The T20 World Cup is one of cricket’s most exciting tournaments. Speaking of the most wickets, Shakib Al Hasan of Bangladesh holds the record for the most wickets in T20 World Cup history as of now.
This article highlights the bowlers who have made the biggest impact in T20 World Cups. They’ve taken wickets and influenced games at critical moments, proving this format is not just a batsman’s game!
By exploring the achievements of these standout bowlers, you can better understand what makes a successful T20 bowler and how key players have shaped their teams’ World Cup journeys.
Top 10 Most Wicket Takers In T20 World Cup
Currently Shakib Al Hasan holds the record of taking the most wickets in T20 World Cup. However, players like Hasaranga, Rashid, Nortje and Zampa still have a chance to top the list.
| Bowler | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shakib Al Hasan | 43 | 50 | 20.12 | 6.86 |
| Shahid Afridi | 34 | 39 | 23.25 | 6.71 |
| Lasith Malinga | 31 | 38 | 20.07 | 7.43 |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | 19 | 37 | 11.72 | 6.00 |
| Rashid Khan | 23 | 37 | 14.89 | 6.30 |
| Adam Zampa | 21 | 36 | 13.69 | 6.32 |
| Saeed Ajmal | 23 | 36 | 16.86 | 6.79 |
| Tim Southee | 25 | 36 | 17.91 | 6.99 |
| Anrich Nortje | 19 | 35 | 11.40 | 5.55 |
| Ajantha Mendis | 21 | 35 | 15.02 | 6.70 |
Note: Bowlers with the same number of wickets are ranked as per better average and economy rates.
This next section will provide you a better look at each of the above bowlers and their exceptional skill at taking wickets:
1. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)
| Span | Wickets | Best Bowling Figure | Runs Given | 5-wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007-24 | 43 | 4/9 | 1006 | 0 |
Shakib Al Hasan has taken 50 wickets in 43 matches with an average of 20.12 and an economy of 6.86. Known for his consistency, he has been a vital part of Bangladesh’s bowling attack, bringing stability and control in the middle overs.
His consistency in T20 matches has brought success not only to Bangladesh but also to various T20 leagues worldwide. His all-rounder capabilities make him especially valuable, allowing his team to rely on his batting and bowling performances.
Did you know? – Shakib Al Hasan is also one of the highest run scorers in ODI and T20 cricket!
2. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)
| Span | Wickets | Best Bowling Figure | Runs Given | 5-wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007-16 | 39 | 4/11 | 907 | 0 |
Known for his aggressive leg-spin and charismatic on-field presence, Afridi’s 39 wickets in T20 World Cups highlight his impact in the tournament. His ability to take crucial wickets made him a vital part of Pakistan’s T20 setup.
Afridi’s aggressive approach with the ball, combined with his batting power, made him one of the most influential all-rounders in T20 history. Afridi’s presence on the field often boosted team morale as well.
3. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)
| Span | Wickets | Best Bowling Figure | Runs Given | 5-wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007-14 | 38 | 38 | 763 | 1 |
Lasith Malinga, with his unique bowling action and deadly yorkers, has been one of the most successful bowlers in T20 World Cup history. His 5/31 performance remains one of the highlights of his career.
Often tasked with bowling crucial death overs, he thrived on the challenge, dismissing batsmen with his pinpoint yorkers. Malinga’s impact extends beyond his stats, as he is credited with revolutionizing T20 bowling.
4. Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)
| Span | Wickets | Best Bowling Figure | Runs Given | 5-wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-24 | 37 | 3/8 | 434 | 0 |
Wanindu Hasaranga’s emergence as a premier spinner in T20 cricket is evident from his 37 wickets in just 19 matches. His ability to take wickets at crucial moments has made him a key player for Sri Lanka.
Hasaranga’s rise in T20 cricket has been quick and impactful, turning him into a must-have player for T20 franchises. His ability to read batsmen and vary his deliveries makes him a challenging bowler to face.
5. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)
| Span | Wickets | Best Bowling Figure | Runs Given | 5-wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-24 | 37 | 4/9 | 551 | 0 |
Rashid Khan’s leg-spin and variations have troubled many batsmen, earning him 37 wickets in T20 World Cups. His economical bowling and wicket-taking ability make him one of the most valuable players in the format.
Rashid Khan’s mastery over T20 bowling continues to grow, making him a highly sought-after player in leagues around the globe. His ability to bowl economically while still taking regular wickets is rare, especially in the T20 format.
6. Adam Zampa (Australia)
| Span | Wickets | Best Bowling Figure | Runs Given | 5-wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-24 | 36 | 5/19 | 493 | 1 |
Adam Zampa’s consistent performances have made him a crucial part of Australia’s T20 team. His 36 wickets, including a 5-wicket haul, demonstrate his effectiveness in the shortest format of the game.
Zampa’s growth as a leg-spinner in T20 cricket showcases his versatility and skill in adapting to different game situations. Known for his competitive spirit, he often takes on the opposition’s top batsmen with confidence.
7. Saeed Ajmal (Pakistan)
| Span | Wickets | Best Bowling Figure | Runs Given | 5-wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009-14 | 36 | 4/19 | 607 | 0 |
Saeed Ajmal’s spin wizardry and variations earned him 36 wickets in T20 World Cups. His ability to deceive batsmen with his doosra was a significant asset for Pakistan.
Ajmal’s contribution to T20 cricket was significant, as his “mystery spin” puzzled batsmen and gave Pakistan a strategic advantage. His skill in tight situations and ability to turn games around with key breakthroughs made him a reliable option.
8. Tim Southee (New Zealand)
| Span | Wickets | Best Bowling Figure | Runs Given | 5-wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010-24 | 36 | 3/4 | 645 | 0 |
Southee’s ability to bowl effective swing in limited-overs cricket adds to his versatility as a T20 bowler. Often leading the pace attack, he combines experience with tactical awareness, adjusting his line and length as needed.
He has taken 36 wickets in 25 matches with an average of 17.91 and an economy of 6.99. As a leading seamer, Southee’s swing bowling has proven effective in both early and death overs.
9. Anrich Nortje (South Africa)
| Span | Wickets | Best Bowling Figure | Runs Given | 5-wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-24 | 35 | 4/7 | 399 | 0 |
Anrich Nortje has quickly made a name for himself with 35 wickets in just 19 matches, averaging 11.40 and maintaining an economy of 5.55. His raw pace and accuracy make him one of the most feared fast bowlers in T20 cricket.
Nortje’s rapid pace and ability to generate bounce have made him a standout bowler, even in challenging situations. His fierce approach and relentless accuracy put immense pressure on batsmen, often leading to early breakthroughs.
10. Ajantha Mendis (Sri Lanka)
| Span | Wickets | Best Bowling Figure | Runs Given | 5-wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009-14 | 35 | 6/8 | 526 | 1 |
Mendis was instrumental in bringing “mystery spin” to prominence, using variations like the carrom ball to outwit batsmen. His innovative style made him hard to predict, and he became a top wicket-taker during his peak years.
With 35 wickets in 21 matches, Ajantha Mendis has an average of 15.02 and an economy of 6.70. Known for his carrom ball and unique bowling style, Mendis troubled batsmen with his unpredictability.
Conclusion: Shakib Al Hasan Has Taken The Most Wickets In T20 World Cup
The list of top wicket-takers in T20 World Cup history underscores the crucial role of bowlers in the shortest format of the game. Each player has brought their unique skills, whether it’s Shakib Al Hasan’s consistency or Rashid Khan’s spin variations.
Reflecting on these bowlers’ achievements also gives insight into the strategies and mental toughness required for success in T20 cricket. Each of these bowlers has managed to control the game’s pace and contain aggressive batsmen.
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