T20 World Cup Records: Most Career Wickets
Since the ICC (International Cricket Council) first started the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the year 2007 many exciting moments have taken place. It’s by far not an exaggeration to say that this tournament remains the most appealing event in cricket, where astonishing batting and bowling displays take place.
Among the many remarkable records, one stands out prominently: the bowler with the most wickets in his career record. This glorious achievement goes to the Bangladeshi cricket icon Shakib al Hasan who has proved to be a more consistent and brilliant bowler than any other in the T20 World Cup:
| Rank | Wickets | Player | Innings |
| 1 | 50 | Shakib Al Hasan† | 41 |
| 2 | 39 | Shahid Afridi | 34 |
| 3 | 38 | Lasith Malinga | 31 |
| 4 | 37 | Wanindu Hasaranga† | 19 |
| Rashid Khan† | 23 |
Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan has an unmatched, record-breaking bowling career in the nation. Shakib Al-Hasan has been the most successful bowler, scalping 50 wickets in just 41 innings. His batting average is 20.12 and his economy rate of 6.86 this shows his performance and control of his bowls and he is a nightmare for the opposition team batsmen. Shakib made his best bowling figures of 4/9 during the tournament showing that he can dominate on the world stage easily.
Shakib-Al Hasan’s T20 World Cup career started in 2007 and he will be playing his eighth T20 World Cup in 2024. With the ball, Tamim has shown his worth as an all-round performer, equally effective with the bat. But it is with the ball that he has been most consistent to garner this esteemed honour thereby making him central to T20 cricket.
Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)
Shahid Afridi picked 39 wickets in the T20 World Cup from 2007 to 2016. Giving him a good bowling average of 23.25 and an economy of 6.71, he has been consistent. His best figures are 4/11, which just says it all about what he can do at his maximum level of performance. So aggressive was he in taking key wickets at the most crucial of times, warranting momentum in favor of Pakistan in so many matches where his economical bowling proved too economical.
Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)
Lasith Malinga could also go in the 30s with 38 wickets from 2007 to 2014 in the T20 World Cup. Malinga, known for his killer yorkers as well as the slingy action he lets off before delivering, claimed a 20.07 bowling average and economy of 7.43. His best figures are 5/31. Malinga has carried the weight of Sri Lanka’s major source of bowling and was relieved many times due to his larger-than-life performances against world-class T20 opposition.
Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)
Wanindu Hasaranga took 37 wickets in the T20 World Cups from 2021 to 2024 by extremely essential bowling since his marvelous bowling average was 11.72, with the economies being at 6.00, with his best 3/8 at his own. Leg spin with variations and pinpoint accuracy has been a wonderful and very effective weapon for Sri Lanka, being a mighty middle overs option. The leg spin bowling has so far taken wickets every time.
Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)
Rashid Khan took 37 wickets in the T20 World Cups from 2016 to 2024. His bowling average is 14.89, with an economy of just 6.30, showing the accuracy and control Rashid possesses. His best bowling figures are 4/9. Famously known for his quicker leg-spin, which turns either way off the pitch and surprises even the best batsmen. As the most prolific spinner in the squad, he emerged as their option not just for wickets but also for containing runs and creating pressure through the tightened grip that such low scorers would need to win close games.
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