Mitchell Starc Retirement: Top 5 Bowling Spells of Australian Star in T20 Internationals

Mitchell Starc has long been one of the most feared fast bowlers in world cricket. Starc announced his retirement from T20Is on Tuesday, after his Australian side named a squad for their October series in New Zealand in the build-up to the T20 World Cup 2026.

He featured for Australia 65 times in this format, picking up 79 wickets. Only leg-spinner Adam Zampa has more wickets in T20Is for the Australian men’s team. Over the years, Starc has produced several match-winning spells for his side in T20Is.

5. 3/26 vs. Sri Lanka, Pallekele & Colombo, 2016 & 2022

Mitchell Starc has delivered two identical spells against different Sri Lankan sides, six years apart, that rank as joint-fifth on this list. The first spell was during the 1st T20 of the Australia tour of Sri Lanka in 2016 at Pallekele. Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland bowled identical innings, taking three wickets apiece that day.

The second was again a 3/26 figure against Sri Lanka, but this time at Colombo in 2022. Australia bowled out Sri Lanka for a measly 128 runs, thanks to stellar performances from Josh Hazlewood and Starc. It was Josh Hazlewood, however, who stole the headlines, having bowled a figure of 4/16.

4. 3/23 vs. South Africa, Cape Town, 2020

Australia recorded one of their largest margin of victory by runs after dismantling South Africa’s batting order. Mitchell Starc took the crucial wickets of skipper Quinton de Kock and Faf du Plessis, ending their hopes of a chase. Ashton Agar also bowled an impressive spell of 3/16; however, it was Mitchell Star who was named Player of the Match.

3. 3/20 vs Pakistan, Colombo, 2012

The Australian fast bowler bowled out Mohammad Hafeez in the first ball of his spell. Despite Mitchell Starc’s deathly spell of 3/20, Australia’s batting lineup failed to chase down 150. This loss occurred during the 2012 T20 World Cup in Colombo. The Australians only managed to score 117 by the end of the 20 overs. Michael Hussey was the only man to perform with the bat, scoring 54 not out.

2. 3/11 vs Pakistan, Dubai, 2012

David Warner and Shane Watson set up the victory with an Australian record opening partnership of 111. This strong start to the game helped Australia put up a total of 168/7 by the end of the 20 overs.

Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins secured the win by ripping apart the Pakistan batsmen. They were all out for 74, their lowest total in the format to this date. It was an abysmal showing from Pakistan, with none of their 10 batsmen reaching the 20-run mark. Pat Cummins also registered outstanding numbers of 3 for 15 in his four overs

1. 4/20 vs West Indies, Brisbane, 2022

Australia’s batting duo of David Warner and Tim David helped Australia put up an impressive 178/7 against the West Indies. Starc struck early and returned at the death to finish with career-best figures of 4 for 20. He produced a special wicket in his first over against Kyle Mayers.

He somehow managed to grab hold of a fiercely struck straight drive in front of his shin. This was his first of four wickets for the night, later claiming key wickets of Nicholas Pooran and Holder.

Conclusion

The left-arm fast bowler has left a great mark on cricket, especially in T20 for Australia. He has long been a staple of Australia’s bowling attack and will go down as one of their finest ever bowlers. He was armed with searing pace and pinpoint yorkers, making life difficult for batters.

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