With the format getting shorter and shorter, the bowler’s role and significance in the game get lesser and lesser.
In the shortest of formats, the T20s, the conditions and the format suit the batters more than the bowlers. With the shorter boundaries and the heavier bats, the fielders in T20 cricket, especially the boundary riders, are almost made ball gazers in most parts of the game.
Even then, there are champion bowlers who are able to register their dominance thanks to their priceless experiences and proficient tactics. This article will showcase the ones who have seen the most success with the ball in hand in this format.
This article will list the all-time leading wicket-takers in T20 international cricket.
Most Wickets in T20 Internationals
| PLAYER | INNS | WICKETS | BEST | ECON. | 4-FOR | 5-FOR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Southee (NZ) | 122 | 162 | 5/18 | 8.04 | 2 | 2 |
| Rashid Khan (AFG) | 93 | 152 | 5/3 | 6.08 | 6 | 2 |
| Shakib Al Hasan (BAN) | 126 | 149 | 5/20 | 6.81 | 6 | 2 |
| Ish Sodhi (NZ) | 114 | 138 | 4/28 | 7.98 | 3 | – |
| Mustafizur Rahman (BAN) | 105 | 132 | 6/10 | 7.51 | 3 | 2 |
| Mark Adair (IRE) | 88 | 127 | 4/13 | 7.70 | 4 | – |
| Adil Rashid (ENG) | 114 | 126 | 4/2 | 7.34 | 3 | – |
| Wanindu Hasaranga (SL) | 74 | 125 | 4/9 | 6.93 | 3 | – |
| Shem Ngoche (KENYA) | 94 | 117 | 4/14 | 5.88 | 3 | – |
| Adam Zampa (AUS) | 94 | 117 | 5/19 | 7.16 | 2 | 1 |
Key Stats
Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga is the first bowler ever to claim 100 T20 international wickets, achieving the feat in his 76th game of the format. More than 50% of his wickets have come in death overs.
Rashid Khan, meanwhile, is the fastest bowler to reach the feat of 100 T20I wickets. The Afghani star took just 53 games to attain the milestone, which is incredible.
Yuzvendra Chahal is currently leading the Indian list for the same, whereas Shadab Khan is the top Pakistani bowler in the shortest format in terms of wicket-taking aspect.
New Zealand and Bangladesh are the only teams to have 2 entries in the elite list of bowlers with 100 T20I wickets.
Also Read: Most Wickets in 1st Over in T20I
