Jasprit Bumrah Joins Wasim Akram with Most Five-Wicket Hauls in SENA by an Asian Bowler
Jasprit Bumrah has once again underlined his status as one of the finest fast bowlers of the modern era. On Day 2 of the Lord’s Test against England, the Indian pace spearhead claimed his 11th five-wicket haul in SENA countries—South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia—matching Pakistan legend Wasim Akram for the most five-fers in these challenging conditions by an Asian bowler.
For decades, SENA conditions have tested the mettle of Asian cricketers, particularly bowlers. These regions are known for their pace-friendly tracks, swing, seam, and bounce—elements that have historically posed a stern challenge to subcontinental attacks. Yet, a few extraordinary names have managed to conquer these hostile environments. Bumrah is the latest—and fastest—to do so.
Here’s a look at the top five Asian bowlers with the most five-wicket hauls in SENA Tests:
1. Jasprit Bumrah (India) – 11 Five-Wicket Hauls in 33 SENA Tests
Bumrah’s journey in SENA began in South Africa in 2018, and since then, he has thrived in foreign conditions. With 4 five-fers in Australia, 3 in South Africa, and 4 in England, Bumrah has become a reliable match-winner overseas. What makes his achievement remarkable is the speed—he has taken just 33 SENA Tests and 62 innings to reach the mark, faster than any other on the list. At just 31, he’s already equalled a legendary record with plenty of cricket still ahead of him.
2. Wasim Akram (Pakistan) – 11 Five-Wicket Hauls in 32 SENA Tests
Pakistan’s greatest left-arm pacer, Wasim Akram, amassed 11 five-fers across SENA countries in his 18-year Test career. He was especially lethal in New Zealand, where he picked up six five-wicket hauls in just seven Tests. He also claimed three in Australia and two in England. Akram’s versatility, ability to swing the ball both ways, and pinpoint accuracy made him a menace in all conditions, but particularly effective overseas.
3. Muthiah Muralidaran (Sri Lanka) – 10 Five-Wicket Hauls in 22 SENA Tests
Despite being a spinner, Muralidaran left a deep impact in pace-friendly conditions. He picked up 10 five-fers in SENA nations—seven of which came in England and New Zealand combined. His performances in South Africa also deserve special mention, where he took 3 five-wicket hauls. His adaptability and guile made him one of the rare spinners to succeed consistently outside Asia.
4. Imran Khan (Pakistan) – 8 Five-Wicket Hauls in 29 SENA Tests
Imran Khan, the architect of Pakistan’s rise in the 1980s, played just 29 SENA Tests but made each opportunity count. He took three five-wicket hauls in Australia, four in England, and one in New Zealand. His aggressive pace and reverse swing, combined with sharp cricketing intelligence, made him a force in overseas conditions.
5. Kapil Dev (India) – 7 Five-Wicket Hauls in 28 SENA Tests
India’s first great fast bowler, Kapil Dev, also finds a place on this elite list. Of his 23 career five-wicket hauls, seven came in SENA conditions. He dominated Australia, where he picked five, including a memorable 8/106 at Adelaide in 1985. His other two came in England—at Edgbaston (1979) and Lord’s (1982)—long before India became a competitive Test force overseas.
A Milestone That Transcends Numbers
What makes Bumrah’s feat stand out among these legends is the era he’s doing it in. With Test cricket evolving, flatter pitches, batting-friendly conditions, and workload management shortening fast bowlers’ careers, Bumrah’s ability to maintain rhythm and effectiveness across continents is extraordinary.
He doesn’t just perform—he delivers breakthroughs when they matter most. Whether it’s the Gabba in 2021, Cape Town in 2022, or Lord’s in 2025, Bumrah has stepped up under pressure and brought India back into contests that seemed to drift away.
With tours to Australia and South Africa coming up, and Bumrah in peak form, it wouldn’t be surprising if he takes the sole lead in this elite list very soon.
From Kapil Dev to Bumrah, Asian fast bowling has come a long way—and the new leader of the pack is showing no signs of slowing down.
