It is widely spoken that wickets win matches in T20 cricket, but on the grand stage like that of ICC T20 World Cup, the role of a bowler becomes all the more important with pressure mounting on both ends. A format which is usually dominated by power-hitters, bowlers usually tend to make a mark with their exponential spells. Over the multiple editions of the T20 World Cup, a select group of bowlers have risen above the rest with their variations combining pace with swing and spin.
Mastering the new ball to bring their A-game in the death overs, bowlers have also changed the game in their team’s favour on several occasions. In this article, we have listed the bowlers with the most wickets in T20 World Cup history, celebrating their game-changing spells.
Top 3 players with most wickets in T20 World Cup history
Lasith Malinga (38 wickets)
Representing Sri Lanka from 2007 to 2014 T20 World Cups, Lasith Malinga is third in the list of players with most wickets. The former international picked up 38 wickets in 31 matches, consistently delivering breakthroughs at crucial times.
Shahid Afridi (39 wickets)
In second place, it’s Pakistan’s all-round sensation, Shahid Afridi. Known for his power-hitting batting performance at the top of the order, Afridi was often a useful leg-spinner. With 39 wickets to his name in T20 World Cups over the years, Shahid Afridi’s best performance came in 2009 edition, helping Pakistan lift their maiden title.
Shakib Al Hasan (50 wickets)
Bangladesh veteran, Shakib Al Hasan, sits at the top of the list with the most wickets to his name in T20 World Cup history. Having featured in eight editions of the T20 spectacle, the left-arm spinner has scalped 50 wickets in 43 matches. Shakib has been Bangladesh’s go-to bowler in all conditions, combining his variations with excellent control.
List of players with most wickets in T20 World Cup history
| Player | Span | Mat | Inn | Wckts | Best | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) | 2007-2024 | 43 | 41 | 50 | 4/9 | 6.86 |
| Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) | 2007-2016 | 34 | 34 | 39 | 4/11 | 6.71 |
| Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) | 2007-2014 | 31 | 31 | 38 | 5/31 | 7.43 |
| Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) | 2021-2024 | 19 | 19 | 37 | 3/8 | 6.00 |
| Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) | 2016-2024 | 23 | 23 | 37 | 4/9 | 6.30 |
| Adam Zampa (Australia) | 2016-2024 | 21 | 21 | 36 | 5/19 | 6.32 |
| Saeed Ajmal (Pakistan) | 2009-2014 | 23 | 23 | 36 | 4/19 | 6.79 |
| Tim Southee (New Zealand) | 2010-2024 | 25 | 25 | 36 | 3/4 | 6.99 |
| Anrich Nortje (South Africa) | 2021-2024 | 19 | 19 | 35 | 4/7 | 5.55 |
| Ajantha Mendis (Sri Lanka) | 2009-2014 | 21 | 21 | 35 | 6/8 | 6.70 |
T20 World Cup FAQs
Bangladesh’s veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is the highest wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history, having picked up 50 wickets.
Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin is the highest wicket-taker from India. The 39-year-old is 13th in the list with 32 wickets in T20 World Cup history which spanned from 2012 to 2022.
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