Top 10 bowlers with most wickets in T20 World Cup history

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is the biggest and most exciting tournament in the shortest format of cricket. First played in 2007, it quickly became one of the most popular events in the sport. Although it was originally scheduled to be held every two years, there have been a few gaps due to various reasons.

What makes the T20 World Cup so special is its fast-paced nature. Matches are packed with action, big hits, dramatic finishes, and constant momentum shifts. The format has also helped cricket grow globally, with more nations participating and competing on the world stage.

While T20 cricket is often seen as a format that favours batters, bowlers play an equally crucial role. In a game where runs come quickly, bowlers are responsible for controlling the scoring rate, breaking partnerships, and delivering under pressure in key moments. A single spell can completely change the outcome of a match.

Over the years, several outstanding bowlers have produced memorable performances in the tournament, leaving a lasting impact with their skill and consistency. 

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the top 10 bowlers with the most wickets in T20 World Cup history.

10. Tim Southee – 36 wickets

Tim Southee has long been one of New Zealand’s most dependable bowlers across all formats of the game, and he’s made a particularly strong impact in T20 Internationals. In T20 World Cups, he has taken 36 wickets in 25 matches, maintaining an impressive average of 17 and an economy rate of around seven runs per over.

What makes Southee so effective is his skill and control. With the new ball, he can swing it both ways during the powerplay, often giving his team early breakthroughs. At the death, he relies on clever variations—mixing up his pace, yorkers, and slower balls—to keep batters guessing. His experience and ability to deliver in key moments have made him a vital asset for New Zealand in T20 cricket.

9. Saeed Ajmal – 36 wickets

At No. 9 is Pakistan’s legendary spinner Saeed Ajmal, one of the most impactful bowlers in T20I cricket for his country. A crafty right-arm off-spinner, Ajmal had a rare ability to outthink batters with his variations and control.

Although his career was clouded at times by controversy over his bowling action, there’s no denying the mark he left on the format. In T20 World Cups, he claimed 36 wickets in 23 matches at an impressive average of 16.8 and an economy rate of just 6.7 — outstanding numbers in the shortest format.

Ajmal also played a crucial role in Pakistan’s triumph at the 2009 T20 World Cup, finishing as the tournament’s second-highest wicket-taker and proving why he was considered one of the most dangerous spinners of his era.

8. Adil Rashid – 37* wickets

At No. 8 on the list is England leg-spinner Adil Rashid, a key figure in the team’s white-ball setup for well over a decade. Since making his international debut in 2009, Rashid has been a consistent match-winner, especially in T20 cricket.

He has represented England in 34 T20 World Cup matches, claiming 37 wickets at an impressive average of 23.5 and maintaining a tidy economy rate of 7.17. What truly sets him apart is his control and composure during the middle overs, where he often breaks partnerships and shifts momentum in England’s favor.

Rashid also played a crucial role in England’s 2022 T20 World Cup triumph, once again proving his value on the biggest stage.

7. Anrich Nortje – 35 wickets

Anrich Nortje has also made his mark with 35 wickets in just 19 matches. Renowned for his sheer pace and aggression, he has become a real threat in the shortest format of the game.

What makes Nortje stand out isn’t just his speed, but his control. He boasts an impressive bowling average of just 11.40 and a remarkable economy rate of 5.55 — outstanding numbers in T20 cricket. Whether he’s tightening the screws in the middle overs or delivering under pressure at the death, Nortje’s ability to bowl fast and stay economical has consistently given his team a major advantage.

6. Lasith Malinga – 38 wickets

Lasith Malinga is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous bowlers in T20 cricket history. With his unique, slingy bowling action and deadly slower yorkers that dipped sharply at the batsman’s toes, he was incredibly hard to read and even harder to score off.

In the tournament, he picked up 38 wickets at an impressive average of 20 and maintained a tidy economy rate of 7.4 — remarkable numbers in the fast-paced T20 format. More importantly, he delivered when it mattered most. Malinga played a crucial role in 2014 ICC World Twenty20, leading Sri Lanka national cricket team to their historic title win.

His spell at the death against India national cricket team in the final remains unforgettable, as he dismantled the top order and set the tone for a famous victory. When the pressure was highest, Malinga was at his very best.

5. Shahid Afridi – 39 wickets

Shahid Afridi is widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders Pakistan has ever produced. Known for his explosive batting and match-winning leg-spin, Afridi made a huge impact in the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007. He finished as the joint second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament and was deservedly named Player of the Tournament for his outstanding performances.

He carried that momentum into the next edition in 2009, where he once again delivered with both bat and ball. His all-round brilliance played a key role in guiding Pakistan to their first-ever T20 World Cup title.

Across his T20 World Cup career, Afridi took 39 wickets at an impressive average of 23 and maintained a tight economy rate of 6.7 — remarkable numbers in the fast-paced T20 format. His ability to turn games around single-handedly made him one of Pakistan’s most influential players in the shortest format of the game.

4. Adam Zampa – 40* wickets

At No. 4 is Adam Zampa, who has taken 40 wickets in just 23 matches at an impressive average of 13.6 and an economy rate of 6.36. Over the past decade, he has been Australia’s go-to spinner and a vital part of their bowling attack.

Even when critics questioned the strength of Australia’s spin department, Zampa consistently stepped up and led from the front. He played a crucial role in guiding Australia to their maiden T20 World Cup title in 2021, proving time and again why he is such an important player for the team.

3. Wanindu Hasaranga – 40* wickets

At No. 3 on the all-time list is Wanindu Hasaranga, with 40 wickets in the T20 World Cup. What makes that even more impressive is that he’s reached that mark in just 20 matches. The Sri Lankan leg-spinner has been incredibly effective, averaging only 11.4 with the ball and maintaining a superb economy rate of 6.01.

In fact, Hasaranga has picked up more T20 World Cup wickets than Sri Lankan great Lasith Malinga, underlining just how big an impact he has made on cricket’s biggest T20 stage.

2. Rashid Khan – 43* wickets

Rashid Khan is widely regarded as the finest bowler Afghanistan has ever produced. He made his T20 World Cup debut in 2016 at just 17 years old, immediately turning heads with his control, variations, and fearless attitude on the big stage.

In only 27 T20 World Cup matches, he has claimed 43 wickets at an outstanding average of 15 and an impressive economy rate of 6.4 — remarkable numbers in the fast-paced T20 format.

His impact on the shortest format has been so significant that he was named the ICC T20 Player of the Decade, a fitting recognition of his dominance and consistency over the years.

1. Shakib Al Hasan – 50 wickets

At the top of the list is one of Bangladesh's greatest cricketers, Shakib Al Hasan. Known for his remarkable all-round abilities, Shakib has consistently impressed with both his batting and bowling.

In 43 T20 World Cup matches, he has taken 50 wickets, becoming the first and only player to achieve this milestone. With a bowling average of 20 and an economy rate of just 6.86, Shakib has been a consistent match-winner, contributing significantly in every game for his team.

Cover Credits - Sky Sports