In the ever-evolving world of cricket, where batters dominate headlines with explosive sixes and sky-high strike rates, it’s the bowlers who silently shape the destiny of T20 matches.
The format may be built for entertainment, but behind every electrifying contest lies the craft of bowlers who can outthink and outfox batters within a limited window.
Taking wickets in T20 cricket is not just about pace or spin; it’s about control, courage, and calculated aggression.
From stadiums buzzing with energy to last-over thrillers, the role of bowlers in this format has become more crucial than ever among those who have stood tall in this high-pressure environment. A few names shine brighter—legends who have not only taken the most wickets in T20 but redefined what it means to bowl in the shortest format.
This table showcases the top wicket-takers in T20 International history as of August 2025. These bowlers have consistently delivered match-winning performances, proving their skill in one of the most challenging formats of the game.
Rank | Player | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Economy |
1 | Tim Southee (NZ) | 126 | 164 | 5/18 | 8.00 |
2 | Rashid Khan (AFG) | 96 | 161 | 5/3 | 6.08 |
3 | Ish Sodhi (NZ) | 126 | 150 | 4/12 | 7.95 |
4 | Shakib Al Hasan (BAN) | 129 | 149 | 5/20 | 6.81 |
5 | Mustafizur Rahman (BAN) | 111 | 139 | 6/10 | 7.34 |
As of August 2025, Tim Southee of New Zealand holds the record for the most wickets in T20 Internationals, with a staggering 164 wickets in 126 matches. The right-arm swing bowler has mastered the art of new ball bowling and has also developed a deadly knack for picking wickets in the death overs. What sets Southee apart is his adaptability and intelligence—he reads batters and situations with a seasoned mind.
Whether it’s seaming conditions in Wellington or flat tracks in the subcontinent, Southee has delivered consistently. Despite being a swing bowler in a power-hitting era, his economy rate remains under control, and his ability to take wickets upfront makes him an asset for any T20 side.
Right behind Southee stands Afghanistan’s spin sensation, Rashid Khan, with 161 wickets in 96 matches. With a bowling style that combines lightning-quick leg breaks and googlies, Rashid became a nightmare for even the most seasoned batters. At just 26 years of age, he has already become a modern-day great in T20 cricket.
Rashid’s ability to bowl during the powerplay, middle overs, or even the death makes him extraordinarily versatile. His economy rate hovers under 6.5, one of the best for a frontline bowler. He has not only dominated in international cricket but also T20 leagues around the globe—from the IPL to the Big Bash.
Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan isn’t just another name in the record books—he’s an institution in himself. With over 149 T20I wickets and 2400+ runs, Shakib is arguably the greatest all-rounder in T20 history. His left-arm orthodox spin and ability to score vital runs under pressure make him a rare double threat.
His calm demeanour and ability to perform on big occasions are trademarks of his greatness. Whether it’s stalling the opposition with miserly bowling or accelerating during a chase, Shakib has done it all. Few players have matched his consistency across all phases of the game.
Among Indian bowlers, Arshdeep Singh leads the pack with 99 wickets in 63 matches, closely followed by Yuzvendra Chahal, known for his swing and control. India’s bowling in T20S has evolved from pure pace to a balanced mix of spin and speed.
Rank | Player | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Economy |
1 | Arshdeep Singh | 63 | 99 | 4/9 | 8.29 |
2 | Yuzvendra Chahal | 80 | 96 | 6/25 | 8.19 |
3 | Hardik Pandya | 114 | 94 | 4/16 | 8.20 |
4 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 87 | 90 | 5/4 | 6.96 |
5 | Jasprit Bumrah | 70 | 89 | 3/7 | 6.27 |
Arshdeep Singh’s left-arm spin has been a game-changer, especially in the early overs, while Bumrah, though not topping the wicket charts, has maintained phenomenal control and struck at crucial moments. Other rising stars, such as Ravi Bishnoi and Kuldeep Yadav, continue to shine in the T20 circuit.
Before the current generation rewrote the record books, a group of cricketing legends laid the foundation for greatness in T20S:
These legends may not top the charts in T20 wickets, but their influence on the modern bowling style is indelible.
The race for the most wickets in T20 is more than a numbers game—it reflects evolution, adaptation, and excellence in cricket’s most dynamic format. From Tim Southee’s surgical precision to Rashid Khan’s wizardry and Shakib Al Hasan’s unmatched versatility, bowlers have proven time and again that they can be match-winners even in a batter-dominated era.
As T20 cricket continues to evolve, new heroes will rise, records will break, but the legends who paved the way will always be remembered. So, as fans, we must ask—who will be the next bowler to etch their name in the T20 record books?
I’m Avijit Brahma, a cricket enthusiast who enjoys dissecting games, evaluating player performances, and offering my opinions on the sport. I’m here to share my thoughts, ideas, and everything about cricket, whether it’s a thrilling finish or a knock that breaks records. Let’s have a proper conversation about cricket!