T20 cricket is fast, thrilling, and full of surprises. In this format, batsmen often take the spotlight with big shots and quick runs. But bowlers are the real game-changers. A single good over can shift the momentum, and a well-timed wicket can silence a roaring crowd. In T20 Internationals (T20Is), bowlers who consistently take wickets become heroes for their teams. They use skills like swing, spin, variations, and clever thinking to outsmart batters.
Here are the top 10 bowlers with the most wickets in T20I cricket. These players have proven their talent over the years, becoming the highest wicket taker in T20 history.
1. Tim Southee (New Zealand) – 164 wickets in 126 matches
Tim Southee holds the record for the most T20I wickets in cricket. The New Zealand pace bowler has a great mix of swing and accuracy. He often takes early wickets in the powerplay and also finishes the innings well. His experience and consistency make him the highest wicket taker in T20.
2. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) – 161 wickets in 96 matches
Rashid Khan is a superstar in T20 cricket. He is quick, tricky, and almost unplayable on his day. With 161 wickets, he has the most wickets in T20 international for Afghanistan. His googlies and fast leg-breaks confuse even the best batsmen.
3. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) – 149 wickets in 129 matches
Shakib Al Hasan is not just a top all-rounder but also one of the best T20I bowlers. He uses his left-arm spin smartly and takes important wickets. With 149 wickets, he stands tall among the bowlers with the most wickets in T20 cricket.
4. Ish Sodhi (New Zealand) – 138 wickets in 124 matches
Ish Sodhi has been a key spinner for New Zealand in T20s. His leg-spin and sharp turn often trouble batters. With 138 wickets, he is among the players with the most T20 wickets in the world.
5. Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) – 131 wickets in 79 matches
Wanindu Hasaranga has made a huge impact in a short time. He bowls fast leg-spin and takes wickets regularly. With only 79 matches, he already has 131 wickets, making him one of the fastest to join the most T20I wickets list.
6. Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh) – 131 wickets in 106 matches
Known for his deadly cutters, Mustafizur is a match-winner for Bangladesh. He shines in the death overs and takes key wickets. His 131 wickets place him among the most wickets in T20 cricket history.
7. Adil Rashid (England) – 126 wickets in 125 matches
Adil Rashid has been England’s go-to spinner in T20Is. He bowls leg-spin with flight and control. With 126 wickets, he remains one of the top names on the most T20I wickets list.
8. Mitchell Santner (New Zealand) – 118 wickets in 108 matches
Santner is a clever left-arm spinner who bowls tight lines. He keeps things simple but effective. His 118 wickets make him a regular name when we talk about the most wickets in T20 international cricket.
9. Adam Zampa (Australia) – 117 wickets in 95 matches
Zampa has been a top performer for Australia. His leg-spin and quick pace help him take wickets in the middle overs. With 117 wickets, he is firmly placed among bowlers with the most T20 wickets.
10. Mark Adair (Ireland) – 112 wickets in 78 matches
Mark Adair might not be from a big cricketing nation, but his stats are big. With 112 wickets in just 78 games, he has one of the best strike rates. He’s definitely one of the rising stars with the most wickets in T20 cricket.
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FAQs
Ans. Tim Southee from New Zealand has the most T20I wickets with 164.
Ans. Rashid Khan is the highest wicket taker in T20 from Afghanistan with 161 wickets.
Ans. Shakib Al Hasan holds the record with 149 wickets in T20Is.
Ans. Yes, with 131 wickets in just 79 matches, he is among the best T20 bowlers today.
Ans. Adil Rashid is England’s leading T20I wicket-taker with 126 wickets.