ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Top 10 Highest Wicket-Takers in The History

Cricket and drama go hand in hand, but if there’s one thing that truly flips a T20 match on its head, it’s a wicket. A roaring appeal, the finger going up, the stumps cartwheeling; that’s the theatre fans live for. Over the years, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has given us spellbinding moments delivered by bowlers who thrive under pressure and love the big stage.

For fans who stream every over, debate every bowling change, and replay every hat-trick, we at Vi thought it would be brilliant to look back at the legends who have dominated the wickets column. Here is our rundown of the top 10 highest wicket-takers in ICC T20 World Cup history. So, let’s get started!

1. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh); 50 wickets

   When we think of consistency across eras, Shakib Al Hasan stands tall. Featuring in tournaments from 2007 right through to 2024, he has been Bangladesh’s go-to man with the ball. His left-arm spin, clever changes of pace, and fearless attitude against top batters helped him become the first player to hit the 50-wicket milestone in the competition. What we love most is how he delivers breakthroughs just when his side needs it.

2. Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka); 40 wickets

   Hasaranga’s rise has been electric. In a relatively short span, he has already surged past many greats. With a phenomenal average and strike rate, he has often run through the middle orders before batters can settle. Watching him bowl feels like witnessing controlled chaos, and we’re always glued to our screens when he’s in action.

3. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan); 39 wickets

   Afridi brought drama with bat and ball, but in the T20 World Cup history, his leg-spin was pure gold. Quick through the air, attacking, and never shy of tossing it up, he picked wickets in heaps across multiple editions. He was the kind of bowler who could change the mood of a match in a single over.

4. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan); 38 wickets

   Rashid Khan made the cricketing world sit up and take notice with his speed through the air and unshakeable confidence. Even the best hitters have struggled to line him up. Every time he charges in, we expect something to happen, and more often than not, it does.

5. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka); 38 wickets

   Round-arm, toe-crushing yorkers, and nerves of steel. Malinga defined death bowling for a generation. His ability to strike with both the new ball and at the finish made him a captain’s dream. Some of the tournament’s most unforgettable dismissals came from that slingy action.

6. Adam Zampa (Australia); 36 wickets

   Zampa has been Australia’s silent assassin. He may not always be the loudest presence, but his control and knack for picking key wickets have made him indispensable. Whenever Australia needs a partnership broken, he tends to be the man they turn to.

7. Saeed Ajmal (Pakistan); 36 wickets

   Ajmal’s variations and mystery kept batters guessing constantly. During his peak years, he was incredibly hard to get away from, building pressure that often resulted in mistakes. Fans still remember how many games tilted Pakistan’s way because of his craft.

8. Tim Southee (New Zealand); 36 wickets

   Southee’s role has evolved over the years, but his impact remains. Swing, accuracy, and smart use of conditions have helped him remain among the leading wicket-takers. He’s proof that adaptability is everything in T20 cricket.

9. Anrich Nortje (South Africa); 35 wickets

   Raw pace is thrilling, and Nortje brings plenty of it. He hurries batters, forces errors, and produces some absolute rockets. His numbers are outstanding, especially considering how competitive recent tournaments have been. We can almost feel the speed through the screen.

10. Ajantha Mendis (Sri Lanka); 35 wickets

    At his best, Mendis was a puzzle few could solve. With carrom balls and deceptive variations, he burst onto the scene and rattled line-ups with remarkable regularity. For a while, he felt nearly unplayable, and that made for gripping viewing.

Why These Moments Matter

Part of the joy of the T20 World Cup is revisiting these match-turning moments. A wicket isn’t just a statistic; it’s a roar from the crowd, a dugout celebration, a turning point in a nation’s hopes. And when tournaments reach the business end, every breakthrough becomes even more priceless. That’s why we make sure you never miss a ball.

Stream The Big Moments with Us at Vi

When the final comes around, we know exactly where you’ll be, screens ready, snacks sorted, hearts racing. With our mobile plans that include access to JioHotstar along with the Vi Movies and TV App, we make it incredibly simple to catch the action live, wherever you are. Whether you are commuting, at work, or watching with friends, the match travels with you. Smooth streaming, reliable connectivity, and the freedom to tune in from anywhere means you stay right in the middle of the excitement. No scrambling for links. No last- minute panic. Just cricket, the way it should be.

Conclusion

From Shakib’s longevity to Hasaranga’s rapid climb, from Afridi’s swagger to Malinga’s deadly yorkers, these bowlers have shaped the story of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Their wickets are etched into highlight reels and into memories for fans. As new tournaments unfold, records may tumble, and new heroes will emerge, but the magic of a perfectly delivered ball crashing into the stumps will never get old. And wherever those moments happen, we at Vi will help you watch them live, streaming every breakthrough, every celebration, and every slice of history with you. Ready for the next wicket? We certainly are.