In cricket, a five-wicket haul (also known as a "five-for" or "fifer")[1][2] refers to a bowler taking five or more wickets in a single innings. This is regarded as a notable achievement by critics, especially in T20 cricket where a bowler can bowl a maximum of only 24 balls (4 overs).[3][4] The Lanka Premier League (LPL) is a professional Twenty20 cricket league in Sri Lanka, which has been held since annually since its first season in 2020.[5]
The first player to take a five-wicket haul in the Lanka Premier League is Mohammad Amir.[6] He accomplished the feat on 7 December 2020, while playing for Galle Gladiators against Colombo Kings.[7] He finished the game taking 5 wickets for 26 runs.[8] Amir also holds the record of the least economic five-wicket haul, bowling at an economy rate of 6.50. The most economical five-wicket haul was taken by Wanindu Hasaranga of the B-Love Kandy, who claimed 6 wickets with an economy rate of 2.70.[9] His figures of 6/9 is also the best bowling figures in an LPL match till date, which he achieved on 17 August 2023, against Jaffna Kings.[10] Another bowler has taken a six-wicket haul in the LPL – Jeffrey Vandersay of Colombo Stars in 2021.[11]
Hasaranga is also the youngest bowler to pick up a five-wicket haul in the Lanka Premier League, which he did in the same match, at the age of 26.[12] In the same match, he also recorded the best strike rate in an innings for a five-wicket haul in the LPL.[13] He also became the first player to take a five-wicket haul while captaining his side.[14] The oldest bowler to grab a five-for in the LPL is Jeffrey Vandersay, who took 6 wickets for 25 runs against Kandy Warriors, on 17 December 2021, at the age of 31.[15] Two five-wicket hauls have been taken at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium and R. Premadasa Stadium each, jointly the most for a single venue.[16]
In the four seasons played, five five-wicket hauls have been taken by different bowlers. Two five-wickets hauls have been taken by the players of the Galle Gladiators and the Colombo Stars, the joint highest for any team. On the other hand, Jaffna Kings have had two five-wicket hauls against them, which is more than any other team. The 2021 season saw the highest number of five-wicket hauls in a season. Two five-wicket hauls were taken in that season.[17]
The first part of this list includes all the five-wicket hauls taken in the LPL in chronological order. The second part of the list provides an overview of five-wicket hauls by LPL seasons, and the third part provides an overview of five-wicket hauls by LPL teams.
