Taking wickets in T20 cricket is a special feat, as the format demands the ability to perform under immense pressure. Bowlers must outwit batsmen who are constantly looking to score quickly, making every wicket a crucial moment in the game.
Dwayne Bravo holds the record for the most wickets in T20 cricket, with an astounding 625 wickets in 573 matches. His exceptional career has seen him deliver match-winning performances for teams like the West Indies and Chennai Super Kings, making him a true legend in the shortest format of the game.
In T20 internationals alone, the record for the most wickets is held by Tim Southee, who has taken 164 wickets in 126 matches for New Zealand.
On that note, take a look at the top 15 bowlers with most wickets in T20 cricket including in international matches.
Top 15 Players with Most Wickets in T20 Cricket
Player | Span | Mat | Balls | Wkts | BBI | Avg | Econ | SR | 4 | 5 |
DJ Bravo | 2006-2024 | 573 | 11048 | 625 | 5/23 | 24.29 | 8.24 | 17.6 | 11 | 2 |
Rashid Khan | 2015-2024 | 432 | 9966 | 588 | 6/17 | 18.30 | 6.47 | 16.9 | 14 | 4 |
SP Narine | 2011-2024 | 513 | 11609 | 552 | 5/19 | 21.48 | 6.12 | 21.0 | 12 | 1 |
Imran Tahir | 2006-2024 | 405 | 8632 | 502 | 5/23 | 19.95 | 6.96 | 17.1 | 10 | 4 |
Shakib Al Hasan | 2006-2024 | 440 | 9273 | 491 | 6/6 | 21.31 | 6.77 | 18.8 | 11 | 5 |
AD Russell | 2010-2024 | 504 | 7926 | 460 | 5/15 | 24.88 | 8.66 | 17.2 | 9 | 1 |
Wahab Riaz | 2005-2023 | 348 | 7433 | 413 | 5/8 | 22.63 | 7.54 | 17.9 | 5 | 3 |
SL Malinga | 2004-2020 | 295 | 6508 | 390 | 6/7 | 19.68 | 7.07 | 16.6 | 10 | 5 |
Sohail Tanvir | 2005-2022 | 388 | 8208 | 389 | 6/14 | 26.36 | 7.49 | 21.1 | 7 | 2 |
CJ Jordan | 2008-2024 | 361 | 7193 | 377 | 4/6 | 27.30 | 8.58 | 19.0 | 7 | 0 |
YS Chahal | 2009-2024 | 311 | 6671 | 364 | 6/25 | 23.36 | 7.64 | 18.3 | 10 | 2 |
Mohammad Nabi | 2010-2024 | 417 | 7643 | 360 | 5/15 | 24.76 | 6.99 | 21.2 | 7 | 1 |
AU Rashid | 2008-2024 | 316 | 6472 | 354 | 4/2 | 22.68 | 7.44 | 18.2 | 10 | 0 |
SR Patel | 2003-2024 | 413 | 7589 | 352 | 4/5 | 26.05 | 7.25 | 21.5 | 3 | 0 |
Mohammad Amir | 2008-2024 | 305 | 6583 | 350 | 6/17 | 22.58 | 7.20 | 18.8 | 7 | 2 |
1. Dwayne Bravo – 625 Wickets
Dwayne Bravo top the list of most T20 wickets with an impressive tally of 625 wickets in 573 matches across his illustrious T20 career, at an average of 23.29, economy rate of 8.24 and strike rate of 17.6.
Representing West Indies, Chennai Super Kings, and Sydney Sixers among others, Bravo delivered several notable performances including 5/23.183 of his 625 wickets have come in the IPL, where he is the third highest wicket-taker of all time. Bravo retired from international cricket in 2021 and from the IPL in 2022. He finished his international career with 78 wickets in 77 T20 innings.
Read More: Top Bowlers with more than 600 Test Wickets
2. Rashid Khan – 588 Wickets
Rashid Khan has emerged as a standout performer with 588 wickets in T20 cricket. Known for his lethal spin bowling, he boasts an average of 18.30, an economy rate of 6.47, and a strike rate of 16.9.
Representing teams like Afghanistan, Gujarat Titans and Adelaide Strikers, Khan has delivered several match winning performances, including the career-best figures of 6/17. He is the leading wicket-taker for Afghanistan in T20Is, with 150 wickets in 91 matches.
3. Sunil Narine – 552 Wickets
Sunil Narine’s mastery in T20 cricket is evident with 552 wickets to his name. Renowned for his mystery spin and ability to stifle batsmen, Narine maintains an impressive average of 21.48 and an economy rate of 6.12.
He has played a crucial role in KKR lifting three IPL trophies, and is their highest wicket taker with 180 wickets.
4. Imran Tahir – 502 Wickets
Imran Tahir claimed 502 wickets in his T20 career of 405 matches, at an average of 19.95 and an economy rate of 6.96. Tahir was once a key bowler in the ranks of franchises such as Chennai Super Kings and Multan Sultans.
His celebratory sprints and knack for breakthroughs, including a notable 5/23, are the most memorable moments of his career.
Suggested Read: Top 10 Bowlers with most test wickets for India
5. Shakib Al Hasan – 491 Wickets
Shakib Al Hasan has amassed 491 wickets in 440 matches at an average of 21.31 and economy rate of 6.77. Representing Bangladesh and various other franchises across T20 tournaments, Shakib has bamboozled some of the best batsmen.
He is the highest wicket taker in the Bangladesh Premier League with 149 wickets in 113 matches. He is also the leading wicket-taker for Bangladesh in T20 internationals, with 149 wickets in 129 matches.
6. Andre Russell – 460 Wickets
Andre Russell’s impact in T20 cricket is immense, with 460 wickets to his credit at an average of 24.88 and an economy rate of 8.66.
Over the years, has won the Kolkata Knight Riders several matches and has played a big role in their three titles. Russell has taken 116 wickets for the franchise in 126 matches while also winning them several matches with the bat.
Suggested Read: Dominating the Crease: The Top 6 Bowlers with the Most IPL Wickets
7. Wahab Riaz – 413 Wickets
Wahab Riaz, the left-arm pace sensation, has claimed 413 wickets in T20 cricket at an average of 22.63 and an economy rate of 7.54.
Riaz’s best figures of 5/8 highlight his potency with the ball, contributing to his reputation as a wicket-taking bowler. His presence in leagues from BPL to Vitality Blast makes him a valuable asset in the fast-paced format.
8. Lasith Malinga – 390 Wickets
Lasith Malinga, renowned for his lethal yorkers, took 390 wickets in T20 cricket at an average of 19.68 and an economy rate of 7.07. Malinga’s ability to deliver under pressure remains unmatched.
Representing Mumbai Indians and Sri Lanka, his career-best figures of 6/7 exemplify his dominance. He is the all-time highest wicket-taker for the Mumbai Indians with 170 wickets in 122 matches.
Further Read: Highest Wicket Takers in All Formats of Cricket
9. Sohail Tanvir – 389 Wickets
Sohail Tanvir took 389 wickets with his crafty left-arm pace bowling in T20 cricket, at an average of 26.36 and an economy rate of 7.49. He played 2 Tests, 62 ODIs and 57 T20Is for Pakistan, taking 5, 71 and 54 wickets respectively before announcing retirement in 2023.
10. Chris Jordan – 377 Wickets
Chris Jordan, known for his athleticism and death bowling, has clinched 377 wickets in T20 cricket. With an average of 27.30 and an economy rate of 8.58, Jordan’s ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs is evident for various teams.
11. Mohammad Nabi
Mohammad Nabi, hailed as one of Afghanistan’s finest all-rounders, has played a pivotal role in the team’s journey. His remarkable performances have been instrumental since Afghanistan’s early days in the ICC’s World Cricket League Division Five.
His consistent contributions have solidified his position as a central figure in Afghan cricket’s inspiring rise. He is one of the best T20 all-rounders in the world and currently is 11th on the list of the leading wicket-takers in the world with 360 matches in 417 matches.
Suggested Read: Top 10 Bowlers with Fastest 100 ODI Wickets
12. Yuzvendra Chahal
Yuzvendra Chahal is India’s best T20 bowler has he has the most wickets by an Indian bowler. The leg-spinner became the first Indian bowler to achieve 350 wickets in T20 cricket.
He also has 201 wickets in the IPL and is the leading wicket-taker in the league. As far as international cricket is concerned, he has picked up 96 wickets and in total, he has 360 wickets in this format.
13. Adil Rashid
Adil Rashid has become an instrumental figure in England’s memorable World Cup-winning campaign and their white-ball cricket.
He is crucial to the side in both T20 and ODI cricket and is also one of the leading wicket-takers in the shortest format across the format. As things stand right now, Rashid has picked up 354 wickets in the shortest format.
Suggested Read: Top 10 Fastest Balls in IPL History
14. Samit Patel
Samit Patel, known for his powerful batting in the middle order and his skill as a reliable slow left-arm bowler, has stood out as one of the most captivating county cricketers of his era.
Despite numerous chances to establish himself on the international stage, he never secured a consistent spot in the England team. However, he has also been a regular across different T20 franchises across the world and has made a mark with 352 wickets.
15. Mohammad Amir
One of the most controversial players from Pakistan in the recent times, Amir was earmarked for success very early in his career.
He was banned for 5 years owing to his involvement in spot-fixing and after this break, he focused a lot on the shortest format across different countries in different T20 leagues. As a result, he is one of the most successful players in this format and has picked up 350 wickets in 305 matches.
Conclusion
The bowlers mentioned above have demonstrated that T20 cricket is not solely dominated by batsmen; they have shown that bowlers can be game-changers in cricket’s shortest format.
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FAQs about Most T20 Wickets
Q) Who has taken the most wickets in T20 international cricket?
A) Tim Southee of New Zealand holds the record for the most wickets in T20 international cricket, with a total of 164 wickets in 124 matches.
Q) Who has taken the most wickets in T20 cricket?
A) Dwayne Bravo has taken the most wickets in T20 cricket, with an impressive 625 wickets in 573 matches. Several of these wickets came for the Chennai Super Kings.
Q) Which Indian bowler has taken the most wickets in T20 cricket?
A) Yuzvendra Chahal holds the record for the most wickets by an Indian bowler in T20 cricket, with a total of 96 wickets in 80 matches.