6 Spinners with the Most Wickets in ICC T20 World Cup History

Spin bowling has always been a crucial part of the game, especially in T20 cricket. Over the years, many spinners have left their mark in the ICC T20 World Cup, taking key wickets and helping their teams to victory. Here, we look at six spinners who have taken the most wickets in the history of the ICC T20 World Cup.

Spinners with the Most Wickets in ICC T20 World Cup History

1. Shakib Al Hasan (50 wickets)

Bangladesh’s star spinner, Shakib Al Hasan, made history during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 by becoming the first bowler to take 50 wickets in the tournament’s history. He reached this landmark when he dismissed Rohit Sharma in a match against India during the Super 8 stage. Although Shakib’s figures of 1/37 from three overs couldn’t stop Bangladesh from losing the match by 50 runs, his record remains a significant moment in cricket.

Shakib has been a consistent performer in the T20 World Cup, playing in every edition since the tournament started in 2007. He has played over 40 matches, the most by any bowler in the T20 World Cup. Shakib’s 50 wickets came at an average of 19.74, with an economy rate of 6.92. He is also one of only three bowlers to have taken three four-wicket hauls in the tournament’s history. In the broader world of T20 cricket, Shakib is nearing 150 T20I wickets and has taken over 490 wickets in all T20 matches, cementing his place as a true cricket legend.

2. Shahid Afridi (39 wickets)

Shahid Afridi, one of Pakistan’s most famous cricketers, played a big part in the country’s early success in the ICC T20 World Cup. He was key in helping Pakistan win the 2009 tournament and also in getting them to the final in 2007. Throughout his T20 World Cup career, Afridi took 39 wickets with an average of 23.25 and an economy rate of 6.71.

Afridi’s standout performance in the T20 World Cup was when he took 4 wickets for just 11 runs. He also managed to take two four-wicket hauls during the tournament. Beyond the World Cup, Afridi claimed 98 wickets in T20Is for Pakistan and a total of 347 wickets in all T20 matches, making him one of the most successful spinners in the shorter version of the game.

3. Wanindu Hasaranga (38 wickets)

Wanindu Hasaranga from Sri Lanka has quickly become one of the most feared spinners in T20 cricket. Even though he’s fairly new to international cricket, Hasaranga has already made a big impact in the T20 World Cup. In just 19 matches, he has taken 38 wickets with an outstanding average of 11.72, which is the best among bowlers with 20 or more wickets in the tournament.

Read Also : Indian Bowlers with the Best Figures in ICC T20 World Cup History

Hasaranga’s economy rate of 6.00 shows how effective he is during the middle overs, where he consistently troubles the batsmen. He’s also the only Sri Lankan spinner to have taken over 100 wickets in T20Is, with a total of 110 wickets. In T20 cricket overall, Hasaranga has claimed 249 wickets at an average of 21.47, and he’s just about to reach the 250-wicket milestone.

4. Adam Zampa (36 wickets)

Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa has been a crucial player for his country in T20 cricket, especially in the ICC T20 World Cup. Zampa has taken 36 wickets in the tournament with an impressive average of 12.55. His economy rate of 6.10 shows how well he has controlled the runs while also taking important wickets.

In the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, Zampa has continued to shine, taking 13 wickets so far, with at least one wicket in every match. He is the only Australian bowler with more than 100 wickets in T20Is, with a total of 105 wickets in 86 matches. In T20 cricket overall, Zampa has claimed 312 wickets at an average of 22.23, making him one of the top spinners in the game.

5. Saeed Ajmal (36 wickets)

Saeed Ajmal was a key player for Pakistan, especially in T20 cricket. In the ICC T20 World Cup, Ajmal took 36 wickets in 23 matches with an average of 16.86. His best performance came during Pakistan’s 2009 title-winning campaign, where he took 12 wickets.

Ajmal’s skill in bowling tight lines and controlling the flow of runs made him a valuable player for Pakistan. His economy rate of 6.36 in T20Is shows his accuracy and precision. Ajmal ended his T20I career with 85 wickets for Pakistan, and he took 271 wickets in T20 matches overall, with an impressive average of 17.36.

6. Rashid Khan (33 wickets)

Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan is one of the top spinners in T20 cricket and has made a big impact in the ICC T20 World Cup. Rashid has taken 33 wickets in the tournament from 23 matches, with an impressive average of 15.75. His economy rate of 6.31 makes him one of the most economical bowlers in the history of the tournament.

Rashid is close to reaching 150 T20I wickets, with 148 to his name. He is also the fastest bowler to reach 100 T20I wickets. In all T20 cricket, Rashid has taken an incredible 584 wickets, making him the most successful spinner in the format and the second-highest wicket-taker overall, just behind Dwayne Bravo.