Most Wickets Taken in T20 History

T20 cricket is known for its high-octane action, explosive batting, and thrilling finishes. But amidst all the fireworks with the bat, bowlers play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of matches. Taking wickets in this fast-paced format is no easy feat, as bowlers must remain precise and adaptable under constant pressure. Yet, some have mastered the art of T20 bowling and etched their names in the record books. In this blog, we will explore the most wickets taken in T20 history and celebrate the bowlers who have made their mark in the shortest format.

Most Wickets Taken in T20 History

Dwayne Bravo (West Indies)

When it comes to T20 cricket, Dwayne Bravo is one of the greatest all-rounders the game has seen. Known for his pinpoint accuracy, clever variations, and ability to bowl at the death, Bravo leads the charts for the most wickets taken in T20 history.

T20 Wickets: 625+ wickets (across all T20 leagues and international matches)
Best Figures: 5/23
Bowling Style: Right-arm medium-fast
Teams: West Indies, Chennai Super Kings (IPL), Trinbago Knight Riders (CPL), and more

Why Bravo is Special:
Bravo’s success lies in his ability to bowl slower deliveries, yorkers, and cutters. He is a master of out-thinking batsmen, especially during the death overs. His impact in leagues like the IPL and CPL has solidified his status as a T20 legend.

Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)

The Afghan sensation Rashid Khan has taken the world by storm with his incredible leg-spin bowling. Despite his young age, he has already climbed to the top ranks of T20 cricket’s best bowlers.

T20 Wickets: 550+ wickets
Best Figures: 5/3
Bowling Style: Right-arm leg-spin
Teams: Afghanistan, Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL), Adelaide Strikers (BBL), and others

What Makes Rashid Stand Out:
Rashid’s speed, accuracy, and ability to bowl googlies with minimal change in action make him incredibly hard to read. His consistency across various T20 leagues and international cricket proves his adaptability and dominance in the format.

Sunil Narine (West Indies)

Another West Indian who has left a lasting impression on T20 cricket is Sunil Narine. Known for his mystery spin, Narine is a key player in many T20 leagues across the globe.

T20 Wickets: 500+ wickets
Best Figures: 5/19
Bowling Style: Right-arm off-spin
Teams: West Indies, Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL), Trinbago Knight Riders (CPL), and more

Why Narine is a Game-Changer:
Narine’s ability to bowl a variety of deliveries with a flat trajectory makes him difficult to hit. His control and consistency have allowed him to thrive even on flat pitches, making him a reliable wicket-taker.

Imran Tahir (South Africa)

Known for his infectious enthusiasm and signature celebratory runs, Imran Tahir has been a prolific wicket-taker in T20 cricket. His leg-spin has dismantled many batting lineups across the world.

T20 Wickets: 480+ wickets
Best Figures: 5/23
Bowling Style: Right-arm leg-spin
Teams: South Africa, Chennai Super Kings (IPL), Guyana Amazon Warriors (CPL), and more

What Makes Tahir Special:
Tahir’s deceptive variations and ability to generate turn even on unresponsive pitches make him a constant threat. His experience and adaptability have allowed him to maintain his wicket-taking form over many years.

Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)

No discussion of the most wickets taken in T20 history would be complete without mentioning Lasith Malinga. Known as the “Slinga,” Malinga’s unorthodox action and lethal yorkers made him one of the most feared bowlers in T20 cricket.

T20 Wickets: 390+ wickets
Best Figures: 6/7
Bowling Style: Right-arm fast
Teams: Sri Lanka, Mumbai Indians (IPL), Melbourne Stars (BBL), and more

Why Malinga is a Legend:
Malinga’s ability to bowl pinpoint yorkers at will, especially in the death overs, earned him countless wickets. His consistency and calm demeanor under pressure made him the go-to bowler in crucial situations.

Honorable Mentions

While these five bowlers lead the charts, several other outstanding bowlers deserve recognition for their contributions to T20 cricket:

Shahid Afridi (Pakistan): Over 350 wickets; known for his aggressive leg-spin and ability to break partnerships.
Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh): One of the most successful all-rounders, with over 400 T20 wickets.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (India): A death-over specialist known for his swing and slower deliveries.

Conclusion

The bowlers with the most wickets taken in T20 history have shown that T20 cricket isn’t just about smashing sixes — it’s also about smart, skillful, and adaptable bowling. These players have proven that with strategy, precision, and consistency, bowlers can thrive in the shortest format of the game.

Their performances not only win matches but also add excitement, unpredictability, and balance to a format often dominated by batsmen. Whether it’s the clever variations of Dwayne Bravo, the mystery spin of Sunil Narine, or the fiery yorkers of Lasith Malinga, these bowlers have made T20 cricket a complete spectacle.