Top 10 bowlers with most wickets in T20 World Cup history
Shakib Al Hasan leads the list with the most wickets.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is the most important tournament in the shortest format of cricket. It was first held in 2007 and has been held every two years since then, with a few exceptions.
It draws a large audience worldwide, primarily due to the fast-paced nature of the format and the increased participation of global nations in the tournament.
With the format mostly favouring batters, bowlers’ jobs become more important as they stop the flow of runs, take important wickets, and deliver victories for their teams.
Over the years, many great bowlers have bowled brilliant spells in this tournament and have made an impact in the World Cup. On that note, let’s take a look at the top 10 bowlers with the most wickets in T20 World Cup history.
Bowlers with the most wickets in the T20 World Cup-
10. Tim Southee – 36 wickets
New Zealand’s legendary bowler Tim Southee has been a key player for the nation across all three formats, especially in T20Is. He has taken 36 wickets in the T20 World Cup in 25 matches.
He has averaged 17 with the ball, with an economy rate of approximately 7 runs per over. His ability to swing the ball in the power play and use variations in the death overs has always been crucial for taking wickets.
9. Saeed Ajmal – 36 wickets
At No. 9 is Pakistan’s legendary bowler Saeed Ajmal. The right-arm off-spinner was one of the main bowlers for Pakistan in T20I cricket. Although he was involved in controversies regarding his bowling action, he still dominated the format like few others.
He took 36 wickets in the T20 World Cup in 23 matches at an average of 16.8 and an economy rate of 6.7. He also helped Pakistan win the 2009 T20 World Cup, where he finished as the second-highest wicket-taker of the tournament.
8. Adil Rashid – 37* wickets
At No. 8 on the list is England leg-spin bowler Adil Rashid. He has been a frontline bowler for England’s white-ball team for years. Making his debut in 2009, Adil has represented England in 34 T20 World Cup matches. He took 37 wickets with an average of 23.5 and an economy of 7.17.
His overs in the middle phase have always benefited the team. He was part of the squad that won the championship in 2022.
7. Anrich Nortje – 35 wickets
The South African pace bowler Anrich Nortje also features on the list with 35 wickets in just 19 matches. Known for his raw pace, Nortje has impressed everyone in the shortest format.
He has an average of only 11.40 with the ball and an economy rate of just 5.55. His ability to bowl economical overs in the middle and death overs has always helped the team.
6. Lasith Malinga – 38 wickets
Lasith Malinga is often regarded as one of the greatest and deadliest bowlers in T20 cricket. His unorthodox bowling action and slower, dipping yorkers brought him great success. He took 38 wickets in the tournament, averaging 20 with an economy rate of 7.4.
Malinga played a key role in Sri Lanka’s championship win in 2014. His brilliance at the death against India in the final will always be remembered.
5. Shahid Afridi – 39 wickets
Shahid Afridi is often regarded as one of the best all-rounders Pakistan has ever produced. He was the joint second-highest wicket-taker in the first T20 World Cup in 2007 and won the Player of the Tournament award.
In the next World Cup, he performed brilliantly with both bat and ball and led Pakistan to their first T20 World Cup championship. He has taken 39 wickets overall in the tournament, with an average of 23 and an economy rate of 6.7.
4. Adam Zampa – 40* wickets
At number 4 is Adam Zampa, with 40 wickets in 23 games, averaging just 13.6 with an economy of 6.36. Zampa has been the key spin bowler for the Australian team for a decade.
Even when critics said that the Aussies might not have the best spin attack, Zampa stood up as their hero and led the spin bowling unit. He helped the team win their first T20 World Cup in 2021.
3. Wanindu Hasaranga – 40* wickets
Wanindu Hasaranga is at No. 3 on the list, with 40 wickets to his name. The Sri Lankan leg-spinner has played only 20 matches in the T20 World Cup but has made a huge impact, averaging just 11.4 with an economy of 6.01.
Hasaranga has even taken more wickets in the World Cup than another Sri Lankan legend, Lasith Malinga, showcasing his talent and skill on the big stage.
2. Rashid Khan – 43* wickets
Rashid Khan is the finest Afghan bowler ever. He made his T20 World Cup debut in 2016 at the age of 17, and impressed everyone with his skills.
He has played 27 matches and taken 43 wickets, averaging just 15 with an economy of 6.4. He was awarded the T20 Player of the Decade for his performances in the shortest format during the last decade.
1. Shakib Al Hasan – 50 wickets
At the top of the list is one of the greatest players from Bangladesh, Shakib Al Hasan. The all-rounder has always impressed everyone with both his batting and bowling skills.
In 43 matches in the T20 World Cup, he has taken 50 wickets, becoming the first and only player to reach that milestone. He averages 20 with an economy of just 6.86 with the ball and has consistently contributed significantly to his team.
Which player has taken the most wickets in the T20 World Cup?
Shakib Al Hasan has taken the most wickets in T20 World Cup history.
Which Indian player leads the list of highest wicket-takers in the T20 World Cup?
Ravichandran Ashwin is the Indian player with the most wickets in T20 World Cup history, with 32 wickets to his name.
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