Move over explosive batsmen, these majestic bowlers rule 2016 World T20

Ever since the advent of Twenty20 cricket in 2003, the game has tilted in favour of the batsmen who've been encouraged to satisfy contemporary cricket's seemingly insatiable lust for boundaries - with the bowlers reduced to mere cannon fodder.

If that wasn't enough, the introduction of powerplay overs, free-hits, two new balls from both ends, fielding restrictions and even shorter boundaries have made the life of a bowler nothing more than a nightmare on the 22-yard strip.

But contrary to the popular notion, the highly-decorated 2016 edition of the ICC World T20 in India witnessed some majestic spells by the bowlers who showed how best to dictate terms against the hard-hitting batsmen, while single-handedly changing the course of the game in their favour.

Their spells might have disappointed the crowd - who are always on the edge of their seat, hoping to see the ball disappearing in the stands - but their impeccable precision and immaculate discipline earned them the much-needed respect from the batsmen and fans, alike.

As this year's ICC World T20 reaches its befitting finale, here's a look at top three bowling spells in the tournament:

Mustafizur Rahman

Photo: Dibyangshu Sarkar/AFP

Bangladesh might have disappointed their fans after crashing out of the tournament without a single win, but the performance of their seamer Mustafizur Rahman against New Zealand in the Super 10 clash will surely be one of their most memorable moments in the World T20 this year.

The left-arm paceman recorded the best bowling spell in the tournament with figures of 5-22 in four overs against the in-form Kiwis. He dismissed Henry Nicholls, Kane Williamson, Grant Elliott, Mitchell Santner and Nathan McCullum to register one of the only two five-wicket hauls in the tournament.

Though New Zealand won the match by 75 runs, Rahman's economy of 5.50 including 11 dot balls will be hard to overlook.

James Faulkner

Photo: Money Sharma/AFP

Apart from Mustafizur Rahman, Australian all-rounder James Faulkner is the only other bowler to have registered a five-wicket haul in this year's ICC World T20. The left-arm seamer was at his prolific best against the unpredictable Pakistan in their Super 10 encounter where he finished his spell with figures of 5-27 in four overs.

Faulkner dismissed Sharjeel Khan, Khalid Latif, Imad Wasim, Sarfraz Ahmed and Wahab Riaz to become the first Australian bowler to clinch a fifer in T20 Internationals. His bowling efforts ensured Australia kept their semi-finals hopes alive with a 21-run win over Pakistan.

Mitchell Santner

Photo: Money Sharma/AFP

If one was to decipher New Zealand's shock win against India in the Super 10 opener, left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner springs to mind. The 24-year-old bamboozled India's much-hyped batting line-up with his spin variations.

Santner finished his quota of four overs with impressive figures of 4-11 including an economy rate of 2.75 - a rarity in T20 cricket. With a paltry total of 126 to defend, Santner dismissed Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya to script New Zealand's 47-run win. Santner's spell against India is also his best in the T20 Internationals.