Most Wickets in Men’s T20 World Cup History

While batters often grab the headlines with towering sixes and rapid centuries, true cricket fans know that bowlers win tournaments. The Men’s T20 World Cup has witnessed some of the finest bowling spells in history, from Ajantha Mendis’s mystery spin to Shaheen Afridi’s lethal yorkers.

As we look toward the 2026 edition in India and Sri Lanka, the race for the top spot is tighter than ever. Currently, Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan sits at the summit, but modern greats like Rashid Khan and Wanindu Hasaranga are closing in fast.

This comprehensive guide details the leading wicket-takers in Men’s T20 World Cup history, including single-edition records, best bowling figures, and expert analysis of the trends defining the modern game.

All-Time Leading Wicket-Takers (Top 10 List)

Updated as of February 2025

The table below showcases the legendary bowlers who have mastered the art of wicket-taking on the biggest stage.

Rank	Player	Team	Matches	Wickets	Best Figures	Economy	Average
1	Shakib Al Hasan	Bangladesh	43	50	4/9	6.86	19.53
2	Shahid Afridi	Pakistan	34	39	4/11	6.71	23.75
3	Lasith Malinga	Sri Lanka	31	38	5/31	7.43	20.07
4	Wanindu Hasaranga	Sri Lanka	19	37	3/8	5.81	11.00
5	Rashid Khan	Afghanistan	23	37	4/9	6.30	14.35
6	Adam Zampa	Australia	21	36	5/19	6.32	13.36
7	Tim Southee	New Zealand	25	36	3/4	6.99	18.25
8	Saeed Ajmal	Pakistan	23	36	4/19	6.79	16.86
9	Trent Boult	New Zealand	21	34	4/13	6.45	15.55
10	Umar Gul	Pakistan	24	35	5/6	7.30	17.25

Note: While stalwarts like Shahid Afridi and Lasith Malinga have retired, current stars like Rashid Khan and Wanindu Hasaranga are within striking distance of the #1 spot, making the upcoming Cricket Tournaments in 2026 crucial for record-watchers.

The King of T20 World Cup Bowling: Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib Al Hasan’s longevity and consistency are unmatched. Having played in every edition from the inaugural 2007 tournament to 2024, the Bangladeshi all-rounder became the first bowler to breach the 50-wicket mark in T20 World Cup history.

Consistency: He has been a permanent fixture in Bangladesh's attack for nearly two decades.
Versatility: His ability to bowl in the powerplay and the middle overs makes him a captain's dream.
The Record: He officially overtook Shahid Afridi during the 2021 edition and extended his lead in 2022 and 2024.

Most Wickets in a Single Tournament Edition

While longevity builds the all-time list, a single explosive tournament can immortalize a bowler. The 2024 Men's T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies saw two bowlers shatter the previous record.

The Record Holders (17 Wickets)

Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan) – 2024:
The left-arm pacer was a revelation, using deadly swing to dismantle top orders. His 5/9 against Uganda set the tone for Afghanistan's historic run to the semi-finals.
Arshdeep Singh (India) – 2024:
Playing a pivotal role in India's title victory, Arshdeep equaled Farooqi's tally. His ability to swing the new ball and execute yorkers at the death was vital for the champions.

Previous Record Holders:

Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka): 16 wickets (2021)
Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka): 15 wickets (2022)
Ajantha Mendis (Sri Lanka): 15 wickets (2012)

Interested in how pitch conditions affect these numbers? Check out our guide to iconic Cricket Stadiums around the world.

Best Bowling Figures in T20 World Cup History

Sometimes, it’s not about how many wickets you take in a career, but how much damage you do in four overs.

Player	Figures	Opponent	Year	Venue
Ajantha Mendis	6/8	Zimbabwe	2012	Hambantota
Ranghana Herath	5/3	New Zealand	2014	Chattogram
Umar Gul	5/6	New Zealand	2009	The Oval
Sam Curran	5/10	Afghanistan	2022	Perth
Fazalhaq Farooqi	5/9	Uganda	2024	Guyana

Ajantha Mendis remains the only bowler to take a 6-wicket haul in the competition's history, a testament to the "mystery spin" era that baffled batters worldwide.

Expert Insight: Spin vs. Pace Dominance

Analyzing the data reveals a fascinating trend in T20 World Cups.

1. The Rise of Leg-Spin

Look at the top 10 list: Wanindu Hasaranga, Rashid Khan, Adam Zampa, and Shahid Afridi are all wrist-spinners. In T20 cricket, the ability to turn the ball both ways and induce false shots is invaluable. Wrist spinners currently have the best strike rates in the middle overs (overs 7-15).

2. The Left-Arm Pacer Advantage

History favors the lefties. From Arshdeep Singh and Fazalhaq Farooqi breaking records in 2024 to Trent Boult and Mitchell Starc consistently featuring in the charts, the angle created by left-arm seamers continues to trouble right-handed batters, especially with the swinging new ball.

3. The "Mystery" Factor

Bowlers like Ajantha Mendis and Sunil Narine dominated early editions because batters hadn't analyzed them yet. In 2025, with advanced video analysis, "mystery" is harder to maintain, placing a higher premium on accuracy and variations—skills mastered by leaders like Shakib and Bumrah.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who has the most wickets in Men's T20 World Cup history?

A: Shakib Al Hasan of Bangladesh holds the record with 50 wickets across nine tournament editions (2007–2024).

Q: Who took the most wickets in the 2024 T20 World Cup?

A: The record is shared by Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan) and Arshdeep Singh (India), who both took 17 wickets.

Q: Which bowler has the best figures in a T20 World Cup match?

A: Sri Lanka's Ajantha Mendis holds the record with incredible figures of 6/8 against Zimbabwe in 2012.

Q: Has Jasprit Bumrah ever been the top wicket-taker?

A: While Jasprit Bumrah was the Player of the Tournament in 2024 for his incredible economy and impact, he finished with 15 wickets, just two shy of the top spot held by Arshdeep and Farooqi.

Q: Which spinner has the most wickets in T20 World Cups?

A: Shakib Al Hasan (Left-arm orthodox) leads all spinners. Among wrist-spinners (leg-spinners), Shahid Afridi leads with 39, though Wanindu Hasaranga is rapidly approaching this milestone.