The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will begin on February 07, 2026, marking the 9th edition since its launch in 2007. Shakib Al Hasan is the highest wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history with 50 wickets, followed by Shahid Afridi and Lasith Malinga.
Surprisingly, there is no bowler from India or England featured in the top 10, while Australia has only one representative in Adam Zampa. Interestingly, Sri Lanka led with three bowlers, while Pakistan contributed two. Keep reading this blog to know the top 10 highest wicket takers in the T20 World Cup history.
Top 10 Highest Wicket Takers In The T20 World Cup
Let’s have a look at the players with the most wickets in the T20 World Cup history.
| Player | Span | Matches | Overs | Wickets | BBI | Average | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shakib Al Hasan (BAN) | 2007-2024 | 43 | 146.3 | 50 | 4/9 | 20.12 | 6.86 |
| Shahid Afridi (PAK) | 2007-2016 | 34 | 135 | 39 | 4/11 | 23.25 | 6.71 |
| Lasith Malinga (SL) | 2007-2014 | 31 | 102.4 | 38 | 5/31 | 20.07 | 7.43 |
| Wanindu Hasaranga (SL) | 2021-2026 | 19 | 72.2 | 37 | 3/8 | 11.72 | 6 |
| Rashid Khan (AFG) | 2016-2026 | 23 | 87.2 | 37 | 4/9 | 14.89 | 6.3 |
| Adam Zampa (AUS) | 2016-2026 | 21 | 78 | 36 | 5/19 | 13.69 | 6.32 |
| Saeed Ajmal (PAK) | 2009-2014 | 23 | 89.2 | 36 | 4/19 | 16.86 | 6.79 |
| Tin Southee (NZ) | 2010-2024 | 25 | 92.1 | 36 | 3/4 | 17.91 | 6.99 |
| Anrich Nortje (SA) | 2021-2026 | 19 | 71.5 | 35 | 4/7 | 11.4 | 5.55 |
| Ajantha Mendis (SL) | 2009-2014 | 21 | 78.3 | 35 | 6/8 | 15.02 | 6.7 |
1. Shakib Al Hasan: 50 Wickets
Shakib Al Hasan is the leading wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup history. Between 2007 and 2024, he played 43 matches, bowling 146.3 overs and picking up 50 wickets.
His best bowling figure stands at 4 for 9, while maintaining an impressive economy rate of 6.86. Notably, Shakib Al Hasan is the only player, after Rohit Sharma, to feature in every T20 World Cup edition.
2. Shahid Afridi: 39 Wickets
Shahid Afridi played a key role for Pakistan in the T20 World Cups between 2007 and 2016. During this period, he played 34 matches and took 39 wickets.
His best bowling performance in the tournament was 4 for 11. Afridi maintained a bowling average of 23.25 with an economy rate of 6.71, which is strong for a fast-scoring T20 format.
3. Lasith Malinga: 38 Wickets
The pacer from Sri Lanka, Lasith Malinga, was a major threat in the T20 World Cups between 2007 and 2014. He played 31 matches and claimed 38 wickets. His best performance came with figures of 5 for 31.
Malinga maintained a strong bowling average of 20.07 and an economy rate of 7.43. His ability to strike regularly and deliver decisive overs made him a crucial weapon for Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup contests.
4. Wanindu Hasaranga: 37 Wickets
Wanindu Hasaranga made a strong impact in the T20 World Cups between 2021 and 2024. He played 19 matches and took 37 wickets, demonstrating his ability to take wickets under pressure.
Hasaranga’s bowling average is 11.72, and his economy rate is 6.00, making him one of the most successful spinners in the tournament during this period as he achieved these numbers across only three T20 World Cup editions.
5. Rashid Khan: 37 Wickets
The mystery spinner Rashid Khan took 37 wickets in 23 matches in the T20 World Cups. His best bowling figures stand at 4 for 9, with a bowling average of 14.89 and an economy rate of 6.3.
These performances spanned 2016 to 2024, highlighting his role as a key bowling option for Afghanistan in the tournament. Let us tell you, he is the leading wicket-taker in the T20IS, with 187 wickets in 111 matches.
6. Adam Zampa: 36 Wickets
Adam Zampa recorded 36 wickets across the 2016–2024 T20 World Cup span, with a best return of 5 for 19. He delivered 78 overs, finished with a bowling average of 13.69, and kept an economy rate of 6.32.
With sharp googlies and flippers, Zampa’s control proved vital for Pakistan’s campaigns, as he kept runs tight and took wickets at key phases.
7. Saeed Ajmal: 36 Wickets
Saeed Ajmal claimed 36 wickets in the T20 World Cups during the 2009–2014 period, with best bowling figures of 4 for 19. He bowled 89.2 overs, recorded a bowling average of 16.86, and kept an economy rate of 6.79.
During this golden five-year phase, Ajmal emerged as Pakistan’s go-to mystery bowler, peaking in high-pressure tournaments where his guile outfoxed global stars.
8. Tim Southee: 36 wickets
Tim Southee picked up 36 wickets in T20 World Cups during the 2010–2024 span, with best bowling figures of 3 for 4. He delivered 92.1 overs, finished with a bowling average of 17.91, and an economy rate of 6.99.
Representing New Zealand, Southee played a key role with the new ball and at the death across multiple tournaments. Beyond World Cups, he also stands as the second-highest wicket-taker in overall T20 internationals.
9. Anrich Nortje: 35 Wickets
Anrich Nortje took 35 wickets in T20 World Cups during the 2021–2024 period, with best bowling figures of 4 for 7. He bowled 71.5 overs, recorded a bowling average of 11.4, and stood out with an outstanding economy rate of 5.55.
Known for raw pace, Nortje regularly clocked 150 kph and above, using speed and bounce to restrict scoring while breaking partnerships for South Africa in key matches.
10. Ajantha Mendis: 35 Wickets
Ajantha Mendis took 35 wickets in T20 World Cups during the 2009–2014 span, with a standout best of 6 for 8, one of the best bowling figures in tournament history.
He bowled 78.3 overs, finished with a bowling average of 15.02, and kept an economy rate of 6.7. With his carrom balls and variations, Mendis played a key role in Sri Lanka’s campaigns during this period.
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Conclusion: Shakib Al Hasan Is The Leading Wicket Taker In The T20 World Cup
Shakib Al Hasan leads the T20 World Cup wicket charts with 50 wickets, followed by Shahid Afridi (39) and Lasith Malinga (38). The top 10 list includes 3 bowlers from Sri Lanka, 2 from Pakistan, and only 1 from Australia, while India and England have no representatives in this elite group.
With the T20 World Cup 2026 approaching, it will be interesting to see whether any new bowlers can challenge these records.
