Alright, cricket lovers! Ever find yourself mid-match, wondering who the absolute wicket machines of T20 internationals are? Well, you’re about to get the lowdown. Recently, Afghanistan’s own leg-spin wizard Rashid Khan rewrote the record books, leapfrogging legends like Tim Southee to become the T20I wicket-taker supreme. So, grab your chai (or your brew), and let’s dive into the top five wicket superstars and what makes their achievements so extra special — served with a sprinkle of fun and a dash of chill.
Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan isn’t just taking wickets; he’s rewriting the T20I bowling manual one delivery at a time. He is 26 now, and already the leading wicket-taker in men’s T20Is with 165 from 98 matches, 13.75 average and 6.07 economy. Rashid recently smashed a bunch of records in a Sharjah tri-series and broke the previous record-holder, Tim Southee, for the benefit of the record book. What is really nutty? Southee took an unbelievable 25 matches longer to reach 164, and Rashid has ding-donged it out of nowhere to be number 1.
Tim Southee
Backed by years of experience, Tim Southee, the New Zealand pacer, held the T20I wicket record for years — 164 wickets at an average of 22.38 and an economy of 8.00. His game was about longevity and raw skill. Remember his 5-wicket blitz against Pakistan in Auckland? Classic Southee. His legacy is that of a pace great who dominated chases and tough conditions alike. Rashid may wear the crown now, but Southee’s reign was impressive — slow-burn dominance rather than a sprint.
Ish Sodhi
Next in line is Ish Sodhi, another Kiwi but a spin-master. His 150-wicket haul whispers of hard work and precision rather than overnight stardom. His highlight reel includes a sharp 4-12 against Zimbabwe and thrice achieving identical 4-28 figures against cricket heavyweights Australia, Bangladesh, and Scotland.
Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan isn’t just an all-rounder; he’s Bangladesh’s secret weapon in every facet of the game. Shakib’s value comes from the fact that he always seems to contribute with bat and ball, plus he normally turns matches for his team in tournament play. He has some iconic performances like the 5-20 against West Indies, whilst scoring 42 runs off just 26 balls; or his 5-22 vs Ireland, which decimated the opposition.
Mustafizur Rahman
Rounding off our top five is ‘The Fizz’ — Mustafizur Rahman. With 142 wickets to his name at an average of 20.84 and an economy of 7.30, he’s redefined death bowling with those sneaky off-cutters. A career-best of 6-10 against the USA and a reliable 5-22 against New Zealand remind us that he doesn’t just take wickets — he dismantles line-ups.
There you have it — the wicket-takers who’ve made T20 internationals their personal arena: Rashid’s rocket ride to the top, Southee’s veteran swagger, Sodhi’s simmering consistency, Shakib’s match-all-round brilliance, and Mustafizur’s cutter-crazy finesse. Each brings their own flavor, reminding us how diverse and fun T20 bowling can be.
FAQs
1. How many wickets does Shakib Al Hasan have in T20Is?
Shakib has 149 wickets in his T20I career.
2. Who is the highest wicket-taking spinner after Rashid Khan?
Ish Sodhi follows with 150 wickets.
3. Who among the top five is known as an all-rounder?
Shakib Al Hasan is the standout all-rounder.
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