The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has witnessed some exceptional bowling performances over the years, with several bowlers cementing their legacies as the most prolific wicket-takers in the tournament’s history.
From wily spinners to lethal fast bowlers, these players have consistently delivered match-winning spells, making them indispensable assets for their respective teams. Let’s take a closer look at the top 5 highest wicket takers in Mens T20 World Cup history.
1. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) – 36 wickets
Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan tops the list of highest wicket-takers in the Men’s T20 World Cup with an impressive tally of 36 wickets. Shakib’s ability to extract turn and bounce from the pitch, coupled with his variations, has made him a nightmare for opposing batters.
His best bowling figures in the tournament stand at 4/9, showcasing his ability to deliver match-winning performances. Shakib’s consistent contributions with the ball have been a crucial factor in Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup campaigns, and his record is unlikely to be surpassed anytime soon.
2. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – 34 wickets
Legendary Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi is second on the list with 34 wickets. Afridi’s explosive batting often overshadowed his exceptional bowling skills, but his impact as a wicket-taking bowler in the T20 World Cup cannot be overstated.
With his ability to generate sharp turn and bounce, Afridi bamboozled batters throughout his career, and his best bowling figures of 4/11 in the tournament are a testament to his prowess. Afridi’s experience and guile made him a valuable asset for Pakistan, and his contributions have cemented his place among the all-time greats of the game.
3. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) – 31 wickets
Sri Lankan pace legend Lasith Malinga is third on the list with 31 wickets. Malinga’s unorthodox sling-arm action and his ability to deliver devastating yorkers made him one of the most feared bowlers in the T20 format.
His best bowling figures in the T20 World Cup stand at 5/31, showcasing his ability to single-handedly dismantle opposing batting lineups. Malinga’s impact on the game was not limited to his wicket-taking abilities; his ability to bowl tight spells and control the run rate also made him a valuable asset for Sri Lanka.
4. Saeed Ajmal (Pakistan) – 23 wickets
Pakistani off-spinner Saeed Ajmal is fourth on the list with 23 wickets. Ajmal’s mastery of the doosra, a delivery that turned away from the right-handed batters, made him a formidable opponent in the T20 format.
His best bowling figures in the T20 World Cup stand at 4/19, demonstrating his ability to outfox batters with his variations. Ajmal’s consistent performances with the ball were a crucial factor in Pakistan’s success in the tournament, and his legacy as one of the most skilled spinners in the game is firmly established.
5. Ajantha Mendis (Sri Lanka) – 21 wickets
Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis rounds out the top 5 highest wicket-takers in the Men’s T20 World Cup with 21 wickets. Mendis’ unique bowling action and his ability to generate sharp turn and bounce made him a nightmare for batters.
His best bowling figures in the tournament stand at a remarkable 6/8, which remains the best individual bowling performance in a T20 World Cup match. Mendis’ impact on the game was not limited to his wicket-taking abilities; his ability to control the run rate and create pressure on the opposition also made him a valuable asset for Sri Lanka.
These five bowlers have left an indelible mark on the Men’s T20 World Cup, showcasing their exceptional skills and delivering match-winning performances for their respective teams. Their contributions have not only helped their teams achieve success in the tournament but have also inspired a new generation of cricketers to strive for greatness in the shortest format of the game.
As the T20 World Cup continues to captivate audiences around the world, it will be interesting to see if any of the current or future players can surpass the records set by these legendary bowlers. The competition for the title of the highest wicket-taker in the tournament is sure to be fierce, and fans can look forward to more thrilling cricketing action in the years to come.