4 bowlers to take 100+ wickets in all 3 formats of international cricket

So far, only four bowlers have taken 100 or more wickets in all 3 formats of international cricket.

Bowling in cricket is often considered as one of the toughest jobs in the game. While the game tests every player on different levels, the bowlers are subjected to more physical strain than batsmen.

Maintaining consistency across formats is another challenge for bowlers. While the basics of line and length remains the same, shorter formats like ODIs and T20Is require several other variations than test cricket.

To avoid the overlap and manage workload of bowlers, many countries rest their premier bowlers in different formats. However, a few bowlers have proved their wicket-taking ability across all formats.

So far in the history of international cricket, 201 bowlers have taken 100 or more wickets in tests. 170 have achieved it in ODIs and only 20 in the shortest format – T20Is. Out of these, only four have taken 100 or more than 100 wickets in each of three formats of international cricket, about whom, we’ll talk here.

Four bowlers to take 100+ wickets in all three formats of international cricket:

1. Lasith Malinga – Sri Lanka

Considered the greatest T20I bowler of all time, Lasith Malinga took 546 wickets in his international career. Malinga’s impressive tally includes – 101 wickets in tests, 338 in ODIs, and 107 in T20Is.

Malinga’s legacy extends beyond international cricket. The Sri Lankan speedster earned fame playing in numerous franchise leagues around the globe. His international career ended in 2020 with 13 five-wicket hauls to his name.

2. Shakib Al Hasan – Bangladesh

Regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders of the current generation, Shakib Al Hasan has taken a total of 712 wickets in international cricket — 246 in tests, 317 in ODIs, and 149 in T20Is.

Shakib’s most remarkable performance in international cricket came in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he took 11 wickets and scored 606 runs throughout the campaign.

The southpaw also has 25 five-wicket hauls to his name in international cricket.

3. Tim Southee – New Zealand

New Zealand speedster Tim Southee has not only played over 100 games for the Black Caps in all three formats, but also he has taken 100+ wickets in each of the format. His impressive tally includes 389 wickets in tests, 221 in ODIs and 164 in T20Is.

Southee has been the key to the New Zealand fast bowling cartel forming one of the greatest duos with Trent Boult. He played a key role in New Zealand’s World Test Championship (WTC) 2019-21 final triumph against India registering five wickets in the game.

He also has an impressive average of 30, 33 and 22 in tests, ODIs and T20Is respectively.

4. Shaheen Afridi – Pakistan

Shaheen Afridi is the newest bowler to enter this elite list. Known for his magic with the new ball, Shaheen has taken a total of 328 wickets in international cricket, including 116 wickets in tests, 112 in ODIs, and 100 in T20Is.

Shaheen’s most memorable performance for Pakistan came against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, where he took three wickets, leading Pakistan to their first-ever victory against India in Cricket World Cup history.

(All stats are updated till 11th December 2024)

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