As the T20 World Cup 2024 is about to begin, it has been 17 years since the first one. The first-ever edition of the tournament was played in 2007 and the excitement and love for this tournament have only grown over time. Cricket fans all across the globe have been fond of this short format as it brings a lot of entertainment with it.
The bowlers are the true stars of this shortest format of the game. The batters are always known to play for quick runs and take risks.
In this compilation, we shall provide a list of the highest wicket-taking bowlers in T20 matches throughout these years. Let’s take a look.
Most Wickets in T20 World Cup History
| S.No | Name | Country | Wickets |
| 1 | Shakib Al Hasan | Bangladesh | 49 |
| 2 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 39 |
| 3 | Lasith Malinga | Sri Lanka | 38 |
| 4 | Saeed Ajmal | Pakistan | 36 |
| 5 | Kusal Mendis | Sri Lanka | 35 |
1. Shakib Al Hasan: Bangladesh – 49
Out of all the fabulous players that have played in the BAN team, Shakib Al Hasan is on top of the map with 49 wickets in 36 matches at an average of 18. 63 and an economy of 6. 78 in the T20 World Cup. Shakib has been a very strong and valuable all-rounder for Bangladesh.
Bangladesh team management has also faith in him; they have provided him with the charge of the team. He is likely to retire after the T20 World Cup 2024, paving the way for youngsters to prove their mettle going forward.
2) Shahid Afridi: Pakistan – 39
Shahid Afridi is not just a bowler, but a marvellous all-rounder. He was so fierce with his overall cricketing approach on the field that he was given the nickname of ‘Boom Boom Afridi’.
In the later part of his career, Afridi prioritized his role to that of a bowler primarily and was quite successful in it. He has taken 39 wickets in 34 matches. His role in the Pakistan team has always been crucial, which will be cherished by the Pakistani fans forever.
Related Read: Top 10 Highest Scores in T20 World Cup History
3) Lasith Malinga: Sri Lanka – 38
Lasith Malinga re-defined death bowling in all formats of the game, including the T20 version. His bowling style and hand movements were unique, baffling many talented batters. He certainly took Sri Lanka to clinch their first T20 World Cup 2014.
It would be safe to say that even the great batters were afraid of his yorkers. Malinga took 38 wickets in 31 matches played during the tournament with an economy of 7.43.
4) Saeed Ajmal: Pakistan – 36
Pakistani bowler, Ajmal had the most abrupt exit from the game. 10 years ago, ICC banned him from the game because of illegal bowling action. He was in the T20 cricket team for five years and represented the Pakistani team for a total of six years.
In the T20 World Cup matches he appeared in, Ajmal’s wicket pile towered high with 36 wickets in 23 matches at a bowling average of 16. 86 and an economy of 6. 79.
5) Kusal Mendis: Sri Lanka – 35
Mendis was a fine mystery spinner for the team and was a reliable bowler, especially during the crucial moments in the game. His injured back pushed him out of the team in 2015, making a comeback to the national virtually impossible ever since.
He retired 4 years later. He took 35 wickets in 21 T20 World Cup matches with an average of 17. 25 and an economy of 6. 70.
Also Read: Dead Ball in Cricket: Rules and Their Types
Conclusion
These bowlers have left their mark in the T20 World Cup tournament ever since. Other honourable mentions include Mitchell Starc, Ravindra Jadeja, and Dwayne Bravo.
These bowlers prove their speciality because of their unique ability to take wickets at crucial times and turn the fate of the match just within a few minutes.
We are excited for this year’s T20 World Cup, to witness new records and extraordinary histories to be made.
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