Highest Wicket Takers in T20 World Cup History: Surprise Name at Top, 3 Pakistanis and 1 Indian In Top 10
In ninth edition of the T20 World Cup held in USA and West Indies, the new pitches promises no big strokes. Given the conditions of the pitch, bowlers will be playing the pivotal role in the International Cricket Council (ICC) event.
We have splendid record of wicket takers in the T20 World Cup history.
The highest wicket-taker of the last two T20 World Cups (2021-2022) is Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga. Pakistan and Sri Lanka dominate the list of top 10 wicket-takers over the years.
Exploring the record of highest wicket takers in T20 World Cup tournaments ahead of 2024 edition.
Highest Wicket Takers in T20 World Cup History
Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) – 47 wickets
Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh’s star all-rounder, is at top as most wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history. Acclaimed precise spin bowler and an adept with techniques ,Shakib has plucked 47 wickets in 36 T20 World Cup matches. The bowler is known for his ability to control the run rate and securing significant wickets ,making him a match-winner for the Bangla Tigers.
Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – 39 wickets
Pakistan’s “Boom Boom” Shahid Afridi ranks second among the top wicket-takers in T20 World Cup history. The iconic player has claimed 39 wickets across 34 T20 World Cup tournament. The enthusiastic spirited player is known for his non-conforming leg-spin ,a rare asset for Pakistan throughout the tournament. Afridi made his final appearance in the T20 World Cup 2016.
Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) – 38 wickets
Lasith Malinga, known for his distinctive slingy action, stands as a memorable icon in T20 cricket, third on the list. With clever slower balls, and deadly yorkers, Malinga has secured 38 wickets in 31 T20 World Cup matches. He particularly is remembered for his skill in the death overs, crucial to Sri Lanka’s triumph in the 2014 T20 World Cup.
Saeed Ajmal (Pakistan) – 36 wickets
Pakistan’s off-spinner, Saeed Ajmal, fourth in the number with a prolific record has captured 36 wickets in 23 T20 World Cup. Skilled wicket-taker is known for beguiling batters with his varied bowling, the best in Men in Green. The player took retirement in 2014.
Ajantha Mendis (Sri Lanka) – 35 wickets
Ajantha Mendis, the mystery spinner, ranks fifth, claiming 35 wickets in just 21 T20 World Cup matches. He has been Part of only three T20 World Cups including the one that secured the title in 2014.
Umar Gul (Pakistan) – 35 wickets
Umar Gul, Pakistan’s dauntless bowler, number six on the list of top wicket-takers has claimed 35 wickets in 24 matches over a span of 2007-2014 of T20 World Cup.
R Ashwin (India) – 32 wickets
On number five we have India’s R Ashwin who has secured 32 wickets in 24 matches over the span of 2012-2022 of the event.
PW Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) – 31 wickets
Sri Lanka’s PW Hasaranga is on number seven. He has secured 31 wickets in 16 matches between 2021-2022.
DW Steyn (South Africa) – 30 wickets
On number nine we have South Africa’s DW Steyn who has claimed 30 wickets in 23 matches from 2009-2016.
SCJ Broad (England) – 30
In the list of Top 10, we have SCJ Broad on number ten. He has secured 30 wickets in 26 matches in the timeframe of 2007-2014 of the event.
Tabinda Mir is a writer from Kashmir. She is an English Honours graduate and her interests primarily dwell in poetry and sports writing. She likes to cover Cricket as an avid fan. Apart from sports, her other publications include articles, poems and a letter to summer in the book titled, “Under The Summer Skies”.
Also, her leisure time activities include reading novels, poetry, non literary works, philosophies and writing poetry, short stories, articles on diverse themes.
