Most Wickets In T20I Cricket: The T20 format demands different variations by bowlers to adapt for turning the game in their favor. The batters are usually in aggressive mode, which leaves bowlers with a small margin of error.
This approach not just threatens the economy of a bowler but also allows them to take wickets as the batter will always look out for big hits, which can create chances of wicket even on a normal delivery pitched on the right line and length.
List of most wickets in T20I cricket
1. Rashid Khan– 651 Wickets in 482 T20 matches
- Key teams: Adelaide Strikers, Afghanistan, Band-e-Amir Dragons, Barbados Tridents, Comilla Victorians, Durban Heat, Gujarat Titans, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Kabul Zwanan, Lahore Qalandars, MI Cape Town, MI New York, Speen Ghar Tigers, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Sussex, Trent Rockets.
The Afghan spinner has made a huge impact in T20 cricket by playing in various T20 leagues and for his nation. His leg-spin bowling with pinpoint accuracy and speed, with a great, deceiving googly from the same action, leaves batsmen stunned. It is hard to pick by his hands what kind of delivery is about to come, and his quick arm action makes it even more difficult to do so.
Rashid’s versatility in varied conditions, along with the fact that he can also bowl against the world’s top batsmen, puts him among the greatest bowlers in the history of T20 cricket.
His influence is just as massive in global cricket and franchise leagues such as the IPL, BBL, and PSL, where he is usually the match-winner.
2. Dwayne Bravo – 631 Wickets in 582 T20 Matches
Key Teams: Chennai Super Kings, Chittagong Kings, Comilla Victorians, Dhaka Dynamites, Dolphins, Essex, Fortune Barishal, Gujarat Lions, Kent, Lahore Qalandars, Melbourne Renegades, MI Emirates, Middlesex, Mumbai Indians, Northern Superchargers, Paarl Rocks, Quetta Gladiators, Rangpur Riders, St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, Surrey, Sydney Sixers, Texas Super Kings, Trinbago Knight Riders, Trinidad & Tobago, Worcestershire.
One of the greatest pure bowlers in T20 cricket, Dwayne Bravo, was the highest wicket-taker in the format until Rashid Khan surpassed him. Never to be outdone when it mattered most, Bravo has been a match-winning performer for nearly every franchise that he’s played for. His consistency in playing cricket and his ability to adjust to new formats are testaments to his incredible talent and cricketing brain.
3. Sunil Narine – 589 Wickets in 554 T20 Matches
Important Squads: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Cape Cobras, Comilla Victorians, Dhaka Dynamites, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Kolkata Knight Riders, Lahore Qalandars, Los Angeles Knight Riders, Melbourne Renegades, Oval Invincibles, Surrey, Sydney Sixers, Trinbago Knight Riders, Trinidad & Tobago.
One of the most intimidating mystery spinners in T20 cricket, Sunil Narine has bossed batsmen with his carrom ball, piercing off-spin, and subtle changes.
Most famously successful with Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, Narine has reinvented himself as an opener pinch hitter as well. His two-way contributions both with the bat and ball have made him a sought-after cricketer in T20 leagues worldwide.
4. Imran Tahir – 547 Wickets in 434 T20 Matches
Key Teams: Birmingham Phoenix, Chennai Super Kings, Dambulla Giants, Delhi Daredevils, Derbyshire, Dolphins, Durham, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Hampshire, Joburg Super Kings, Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans, Nottinghamshire, Rangpur Riders, Rising Pune Supergiant, South Africa, Surrey, Titans, Warwickshire.
South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir is recognizable due to his limitless energy and aggressive bowling style. Even in his mid-40s, he remains one of franchise cricket’s most formidable bowlers.
Tahir’s variations, especially his googly, have fooled a number of the world’s best batsmen, ensuring he remains one of the leading wicket-takers in T20 cricket.
5. Shakib Al Hasan – 498 Wickets in 451 T20 Matches
Major Teams: Adelaide Strikers, Bangladesh, Barbados Tridents, Dhaka Dynamites, Fortune Barishal, Galle Titans, Gemcon Khulna, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Jamaica Tallawahs, Karachi Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Melbourne Renegades, Peshawar Zalmi, Rangpur Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Worcestershire.
Bangladesh’s finest all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, has been a reliable wicket-taker with his precise left-arm spin. His potential to bowl in the powerplay and middle overs makes him a captain’s favorite.
Shakib’s experience in international leagues, combined with his useful batting expertise, has made him one of the most reliable players in T20 cricket.
| Rank | Player | Wickets | Matches |
| 1 | Rashid Khan | 651 | 482 |
| 2 | Dwayne Bravo | 631 | 582 |
| 3 | Sunil Narine | 589 | 554 |
| 4 | Imran Tahir | 547 | 434 |
| 5 | Shakib Al Hasan | 498 | 451 |
The top wickets in T20 cricket list is all spinners, with no surprise that guile and variations are equally key to success, as the long form alludes to. With Rashid Khan still playing at his peak, there is every chance that this record will continue to expand in the years to come.
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