the Australian women’s cricket team, made an everlasting impact in Test cricket between 1948 and 1958. In her 11 matches, she took an astounding 68 wickets at a remarkable average of just 11.80, with an economy rate of 1.67 and a strike rate of 42.4. Her notable performance transpired during a Melbourne Test against England in February 1958, where she delivered an unforgettable bowling display. In the first innings, she produced a staggering 7/7 in only 10.3 overs, including four maidens, for an extraordinary economy rate of 0.66. In the second innings, she followed up with 4/9 from 19 overs, also including 14 maidens, yielding an incredible economy of 0.47, leading to iconic match figures of 11/16. The match ended in a tie, but her bowling prowess remains a highlight in cricket history.
Julia Greenwood – 11/63
Julia Greenwood, a distinguished player in England women’s cricket, demonstrated extraordinary bowling talent throughout her Test career from 1976 to 1979. In six matches, she took 29 wickets at an impressive average of 16.13, with an economy rate of 2.50 and a strike rate of 38.7. Her most notable performance came against the West Indies at Canterbury in June 1979. In the first innings, Greenwood had a phenomenal spell of 6/46 from 21 overs, including six maidens and an economy rate of 2.19. She followed this with 5/17 from 15 overs in the second innings, with nine maidens and a remarkable economy of 1.13. Her unmatched match figures of 11/63 not only underscored her skill but also guided her team to a commanding 9-wicket victory, establishing her as one of England’s top bowlers of that time.
Lucy Pearson – 11/107
Lucy Pearson, a notable bowler for England women, had a considerable influence during her Test career from 1996 to 2004. Over 12 matches, she acquired 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 happened against the Australia women’s team in Sydney in February 2003, where she showcased her skill and endurance. In the first innings, she achieved an outstanding spell of 7/51 from 25 overs, which included 10 maidens, yielding an economy rate of 2.04. She then maintained her disciplined approach in the second innings with figures of 4/56 from 33 overs, comprising 11 maidens, and displaying an exceptional economy of 1.69, ultimately concluding with match-winning figures of 11/107, demonstrating her prowess against even the toughest rivals. Though the match ended in a draw, Lucy was honored with the Player of the Match for her remarkable performance.
Image Source: Ashleigh Gardner @ Instagram
