T20 cricket has become one of the most popular formats of the game, designed to provide fans with fast-paced entertainment in today’s dynamic world.
While batsmen often steal the spotlight with their explosive hitting and high-scoring performances, the role of bowlers in shaping the outcome of matches is often underrated. Skilled bowlers with a variety of tricks up their sleeves have played a crucial role in the evolution of T20 cricket.
Over the years, several bowlers have mastered the art of deceiving batsmen with their clever variations. In this article, we take a look at the top five bowlers with the most wickets in T20 cricket.
5. Shakib Al Hasan – 492 wickets
The Bangladesh spinner has been a crucial asset for both his national team and various franchise leagues. His best T20 bowling figures of 6/6 came in 2013 while playing for Barbados Tridents against Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel.
4. Imran Tahir – 531 wickets
Veteran South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir has scalped 531 wickets in 428 T20 games. Even at 45, he continues to feature in franchise leagues across the world.
With an impressive average of 20 and an economy rate of 7, Tahir remains one of the most successful spinners in T20 history. His last T20I appearance was in 2019 against Sri Lanka in Cape Town.
3. Sunil Narine – 574 wickets
A dominant force in T20 cricket for over 14 years, Sunil Narine has taken 574 wickets in 536 matches at an average of 21.6 and an economy rate of 6.12 since his debut in 2011.
Narine played a key role in West Indies’ 2012 T20 World Cup triumph and Kolkata Knight Riders’ three IPL title victories. In recent years, he has also evolved into a dangerous opening batter in the T20 format.
2. Dwayne Bravo – 631 wickets
One of the most charismatic cricketers in T20 history, Dwayne Bravo played a significant role in popularizing the format globally. The all-rounder picked up 631 wickets in 582 matches, maintaining an average of 24.4 and an economy rate of 8.26.
His best T20 bowling performance of 5/23 came against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the 2018 Caribbean Premier League. A multiple-time T20 World Cup and IPL champion, Bravo remains a legendary figure in the game.
1. Rashid Khan – 633 wickets
Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan holds the record for the most wickets in T20 cricket, with 633 scalps in 461 matches at an outstanding average of 18 and an economy rate of 6.5.
His best T20 bowling figures of 6/17 came against Brisbane Heat in 2022 at the Adelaide Oval. Rashid has also claimed four five-wicket hauls in the format. Additionally, his batting has improved significantly, making him a dependable finisher in the lower order.