The ICC T20 World Cup has seen some incredible bowling performances over the years. From spinners to pacers, many bowlers have made a name for themselves in this prestigious tournament.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 highest wicket-takers in T20 World Cup history, updated for 2024.
10. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) – 31 wickets
Rashid Khan, the Afghan leg-spinner, has climbed into the top 10 of the ICC Men’s T20I Bowler Rankings. His rapid bowling action and knack for taking wickets on any pitch have been crucial. In the T20 World Cup, his outstanding performance has made him pivotal in Afghanistan’s bowling lineup. His unpredictable spin and varied deliveries often leave batsmen puzzled. Khan’s skill and experience make him a key player, contributing to Afghanistan’s important wins in the tournament.
ALSO READ: This article explores the highest and lowest scores of the top 10 teams in T20I cricket.
9. Morné Morkel (South Africa) – 32 wickets
Morné Morkel, the South African fast bowler, was a dominant presence in cricket, known for his skill in taking wickets with fast, bouncing deliveries. With extensive experience and superb abilities, Morkel proved crucial for South Africa in the T20 World Cup. His ability to consistently bowl fast balls and disturb rival batsmen was vital for South Africa’s bowling lineup, contributing greatly to their success in the tournament.
8. Ajantha Mendis (Sri Lanka) – 33 wickets
Ajantha Mendis, the Sri Lankan spinner, was a enigmatic bowler who possessed the rare ability to turn the ball in both directions, leaving batsmen perplexed. His unorthodox action, which included a unique grip and release, made it difficult for batsmen to read his deliveries. Mendis’ variations, including his signature “carrom ball” and “googly”, made him a nightmare for opposing teams, as they struggled to anticipate the trajectory and spin of his deliveries. His unpredictable bowling style earned him a reputation as one of the most innovative and challenging bowlers in the game.
7. Ravichandran Ashwin (India) – 34 wickets
Ravichandran Ashwin, the Indian off-spinner, has showcased his expertise in variations, consistently taking wickets in the T20 World Cup. His adaptability to different surfaces has been impressive, making him a vital asset for India. Ashwin’s ability to adjust his pace, angle, and crease position has kept batsmen guessing, earning him a reputation as a thinking bowler. His experience and skill have made him a go-to bowler for India in the tournament, and his ability to adapt has been a key factor in his success.
6. Umar Gul (Pakistan) – 35 wickets
Umar Gul, the Pakistani fast bowler, mastered reverse swing—a technique to make the ball move opposite to usual. His skillful use of this made him tough for batsmen, who found it hard to predict the ball’s path. Gul’s experience and talent were crucial for Pakistan in T20 World Cups, consistently taking key wickets and aiding victories. His expertise in reverse swing and adaptability in various conditions made him one of the tournament’s top bowlers ever.
5. Saeed Ajmal (Pakistan) – 36 wickets
Saeed Ajmal, the former Pakistani spinner, was known for his mastery of the doosra, a tricky delivery that spins opposite to a regular off-spin ball. His precise control of this skill made him a challenge for batsmen, who found it hard to predict the ball’s path. Ajmal’s success in the T20 World Cup, where he took many wickets, solidified his position among the top bowlers in the tournament’s history. His exceptional talent and ability to deceive batsmen have made him one of cricket’s finest spinners.
4. Imran Tahir (South Africa) – 37 wickets
Imran Tahir, the South African leg-spinner, has risen through the ranks to become one of the most feared bowlers in the T20 World Cup. His rapid action and ability to take wickets on any surface have made him a valuable asset for South Africa. With his impressive record in the tournament, Tahir has proven himself to be a key player for his team, consistently delivering crucial wickets and helping his team secure victories. His ability to adapt to different surfaces and conditions has made him a versatile bowler, and his experience and skill have earned him a reputation as one of the best leg-spinners in the game.
3. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) – 38 wickets
Lasith Malinga, the Sri Lankan fast bowler, is famous for his unusual bowling style that works well in the T20 World Cup. His slow balls, especially his famous slower yorker, are tough for batsmen. Malinga’s experience and skill make him important for Sri Lanka, often taking key wickets and helping win matches. His smart changes in bowling and ability to handle different situations have made him one of T20 World Cup’s top bowlers ever.
2. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – 39 wickets
Shahid Afridi, the former Pakistani captain, remains one of the most successful bowlers in T20 World Cup history. His leg-spin and clever variations, including his signature googly and flipper, made him a formidable opponent for batsmen. With his unorthodox action and ability to turn the ball sharply, Afridi was a nightmare for even the best batsmen, earning him the nickname “Boom Boom Afridi” for his explosive bowling and batting style.
1. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) – 44 wickets
Shakib Al Hasan, the skilled all-rounder from Bangladesh, now holds the record for the most wickets in T20 World Cup history, surpassing Shahid Afridi’s previous mark. His skill in taking wickets is crucial for Bangladesh. This applies whether the pitch spins or seams. Shakib’s ability to change the game has led his team to many wins, securing his place in cricket history.
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