Bowling in cricket is often considered one of the game’s most demanding roles. While every player faces unique challenges, bowlers endure greater physical strain compared to batsmen. Another major challenge for bowlers is maintaining consistency across formats. Although the basics of line and length remain crucial, limited-overs formats like ODIs and T20Is require bowlers to master a broader range of variations compared to the traditional Test format.
To manage workloads and minimize the risk of burnout, many countries adopt a rotation policy for their leading bowlers across formats. Despite these challenges, a handful of bowlers have showcased their remarkable wicket-taking abilities in all three formats of the game. In the history of international cricket, 201 bowlers have taken 100 or more wickets in Tests, 170 have reached the milestone in ODIs, and just 20 have done so in T20Is. Impressively, only four bowlers have achieved the rare feat of claiming 100 or more wickets in each of the three formats.
Four bowlers to take 100+ wickets in all three formats of international cricket:
1. Lasith Malinga – Sri Lanka
Widely celebrated as one of the greatest T20I bowlers in history, Lasith Malinga left an indelible mark on cricket with 546 wickets across all formats during his stellar international career. His impressive tally includes 101 wickets in Tests, 338 in ODIs, and 107 in T20Is.
Malinga’s impact transcended international cricket as he became a sought-after star in franchise leagues around the globe. The Sri Lankan icon retired in 2020, cementing his legacy with 13 five-wicket hauls at the international level and a reputation as a true game-changer in limited-overs cricket.
2. Shakib Al Hasan – Bangladesh
Recognized as one of the finest all-rounders of his generation, Shakib Al Hasan has claimed an impressive 712 wickets in international cricket. His breakdown includes 246 Test wickets, 317 in ODIs, and 149 in T20Is.
Shakib’s standout moment came during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he showcased his all-round brilliance by scoring 606 runs and taking 11 wickets in the tournament. The Bangladeshi star has also achieved 25 five-wicket hauls in international cricket.
3. Tim Southee – New Zealand
Tim Southee has been a cornerstone of New Zealand’s bowling attack, featuring in over 100 matches across all formats. His bowling tally includes 389 Test wickets, 221 in ODIs, and 164 in T20Is.
Southee has played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s success, forming a formidable fast-bowling partnership with Trent Boult. His contributions were instrumental in the Black Caps’ triumph in the 2019-21 World Test Championship final against India, where he took five wickets. His career averages stand at 30 in Tests, 33 in ODIs, and an impressive 22 in T20Is.
4. Shaheen Afridi – Pakistan
The youngest bowler on this elite list, Shaheen Afridi, has quickly become one of Pakistan’s most impactful players. With 328 international wickets to his name, his haul includes 116 Test wickets, 112 in ODIs, and 100 in T20Is.
Shaheen’s defining moment came during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 when his three-wicket spell against India led Pakistan to their first-ever victory over their arch-rivals in Cricket World Cup history. Known for his lethal new-ball spells, Shaheen continues to shine as one of the finest bowlers of his generation.