Bangladesh’s all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan holds the record for the most wickets in T20 World Cup history. In 36 matches, Shakib has taken 47 wickets, with an outstanding average of 18.63 and an economy rate of 6.78. He has claimed three four-wicket hauls, with his best figures of 4/9 coming against Papua New Guinea in the 2021 edition.
Pakistan’s former all-rounder Shahid Afridi is second on the list with 39 wickets from 34 matches and an economy rate of 6.71. Sri Lanka’s legendary pacer Lasith Malinga comes third with 38 wickets in 31 games, maintaining an economy rate of 7.43. Malinga’s standout moment came in 2012 when he took 5/31 against England.
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Let’s take a look at the top 10 wicket-takers in the tournament’s history.
Most Wickets in T20 World Cup (2007 – 2022)
| Rank | Player | Nation | Matches | Wickets | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shakib Al Hasan | Bangladesh | 36 | 47 | 16.48 |
| 2 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 34 | 39 | 20.76 |
| 3 | Lasith Malinga | Sri Lanka | 31 | 38 | 16.21 |
| 4 | Saeed Ajmal | Pakistan | 23 | 36 | 14.88 |
| 5 | Ajantha Mendis | Sri Lanka | 21 | 35 | 13.45 |
| 6 | Umar Gul | Pakistan | 24 | 35 | 14.17 |
| 7 | Ravichandran Ashwin | India | 24 | 32 | 15.93 |
| 8 | Wanindu Hasaranga | Sri Lanka | 16 | 31 | 11.8 |
| 9 | Dale Steyn | South Africa | 23 | 30 | 16.63 |
| 10 | Stuart Broad | England | 26 | 30 | 17.36 |
Shakib Al Hasan – 47 Wickets
Shakib Al Hasan’s clever spin and variety in his bowling have helped him take 47 wickets in 36 T20 World Cup matches. His ability to control the flow of runs and get key dismissals has made him a crucial part of Bangladesh’s team.
Shahid Afridi – 39 Wickets
Known as “Boom Boom” Afridi, Shahid Afridi holds the second spot for most wickets in the T20 World Cup. In 34 matches, he has taken 39 wickets with his unorthodox leg-spin, and his energetic performances have thrilled fans worldwide.
Lasith Malinga – 38 Wickets
Sri Lanka’s “Slinger” Malinga is famous for his distinctive bowling style, including his slower deliveries and deadly yorkers. With 38 wickets in 31 matches, Malinga’s skills, particularly during the final overs, were crucial in Sri Lanka’s 2014 T20 World Cup victory.
Saeed Ajmal – 36 Wickets
Pakistan’s off-spinner Saeed Ajmal is well-known for his ability to outfox batsmen with his doosra. He took 36 wickets in 23 matches before retiring in 2014, making him a vital part of Pakistan’s bowling attack.
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Ajantha Mendis – 35 Wickets
Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis, known for his mysterious bowling style and range of variations, took 35 wickets in just 21 T20 World Cup matches. His standout performances made him one of the most successful bowlers in the tournament’s history.
Leading Wicket-Takers from Each T20 World Cup Edition
| T20 World Cup Edition | Leading Wicket-Taker | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Umar Gul | 13 |
| 2009 | Umar Gul | 13 |
| 2010 | Dirk Nannes | 14 |
| 2012 | Ajantha Mendis | 15 |
| 2014 | Imran Tahir & Ahsan Malik | 12 |
| 2016 | Mohammad Nabi | 12 |
| 2021 | Wanindu Hasaranga | 16 |
| 2022 | Wanindu Hasaranga | 15 |
Umar Gul – 13 Wickets (2007 & 2009)
Pakistan’s fast bowler Umar Gul was a key player in the 2007 and 2009 T20 World Cups, taking 13 wickets in both editions. His consistent performances helped Pakistan reach the finals in 2007 and win the 2009 tournament.
Dirk Nannes – 14 Wickets (2010)
Australian fast bowler Dirk Nannes topped the charts in the 2010 T20 World Cup with 14 wickets. His standout performance came against Bangladesh, where he took 4/18.
Ajantha Mendis – 15 Wickets (2012)
In 2012, Ajantha Mendis dazzled the cricketing world, finishing with 15 wickets, including a memorable 6/8 against Zimbabwe. Although Sri Lanka fell short in the final, Mendis’s performances were unforgettable.
Wanindu Hasaranga – 16 & 15 Wickets (2021 & 2022)
Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga has been dominant in the last two T20 World Cups, taking 16 wickets in 2021 and 15 wickets in 2022. His outstanding bowling has consistently put pressure on opponents.
In conclusion, the T20 World Cup has seen incredible bowling talent over the years. From Umar Gul’s heroics in 2007 and 2009 to Wanindu Hasaranga’s brilliance in recent tournaments, the competition has been a platform for bowlers to shine. Each edition brings new stars, and these performances have left a lasting mark on the world of cricket.
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