Jofra Archer has built his reputation on a rare combination of pace, control and variation. His smooth run-up allows him to generate serious speed without appearing rushed, while his ability to attack with short-pitched deliveries, seam movement and changes of pace makes him effective across formats.
From his breakthrough Ashes series in 2019 to his remarkable return against South Africa in 2023, Archer has produced several spells that changed the course of matches. His best performances are not defined only by wicket tallies; they also stand out for the quality of the opposition, match situation and tactical execution.
Here are the top 5 best bowling performances of Jofra Archer, spanning Test cricket, ODIs and the IPL.
1. 6/45 vs Australia – 3rd Ashes Test, Headingley, 2019
Match Figures
Format: Test
Opponent: Australia
Bowling: 17.1 overs, 3 maidens, 45 runs, 6 wickets
Archer's 6/45 at Headingley was his first Test five-wicket haul and one of the defining spells of his debut Test series. Australia reached 136/2 after a 111-run partnership between David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne, but Archer's intervention changed the innings dramatically.
He dismissed Warner for 61 to begin Australia's collapse, then returned later to finish off the innings. Australia were eventually bowled out for 179.
The spell demonstrated Archer's ability to sustain pressure even after long interruptions for rain and bad light. Five of his six wickets came in the final session, underlining how effectively he finished the innings.
2. 6/40 vs South Africa – 3rd ODI, Kimberley, 2023
Match Figures
Format: ODI
Opponent: South Africa
Bowling: 9.1 overs, 1 maiden, 40 runs, 6 wickets
Archer's 6/40 against South Africa at Kimberley was his best ODI bowling performance and one of the most memorable spells of his career.
The performance was particularly significant because it came during his return from a lengthy injury absence. England had posted 346/7, leaving South Africa to chase a demanding target, and Archer supplied the decisive breakthroughs.
He removed Rassie van der Dussen early before returning to dismiss Aiden Markram and David Miller in consecutive overs. Archer then completed the innings by bowling Tabraiz Shamsi, leaving South Africa all out for 287 as England won by 59 runs.
The spell showed that Archer's value extends beyond raw pace. He mixed hard lengths with attacking deliveries and maintained enough control to take six wickets in just 9.1 overs.
3. 6/62 vs Australia – 5th Ashes Test, The Oval, 2019
Match Figures
Format: Test
Opponent: Australia
Bowling: 23.5 overs, 9 maidens, 62 runs, 6 wickets
Archer produced another six-wicket haul in the final Ashes Test of 2019, finishing Australia's first innings with figures of 6/62.
His spell was built around sustained pace and accuracy rather than a short burst. Archer bowled 23.5 overs, including nine maidens, as England eventually dismissed Australia for 225.
The spell also highlighted his ability to operate for long periods in Test cricket. Australia relied heavily on Steve Smith, who made 80, but Archer and Sam Curran helped England secure a valuable first-innings advantage.
The six wickets took Archer's Ashes tally to 22 and underlined the impact he had made during his first Test series.
4. 3/24 vs Delhi Capitals – IPL 2020, Dubai
Match Figures
Format: T20
Team: Rajasthan Royals
Opponent: Delhi Capitals
Bowling: 4 overs, 0 maidens, 24 runs, 3 wickets
Archer's IPL performances also deserve a place among his standout spells, but the original score of 3/15 against Delhi Capitals needs correction. His figures in that 2020 match were 3/24. His 3/15 in IPL cricket came against Kings XI Punjab, not Delhi Capitals.
Against Delhi, Archer delivered an important four-over spell for Rajasthan Royals, taking three wickets while conceding 24 runs. His ability to attack with pace while changing his lengths made him difficult to line up.
The performance reflected his broader value in T20 cricket. Archer could attack during the powerplay, return in the middle overs and use pace variations when required.
5. 2/32 vs Australia – 2019 World Cup Semi-Final, Edgbaston
Match Figures
Format: ODI
Opponent: Australia
Bowling: 10 overs, 0 maidens, 32 runs, 2 wickets
The original article lists Archer's figures as 3/27 in the 2019 World Cup semi-final. The correct figures were 2/32 from 10 overs. His tournament-best figures of 3/27 came elsewhere in the competition.
At Edgbaston, Archer made an immediate impact by dismissing Aaron Finch for a duck. He later removed Glenn Maxwell, helping England restrict Australia to 223 before the hosts chased down the target comfortably.
Although the figures were not as spectacular as his six-wicket Test spells, the context matters. A World Cup semi-final leaves little room for error, and Archer's 10 economical overs helped England control Australia's innings.
His overall 2019 World Cup campaign was outstanding. Archer finished with 20 wickets in 11 matches and was among the tournament's leading wicket-takers. He also bowled England's Super Over in the final.
Statistical Comparison of Archer's Top Bowling Performances
Match | Format | Opponent | Overs | Figures | Economy |
Headingley, 2019 | Test | Australia | 17.1 | 6/45 | 2.62 |
Kimberley, 2023 | ODI | South Africa | 9.1 | 6/40 | 4.36 |
The Oval, 2019 | Test | Australia | 23.5 | 6/62 | 2.60 |
Dubai, IPL 2020 | T20 | Delhi Capitals | 4 | 3/24 | 6.00 |
Edgbaston, 2019 | ODI | Australia | 10 | 2/32 | 3.20 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Jofra Archer's Bowling
What are Jofra Archer's best Test bowling figures?
Archer's best Test innings figures are 6/45, achieved against Australia at Headingley during the 2019 Ashes.
What are Jofra Archer's best ODI bowling figures?
His best ODI figures are 6/40, recorded against South Africa in Kimberley in February 2023.
Has Jofra Archer taken a hat-trick?
Yes. Archer took a T20 hat-trick for Sussex against Middlesex in the 2018 Vitality Blast at Lord's.
What is Jofra Archer's fastest recorded delivery?
Archer has regularly bowled above 90 mph and has been credited with a fastest international delivery of 95.8 mph (154.1 km/h) during the 2019 Ashes series.
How many wickets did Archer take at the 2019 World Cup?
Archer took 20 wickets in 11 matches at the 2019 World Cup, finishing among the tournament's leading wicket-takers.
Conclusion
Jofra Archer's best bowling performances show why he became such an influential fast bowler so quickly. His 6/45 at Headingley and 6/62 at The Oval demonstrated his Test-match ability, while the 6/40 against South Africa confirmed his capacity to dominate in ODI cricket after injury.
His World Cup and IPL performances add another dimension to his record. Archer's greatest strength is not simply speed; it is his ability to combine pace with accuracy, movement and tactical variation when the situation demands it.
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