The most limited format of the game has made a difference for the bowlers to deliver unused varieties in their bowling. The modern varieties have unquestionably helped the bowlers to urge more wickets within the T20s. The first-ever T20 World Cup was played in 2007. A total of 8 T20 World Cup editions so far. The 2024 T20 World Cup will be the 9th edition and is set to start from 2nd June. In this article, we will take a look at the top 6 players with most wickets in T20 World Cup history.
Who is the leading wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history?
The leading wicket-taker in ICC Men's T20 World Cup history is currently the Bangladesh left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan with 50 wickets in 43 matches, with a bowling average of 20.12 and economy rate of 6.86.
Most Wickets in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup
Rank | Name (Team) | Wickets | Matches | Best Figures | Economy |
1 | Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) | 50 | 43 | 4/9 | 6.86 |
2 | Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) | 39 | 34 | 4/11 | 6.71 |
3 | Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) | 38 | 31 | 5/31 | 7.43 |
4 | Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) | 37 | 19 | 3/8 | 6.00 |
5 | Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) | 37 | 23 | 4/9 | 6.30 |
1) Shakib Al Hasan - 50 wickets
Bangladesh legend Shakib Al Hasan is currently at the top of the list of highest wicket takers in ICC Men's T20 World Cup history with 50 wickets in 43 matches, with an excellent economy of 6.86. His best bowling figures came against Papua New Guinea in the 2021 T20 World Cup when he bowled an impressive spell of 4/9, helping Bangladesh to win the match easily.
2) Shahid Afridi – 39 Wickets
The former Pakistani leg-spinner Shahid Afridi recorded 39 wickets in 34 matches in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup history with an economy rate of 6.71. He had a bowling average of 23.25 and a strike rate of 20.76 in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup history. Afridi participated in six T20 World Cups (2007-2016) for Pakistan. His best bowling figures in the T20 World Cup were 4/11 came against the Netherlands in the 2009 edition. Afridi played a critical role in winning the 2009 T20 World Cup for Pakistan, and in the final, he scored a blistering 54 not out off 40 balls and grabbed a wicket as well to win the Player of the Match. He was also the first player to win the Player of the Tournament award in the competition's history when Pakistan finished as the runners-up in the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2007, where his team finished as the runners-up.
3) Lasith Malinga – 38 Wickets
In the third spot is none other than the Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga (also known as "Slinga Malinga ''), who is widely regarded as one of the greatest limited-overs bowlers of all time. He recorded a total of 38 wickets in 31 matches with an economy rate of 7.43. He had a tournament bowling average of 20.07 and a strike rate of 16.21. He captained the Sri Lankan team in the 2014 T20 World Cup-winning side. In his T20 World Cup career, his best bowling figures were 5/31, which came against England in the 2012 edition.
4) Wanindu Hasaranga – 37 Wickets
Wanindu Hasaranga is playing a very important role for Sri Lanka to return to their familiar position, as the Lankans are known as one of the challenging teams to beat, especially in any big tournaments. Hasaranga has already picked up 37 wickets in only 19 games in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup history. The leg-spinner is a highly consistent bowler, while his best bowling figures in the competition are 3/8 against the UAE in the 2022 edition.
5) Rashid Khan – 37 Wickets
While Afghanistan have stunned in their early introduction in international cricket, the leg-spinner Rashid Khan has played a huge role. While he has made a massive impact with his bowling in almost every country, he has recorded 37 wickets in 23 games in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup history. His best bowling performance in the competition's history was 4/9 against Scotland in the 2021 edition.
Who do you think will be the next bowler to top this list?
Note: The stats mentioned in this article are taken from ESPN Cricinfo
