Bowling in T20 cricket is widely regarded as one of the most challenging aspects of the game. Unlike Test cricket, where bowlers can patiently work through a batsman over several deliveries, T20 cricket requires bowlers to execute their plans from the very first ball. The format’s fast pace and high-pressure situations leave little room for error, making each delivery crucial.
The aggressive nature of T20 cricket also provides bowlers with more chances to claim wickets, as batsmen often take high risks with their shots in pursuit of quick runs.
Over the years, a number of bowlers have stood out as key figures in their teams’ bowling lineups, consistently delivering match-winning performances in the shortest format. With that in mind, let’s explore the highest wicket-takers in T20I cricket for each of the 12 Test-playing nations.
1. Australia – Adam Zampa (117 wickets)
Since his T20I debut in 2016, Adam Zampa has become a mainstay in Australia’s white-ball lineup. The 32-year-old leg-spinner has taken 117 wickets at an average of 21, with an economy rate slightly above 7.5. His contribution was vital in Australia’s T20 World Cup-winning campaign in 2021, and he also boasts a five-wicket haul to his name.
2. England – Adil Rashid (127 wickets)
Adil Rashid, England’s most prolific T20I bowler, has claimed 127 wickets at an average of 24. His ability to deceive batsmen with flight and his sharp leg spin has made him an indispensable part of England’s attack. Rashid played a crucial role in England’s World Cup 2019 and T20 World Cup 2022 victories.
3. South Africa – Tabraiz Shamsi (89 wickets)
Tabraiz Shamsi, with 89 wickets from 70 T20Is at an average of 20, is South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is. The 34-year-old has honed his skills through his participation in global franchise leagues, making him a key player for the Proteas in the shortest format.
4. West Indies – Dwayne Bravo (78 wickets)
Dwayne Bravo, known for his death-over expertise, is West Indies’ highest wicket-taker in T20Is with 78 wickets at an average of 26. As a versatile player, Bravo was instrumental in the West Indies’ T20 World Cup triumphs in 2012 and 2016, both with his bowling and batting contributions.
5. New Zealand – Tim Southee (164 wickets)
Tim Southee, New Zealand’s all-time leading wicket-taker in T20Is with 164 wickets at an average of 22.38, has been a consistent performer for over a decade. The 36-year-old has also delivered two five-wicket hauls in T20Is and formed a formidable partnership with Trent Boult, making New Zealand’s bowling attack one of the best in the format.
6. India – Arshdeep Singh (97 wickets)
Arshdeep Singh’s rise in T20Is has been remarkable. Since his debut in 2022, he has taken 97 wickets at an average of 17.90, making him India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is. Arshdeep’s performances were critical to India’s triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024, where he was the joint-leading wicket-taker.
7. Pakistan – Haris Rauf (110 wickets)
With 110 wickets in 79 T20Is at an average of 21.2, Haris Rauf is Pakistan’s most successful T20I bowler. Known for his express pace, Rauf gained prominence through his BBL stint with the Melbourne Stars and continues to be a cornerstone of Pakistan’s white-ball bowling attack.
8. Sri Lanka – Wanindu Hasaranga (131 wickets)
Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka’s premier T20I bowler, has taken 131 wickets in 79 T20Is at an average of 22. The leg-spinner has been a key player for Sri Lanka in high-pressure moments and is also capable of contributing with the bat, having scored two T20I half-centuries.
9. Zimbabwe – Sikandar Raza (79 wickets)
Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe’s T20I captain, has made a significant impact in the shortest format, claiming 79 wickets in 102 T20Is at an average of 22. A key bowler during the powerplay, Raza has one five-wicket haul to his name and is known for his ability to control the game with his off-spin.
10. Bangladesh – Shakib Al Hasan (149 wickets)
Shakib Al Hasan, one of the game’s greatest all-rounders, is Bangladesh’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is, with 149 wickets in 129 matches. The 37-year-old has also contributed with the bat, scoring 13 half-centuries in T20Is. His achievements include two five-wicket hauls and six four-wicket hauls, showcasing his vital role in Bangladesh’s T20I successes.