The Indian Premier League (IPL) revolutionized cricket with its unique blend of sports and entertainment since its inception in 2008. Initially, batting dominated, but bowling standards have evolved significantly over time. Fast bowlers and spinners now play a crucial role in IPL success. Today, IPL bowling stats and records highlight the skill and precision needed to excel in the competition. You can also check IPL Batting Stats and Records and decide which gives more edge to the team.

Most Notable Bowling Records

Credit: ESPN Cricinfo

IPL bowlers have shown blistering performance throughout the years. Here are the most notable performances in IPL.

Highest Wicket Takers

RankPlayerMatchesWicketsBest BowlingAverage
1Yuzvendra Chahal1602055/4021.10
2Piyush Chawla1921924/1726.60
3Dwayne Bravo1611834/2224.81
4Bhuvneshwar Kumar1761815/1925.79
5Sunil Narine1771805/1925.39
6Ravichandran Ashwin2121804/3428.87
7Amit Mishra1621745/1723.97
8Lasith Malinga1221705/1319.79
9Harbhajan Singh1631505/1826.86
10Jasprit Bumrah1201454/1424.30
11Kagiso Rabada691064/2120.39
12Rashid Khan921123/1920.83
13Mohammed Shami93993/1529.19
14Trent Boult78924/1826.09
15Umesh Yadav1211194/2429.35
16Chris Morris81954/2324.77
17Andrew Tye27405/1721.80
18Imran Tahir59824/1220.77
19Jofra Archer35463/1521.32
20Kuldeep Yadav59614/2028.20

The IPL has seen some extraordinary bowlers over the years, with notable wicket-takers dominating the stats. The list of highest wicket takers in IPL has a mixup of fast and spin bowlers. Yuzvendra Chahal leads the pack with 205 wickets in 160 matches. His best bowling of 5/40 is a testament to his skill. Piyush Chawla follows closely with 192 wickets in 192 matches, averaging 26.60.

Dwayne Bravo, a consistent performer, has 183 wickets in 161 matches. His best figure is 4/22. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is another key bowler, with 181 wickets in 176 matches, including a best of 5/19. Sunil Narine, known for his mystery spin, has taken 180 wickets in 177 matches. His best is also 5/19. Ravichandran Ashwin has claimed 180 wickets in 212 matches, with a best of 4/34.

Amit Mishra has 174 wickets in 162 matches, with a stunning best of 5/17. Lasith Malinga, a deadly bowler, took 170 wickets in 122 matches, with his best being 5/13. Other remarkable bowlers include Harbhajan Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Kagiso Rabada, Rashid Khan, and many more. Each has contributed significantly to IPL’s rich bowling legacy.

Purple Cap Winner

SeasonPlayerTeamWicketsBest BowlingAverage
2008Sohail TanvirRajasthan Royals (RR)226/1412.09
2009RP SinghDeccan Chargers (DC)234/2218.13
2010Pragyan OjhaDeccan Chargers (DC)213/2620.42
2011Lasith MalingaMumbai Indians (MI)285/1313.39
2012Morne MorkelDelhi Daredevils (DD)254/2018.12
2013Dwayne BravoChennai Super Kings (CSK)324/4215.53
2014Mohit SharmaChennai Super Kings (CSK)234/1419.65
2015Dwayne BravoChennai Super Kings (CSK)263/2216.38
2016Bhuvneshwar KumarSunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)234/2921.30
2017Bhuvneshwar KumarSunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)265/1914.19
2018Andrew TyeKings XI Punjab (KXIP)244/1618.66
2019Imran TahirChennai Super Kings (CSK)264/1216.57
2020Kagiso RabadaDelhi Capitals (DC)304/2418.26
2021Harshal PatelRoyal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)325/2714.34
2022Yuzvendra ChahalRajasthan Royals (RR)275/4019.52
2023Mohammed ShamiGujarat Titans (GT)284/1118.64
2024Harshal PatelPunjab Kings (PBKS)244/2019.88

The Purple Cap is awarded to the IPL season’s top wicket-taker. Over the years, several bowlers have claimed this honor with remarkable performances. In 2008, Sohail Tanvir of Rajasthan Royals set the tone with 22 wickets and a best of 6/14. RP Singh followed in 2009, taking 23 wickets for Deccan Chargers, with a best of 4/22.

Pragyan Ojha earned the Purple Cap in 2010, claiming 21 wickets for Deccan Chargers. His best was 3/26. Lasith Malinga took 28 wickets in 2011 for Mumbai Indians, with his best being 5/13. In 2012, Morne Morkel from Delhi Daredevils claimed 25 wickets, with a best of 4/20. Dwayne Bravo dominated in 2013 and 2015, taking 32 wickets in 2013 and 26 in 2015, both for Chennai Super Kings.

Mohit Sharma won the Purple Cap in 2014 with 23 wickets, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar claimed it in 2016 and 2017 for Sunrisers Hyderabad. In 2016, he took 23 wickets, and in 2017, he grabbed 26 wickets. Andrew Tye took the honors in 2018, while Imran Tahir led in 2019 with 26 wickets for Chennai Super Kings. Kagiso Rabada’s impressive 30 wickets in 2020 for Delhi Capitals earned him the Purple Cap.

Harshal Patel won in 2021 with 32 wickets for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Harshal Patel is the highest wicket taker in 2024 with 24 wickets for Punjab Kings. Yuzvendra Chahal took it in 2022 with 27 wickets for Rajasthan Royals. Most recently, in 2023, Mohammed Shami won the Purple Cap, taking 28 wickets for Gujarat Titans. Harshal Patel won the cap by aking 24 wickets. These bowlers have truly dominated the IPL, showcasing remarkable skill and consistency.

Highest Wicket Takers of Every IPL Team

TeamHighest Wicket-TakerWicketsBest BowlingAverage
Mumbai Indians (MI)Lasith Malinga1705/1319.79
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)Dwayne Bravo1404/2223.82
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)Yuzvendra Chahal1395/4022.44
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)Sunil Narine1795/1925.39
Rajasthan Royals (RR)Yuzvendra Chahal664/2529.29
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)Bhuvneshwar Kumar1575/1925.79
Punjab Kings (PBKS)Piyush Chawla844/1726.60
Delhi Capitals (DC)Amit Mishra1065/1723.97
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)Ravi Bishnoi394/2423.41
Gujarat Titans (GT)Rashid Khan564/1118.64

Highest Wicket Taker for Mumbai Indians (MI)

Lasith Malinga stands out as MI’s highest wicket-taker with 170 wickets. His best bowling performance of 5/13 and an average of 19.79 highlight his exceptional consistency and dominance, making him a key figure in MI’s success.

Highest Wicket Taker for Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Dwayne Bravo is CSK’s highest wicket-taker with 140 wickets. His best figure of 4/22 and average of 23.82 demonstrate his effectiveness in both the early and death overs, making him a vital player for CSK.

Highest Wicket Taker for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

Yuzvendra Chahal has been RCB’s highest wicket-taker, claiming 139 wickets. His best of 5/40 and average of 22.44 show his skill in containing opposition batsmen and picking wickets regularly.

Highest Wicket Taker for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Sunil Narine, with 179 wickets and a best of 5/19, is KKR’s highest wicket-taker. His average of 25.39 reflects his critical role as a spinner who can turn the game around with his clever variations.

Highest Wicket Taker for Rajasthan Royals (RR)

Yuzvendra Chahal is RR’s highest wicket-taker, despite having 66 wickets. His best figure of 4/25 and average of 29.29 show his potential, but his impact has been somewhat limited compared to other bowlers.

Highest Wicket Taker for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been SRH’s go-to bowler, with 157 wickets and a best of 5/19. His average of 25.79 indicates his consistency, especially with the new ball, and his ability to control the game.

Highest Wicket Taker for Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Piyush Chawla has taken 84 wickets for PBKS. His best figure of 4/17 and an average of 26.60 reflect his ability as a seasoned bowler, but his performance has been less impactful compared to top-tier bowlers.

Highest Wicket Taker for Delhi Capitals (DC)

Amit Mishra, with 106 wickets and a best of 5/17, leads DC’s bowling attack. His average of 23.97 reflects his ability to consistently take wickets and provide breakthroughs in key moments.

Highest Wicket Taker for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

Ravi Bishnoi, with 39 wickets and a best of 4/24, is LSG’s highest wicket-taker. His average of 23.41 shows his potential, making him one of the rising stars in the IPL.

Highest Wicket Taker for Gujarat Titans (GT)

Rashid Khan is GT’s highest wicket-taker with 56 wickets. His impressive best of 4/11 and average of 18.64 highlight his mastery as a spinner and his crucial role in controlling the middle overs.

Best Bowling Record in IPL

RankPlayerTeamOpponentBest BowlingMatch Date
1Alzarri JosephMumbai Indians (MI)Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)6/12April 6, 2019
2Sohail TanvirRajasthan Royals (RR)Chennai Super Kings (CSK)6/14May 4, 2008
3Adam ZampaRising Pune Supergiant (RPS)Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)6/19May 10, 2016
4Anil KumbleRoyal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)Rajasthan Royals (RR)5/5April 18, 2009
5Ishant SharmaDeccan Chargers (DC)Kochi Tuskers Kerala (KTK)5/12April 27, 2011
6Lasith MalingaMumbai Indians (MI)Delhi Daredevils (DD)5/13April 10, 2011
7Ankit RajpootKings XI Punjab (KXIP)Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)5/14April 26, 2018
8James FaulknerRajasthan Royals (RR)Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)5/16May 17, 2013
9Jaydev UnadkatRising Pune Supergiant (RPS)Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)5/30May 10, 2017
10Andrew TyeGujarat Lions (GL)Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS)5/17April 14, 2017
11Amit MishraDelhi Daredevils (DD)Deccan Chargers (DC)5/17May 15, 2008
12Munaf PatelMumbai Indians (MI)Kings XI Punjab (KXIP)5/21May 10, 2011
13Bhuvneshwar KumarSunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)Kings XI Punjab (KXIP)5/19April 17, 2017
14Ravindra JadejaChennai Super Kings (CSK)Deccan Chargers (DC)5/16April 27, 2012
15Sunil NarineKolkata Knight Riders (KKR)Kings XI Punjab (KXIP)5/19April 15, 2012
16Arshdeep SinghPunjab Kings (PBKS)Rajasthan Royals (RR)5/32September 21, 2021
17Harshal PatelRoyal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)Mumbai Indians (MI)5/27April 9, 2021
18Kagiso RabadaDelhi Capitals (DC)Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)4/21October 5, 2020
19Jasprit BumrahMumbai Indians (MI)Delhi Capitals (DC)4/14October 31, 2020
20Yuzvendra ChahalRajasthan Royals (RR)Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)5/40April 18, 2022

Alzarri Joseph (MI) – 6/12 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 6, 2019

Alzarri Joseph’s 6/12 is the best bowling performance in IPL history. His breathtaking spell of 6 wickets for just 12 runs stunned everyone, leading Mumbai Indians to a commanding victory. The performance was dominant and showcased his incredible pace and accuracy. This record set a new benchmark in the IPL for bowling excellence, and Joseph’s performance is still regarded as one of the most clinical in IPL history.

Sohail Tanvir (RR) – 6/14 vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on May 4, 2008

Sohail Tanvir’s 6/14 remains one of the best bowling figures in IPL history. He achieved this performance during the inaugural IPL season, helping Rajasthan Royals secure a crucial win. His devastating swing bowling destroyed CSK’s batting lineup. Tanvir’s performance in 2008 was a standout in the league’s early years. His figures of 6/14 also set the record for most wickets in an innings until Alzarri Joseph broke it in 2019.

Adam Zampa (RPS) – 6/19 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 10, 2016

Adam Zampa took 6 wickets for 19 runs against SRH in 2016, another standout IPL bowling performance. His excellent leg-spin created immense pressure on SRH’s batting, and his 6 wickets helped seal a comprehensive victory for Rising Pune Supergiants. Zampa’s performance highlighted the effectiveness of spinners in the IPL, especially in pressure situations. This is one of the few 6-wicket hauls in IPL history, showcasing his control and variations.

Anil Kumble (RCB) – 5/5 vs Rajasthan Royals (RR) on April 18, 2009

Anil Kumble’s 5/5 remains one of the most iconic bowling performances in IPL history. In this match, Kumble stunned everyone by taking 5 wickets for just 5 runs. His skillful spin and variations helped Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) dominate Rajasthan Royals. Kumble’s magical performance helped him set an extraordinary record that still stands as the best figures in IPL history for a bowler in a match.

Most 3 Wicket Hauls by IPL Bowlers

Credit: ESPN Cricinfo
RankPlayerNumber of 3-Wicket HaulsBest Bowling Figures
1Lasith Malinga195/13
2Amit Mishra165/17
3Jasprit Bumrah145/10
4Umesh Yadav144/24
5Sunil Narine135/19
6Bhuvneshwar Kumar125/19
7Yuzvendra Chahal115/40
8Dwayne Bravo104/22
9Ravichandran Ashwin94/34
10Piyush Chawla94/17
11Harbhajan Singh85/18
12Andrew Tye75/17
13Trent Boult64/18
14Kagiso Rabada64/21
15Mohammed Shami63/15
16Rashid Khan53/19
17Chris Morris54/23
18Deepak Chahar54/13
19Sandeep Sharma54/20
20Shane Watson54/29

The achievement of a 3-wicket haul in the IPL is a significant milestone for any bowler, as it demonstrates their ability to break partnerships and change the course of the game. Here’s an analysis of the bowlers with the most 3-wicket hauls in IPL history:

  1. Lasith Malinga (MI) – 19 3-Wicket Hauls

Best Bowling: 5/13

Lasith Malinga leads with the most 3-wicket hauls, having taken 19 such wickets in his illustrious IPL career. His best bowling of 5/13 against Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2011 is one of the best performances in IPL history. Malinga’s ability to consistently pick wickets in key moments made him a standout player for Mumbai Indians.

2. Amit Mishra (DD) – 16 3-Wicket Hauls

Best Bowling: 5/17

Amit Mishra follows closely with 16 3-wicket hauls. He is one of the most successful spinners in IPL history. His best bowling of 5/17 against Deccan Chargers (now Sunrisers Hyderabad) in 2008 helped him establish himself as one of the leading wicket-takers in the league.

3. Jasprit Bumrah (MI) – 14 3-Wicket Hauls

Best Bowling: 5/10

Bumrah, known for his lethal yorkers, has achieved 14 3-wicket hauls. His best of 5/10 came against Delhi Capitals in 2020. Bumrah’s ability to deliver in crunch moments, especially during the death overs, has been vital for Mumbai Indians.

Most Five-Wicket Hauls in IPL

1. Jasprit Bumrah (MI) – 2 Five-Wicket Hauls

Best Bowling: 5/10

First 5-Wicket Haul: 5/10 vs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), May 09, 2022

Second 5-Wicket Haul: 5/21 vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), April 11, 2024

Jasprit Bumrah is widely considered one of the best death bowlers in the IPL, and his 5-wicket hauls reflect his extraordinary consistency and composure, particularly in high-pressure situations. His 5/10 against KKR in 2022 stands out as one of the best bowling performances in IPL history, where he displayed exceptional accuracy, especially with his yorkers, in a pressure-filled match.

He is known for his pinpoint yorkers and ability to deliver in the crunch moments, particularly in the last few overs. His hauls have been crucial to Mumbai Indians’ successes in various seasons, and his performances often change the momentum of matches.

2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (SRH) – 2 Five-Wicket Hauls

Best Bowling: 5/19

First 5-Wicket Haul: 5/19 vs Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), April 17, 2017

Second 5-Wicket Haul: 5/30 vs Gujarat Titans (GT), May 15, 2023

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been a mainstay for Sunrisers Hyderabad, known for his swing and ability to control the game with the new ball, particularly in the early overs. His 5-wicket hauls showcase his skill in taking crucial wickets and breaking partnerships. 5/19 in 2017 against Kings XI Punjab was a brilliant spell, with Bhuvneshwar exploiting early movement with the new ball and keeping the batsmen on the back foot.

His ability to bowl swing deliveries and take wickets at the start of the innings or during the middle overs makes him a valuable asset. His consistency, particularly in the powerplay, has been a major factor in SRH’s success during the seasons he’s played.

3. James Faulkner (RR) – 2 Five-Wicket Hauls

Best Bowling: 5/16

First 5-Wicket Haul: 5/20 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), April 27, 2013

Second 5-Wicket Haul: 5/16 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), May 17, 2013

James Faulkner was known for his aggressive, fast bowling and ability to bowl in the death overs for Rajasthan Royals. His 5-wicket hauls testify to his skill in breaking partnerships and taking wickets at crucial moments. 5/20 against SRH in 2013 was one of the best performances of his career, where he mixed pace with clever variations to dismantle the SRH batting lineup.

His 5/16 2014 against the same opposition further solidified his reputation as a lethal bowler, capable of picking wickets when needed most. Faulkner’s impact lies in his ability to bowl effectively in the middle overs and the death. His sharp variations in pace and ability to exploit opposition weaknesses were vital to Rajasthan Royals’ performance during his time with the team.

Best Bowling Averages in IPL

Matheesha Pathirana (CSK) – 17.41

Matches: 20 | Wickets: 34 | Best: 4/28

Pathirana tops the list with an incredible bowling average of 17.41, showcasing his excellent performance in his IPL career.

Lungi Ngidi (DC) – 17.92

Matches: 14 | Wickets: 25 | Best: 4/10

Ngidi comes in second with a remarkable average of 17.92, making him one of the most efficient bowlers in IPL history.

Doug Bollinger (CSK) – 18.73

Matches: 27 | Wickets: 37 | Best: 4/13

Bollinger holds the third spot, with a solid average of 18.73 across 27 matches.

Most Wickets in an IPL Season

Harshal Patel – 32 Wickets (IPL 2021)

Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

Harshal Patel set the record for the most wickets in a single IPL season with 32 wickets in 2021. His excellent death bowling and his ability to consistently take wickets were instrumental in RCB’s campaign that year.

Dwayne Bravo – 26 Wickets (IPL 2013)

Team: Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Dwayne Bravo took 26 wickets in IPL 2013, playing a crucial role for CSK in the tournament. Known for his skills in the death overs, Bravo’s consistent wicket-taking ability made him one of the standout performers that season.

Kagiso Rabada – 30 Wickets (IPL 2020)

Team: Delhi Capitals (DC)

Kagiso Rabada took 30 wickets in 2020, making him one of the most lethal bowlers of that season. His pace and ability to strike in the middle overs and at the death made him the backbone of Delhi Capitals’ bowling attack.

Most Wickets Against Specific Teams

Here are the top three performances in this category.

Umesh Yadav – 35 Wickets vs Punjab Kings

Opponent: Punjab Kings

Umesh Yadav has taken 35 wickets against Punjab Kings, making him the leading wicket-taker against a single opponent in IPL history. His consistency with the ball and ability to break partnerships has been crucial in these matchups.

Dwayne Bravo – 33 Wickets vs Mumbai Indians

Opponent: Mumbai Indians

Dwayne Bravo has claimed 33 wickets against Mumbai Indians, showcasing his success against one of the strongest IPL teams. Bravo’s versatility in the middle and death overs has helped him maintain this remarkable record.

Sunil Narine – 33 Wickets vs Punjab Kings

Opponent: Punjab Kings

Sunil Narine has taken 33 wickets against Punjab Kings, further establishing his dominance as a spinner. Narine’s mystery spin and ability to control the game have made him one of the top performers against this team.

Best Economy Rates in IPL

Twp spinners top this category with New Zealand’s legendary Daniel Vettori and India’s own Anil Kumble.

Daniel Vettori (RCB) – 6.56

Matches: 27 | Wickets: 21 | Best: 3/19

Vettori’s economy rate of 6.56 is the best, showcasing his control and skill over his bowling during his IPL career.

Anil Kumble (RCB) – 6.58

Matches: 42 | Wickets: 45 | Best: 5/5

Kumble comes in second with an economy rate of 6.58, proving his exceptional performance as a spin bowler in the IPL.

Glenn McGrath (DC) – 6.61

Matches: 14 | Wickets: 12 | Best: 4/29

McGrath, known for his precision, had a remarkable economy rate of 6.61, with his excellent line and length bowling.

Conclusion for IPL Bowling Stats and Records

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has changed cricket, with bowlers now playing a key role in matches. Over the years, top performances have set new records. Bowlers like Yuzvendra Chahal, Lasith Malinga, Dwayne Bravo, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have earned their place as some of the best in IPL history. Their achievements include Purple Caps, impressive economy rates, and several 5-wicket hauls. These bowlers continue to amaze with their skill and consistency. The IPL highlights the rise of bowling standards and the fierce competition for top honors. We can expect even more impressive records and performances as the league grows.

FAQs for IPL Bowling Records

Who has bowled the most dot balls in the IPL?

Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled the most dot balls in IPL history with 1670 dot balls. Sunil Narine holds the 2nd position for the most dot balls bowled in the IPL with 1631 dot balls.

Which bowler has bowled the most maiden overs in the IPL?

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Praveen Kumar hold the record for the most maiden overs bowled in IPL history. Trent Boult is second on the list with 11 maiden overs.

Who has taken the most four-wicket hauls in an IPL inning?

Sunil Narine holds the record for the most four-wicket hauls in an IPL inning. He took 8 four-wicket hauls in IPL. The 2nd best on the list is legendary Sri Lankan Lasith Malinga, with 7 four-wicket hauls.

Who has achieved the most hattricks in IPL history?

Amit Mishra owns the record for the most hattricks in IPL history. He took three hattricks in the IPL. His 1st hattrick came in 2008 versus Deccan Chargers. He took his 2nd hattrick in 2011 against King XI Punjab and 3rd in 2013 against SRH.

Who has the best bowling strike rate in IPL Min 1000 balls bowled)?

Andre Russell has one of the best bowling strike rates in IPL history, with a strike rate of around 14.7, reflecting his ability to take wickets consistently at crucial moments. KG Rabada is second on the list, with a strike rate of 15.5.

What is the best bowling figure in IPL history?

The best bowling figure in IPL history is 6/12 by Alzarri Joseph (Mumbai Indians) against Sunrisers Hyderabad. This performance remains one of the tournament’s most dominant displays by a bowler.

Who is the fastest bowler in IPL history?

The fastest bowler in IPL history is Shaun Tait, who bowled at a speed of 157.71 km/h during the 2011 season. He bowled the ball against Delhi while playing for Rajasthan Royals.

How many overs can a bowler bowl in an IPL match?

In an IPL match, a bowler can bowl a maximum of 4 overs in a 20-over game. This applies to all bowlers, including fast bowlers and spinners.

Who won the most Purple Caps in IPL?

Dwayne Bravo, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Harshal Patel each won 2 purple caps in IPL.

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Umair Basraa is an experienced Sports Writer with over three years of expertise covering a wide range of sports, including Cricket, Wrestling, UFC/MMA, Boxing, NBA, and Football. His insightful analysis and engaging storytelling bring the excitement and drama of sports to life for his readers. Basraa's work captures the intricacies of each game, offering a deep understanding of the athletes and events that shape the world of sports.

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