Generally, much of the focus in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup goes to the batters. However, as is often said, "batters win you matches, bowlers win you tournaments". Indeed, over the years, there have been some remarkable bowlers who have performed so well on the biggest stage in taking the scalps of the greatest batters to help win tournaments for their team.
So here is a look at the top bowlers to take the most wickets in the history of the T20 World Cup.
1. Megan Schutt - 48 Wickets
Coming in at the top of the pile is the Australian top fast bowler, Megan Schutt. She is one of the greatest swing bowlers to ever play the game, and this has made her an absolute handful for the opening pair. From 2016 to 2024, Schutt played 29 matches, taking a total of 48 wickets at a great economy rate of 5.65, meaning it's hard to score off her as she often gets the better of the leading batters.
2. Shabnim Ismail - 48 Wickets
Very close behind Schutt is South African speed demon Shabnim Ismail. The greatest woman pacer of all time, Ismail, has always been a handful over the years in the World Cup from 2009-2023. She played in 32 matches and managed to take 43 wickets in order to steamroll batting teams through their lineups with some fantastic pace and hostile bowling, which saw her become a legend of the T20 World Cup.
3. Ellyse Perry - 44 Wickets
Australia's all-conquering Ellyse Perry is often touted as one of the greatest cricketers ever, and her World Cup record backs this up as a bowler as well. Playing in the T20 World Cup since 2009 up to 2026, She has played a record 47 matches, taking 40 wickets throughout those years, and has consistently adapted her game to stay one of the best all-rounders in the game of cricket for a very long time.
4. Anya Shrubsole - 41 Wickets
Another legend and the greatest to ever play for England, Anya Shrubsole, was known for playing a big role in key tournaments and matches. Retiring from international cricket, Shrubsole played in 27 T20 World Cup matches between 2010 and 2020, where she took 41 wickets with a very economical bowling average of just 12.48 runs per wicket, showing she's incredibly astute and cunning with her variations and line.
5. Sophie Ecclestone – 37 Wickets
England's Sophie Ecclestone has rapidly established herself as one of the finest spinners in women's cricket. Making her Women's T20 World Cup debut in 2018, Ecclestone has claimed 37 wickets in just 22 matches through the 2026 edition. Her exceptional bowling average of 10.89 and economy rate of just 4.65 highlight her remarkable ability to both take wickets and keep batters under pressure. Her best bowling figures of 3/7 underline her match-winning capabilities, making her one of the most impactful bowlers in the tournament's history.
6. Marizanne Kapp – 37 Wickets
South Africa's Marizanne Kapp has been one of the most dependable all-rounders in Women's T20 World Cup history. Featuring in the tournament from 2009 to 2026, Kapp has taken 37 wickets in 36 matches. Renowned for her disciplined seam bowling and ability to swing the new ball, she boasts best figures of 3/16 while maintaining an economy rate of 5.24. Her consistency over nearly two decades has made her a vital asset for South Africa on the biggest stage.
7. Amelia Kerr – 37 Wickets
New Zealand leg-spinner Amelia Kerr has quickly become one of the world's premier wicket-taking bowlers in T20 cricket. Since making her Women's T20 World Cup debut in 2018, Kerr has picked up 37 wickets in just 22 matches, matching the tally of Sophie Ecclestone and Marizanne Kapp in significantly fewer games. She averages an impressive 12.54 with the ball and owns the best bowling figures of 4/26, the best among the three players. Her knack for breaking partnerships and controlling the middle overs has made her one of New Zealand's biggest match-winners.
Also Read | Most Runs in Women's T20 World Cup History
