The T20 format of cricket proved to be an entertainer and also a ride of emotions filled with thrill and chills. Bowlers play a major role in modern cricket in winning the matches for their home team. There are many talented bowlers in the history of T20I Cricket who always raised their bar and set new standards in the game inspiring the forthcoming youngsters as well.
So today we discuss bowlers with the most number of wickets in T20I cricket:-
– by Rishita Patnaik
- SHAHID AFRIDI (2006-2016)
Shahid Afridi, the man who is famous for his impeccable all-around skills, is a legendary player of the Pakistan Cricket Team. He tops the list of scalping most wickets in T20I cricket with a total of 97 wickets off 98 matches. His best bowling figure was 4/11. His overall economy rate was 6.61 and his bowling average was 24.35. His T20 career had three 4 wicket hauls in his name. After many retirements and comebacks, recently Afridi has announced his official retirement from T20 form of international cricket in February 2017 and has promised to play domestic cricket for two more years.
- LASITH MALINGA (2006- CURRENT)
Lasith Malinga, the Sri Lankan speedster often renowned as the Yorker King, scalped a total of 90 wickets off 68 matches. He may be a conserved and shy person off the field but when he is on-field, nobody can stop him from bowling lethal deliveries. His best bowling figure is 5/31. He has an economy rate of 7.36 and his bowling average is 19.77. So far, he has one 4 wicket haul and one 5 wicket haul in his name. Though his recent form has not been up to the mark, considering how dangerous bowler he can be, he still poses a great threat to the opposition team and he also wishes to continue playing for few more years.
- UMAR GUL (2007-2016)
Umar Gul, the Pakistan speedster, was a key player in the Pakistan Cricket team for his exceptional quality of bowling high-quality Yorkers on demand. It made him one of the most successful bowlers in T20 Internationals. He has a total of 85 wickets in 60 matches in his name. He has a bowling average of 16.97 and an economy rate of 7.19. His best bowling figure is 5/6 which is amazing. He has four 4 wicket hauls and two 5 wicket hauls in his name. His career started a downfall from 2015 due to injuries. He is a champion player and definitely knows how to come back from an injury fitter and sharper than before.
- SAEED AJMAL (2007-2016)
Saeed Ajmal, the Pakistan spinner, was a late entrant (entered in the 30s) into international cricket but he made most of his time in International cricket. He is hailed as one of the best off-spinners because of his quality doosra deliveries which always left the batsmen confused. His variations in doosra were almost unreadable by many batsmen. He has scalped 85 wickets off 64 matches. He has an economy rate of 6.36. He has a bowling average of 17.83 and his best bowling figure is 4/19. He has four 4 wicket hauls in his name in a T20I career.
- SHAKIB AL HASAN (2006- CURRENT)
Shakib Al Hasan, the left arm orthodox spin all-rounder, is one of the best all-rounders ever played for Bangladesh. His self-belief and invaluable temperament give him the confidence to attack any top opposition teams.
So far he has scalped 70 wickets off 59 matches. He has an economy rate of 6.79. His bowling average is 20.84 and his best bowling figure is 4/15. He has three 4 wicket hauls in his name in the T20I career. He has set a benchmark in performing standards for Bangladesh which inspires all the fellow cricketers and aspiring youngsters too.
– by Rishita Patnaik