Highest Wicket Takers in T20 World Cup History till 2026

The 10th edition of the T20 World Cup is scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026. The ICC Men's T20 World Cup, is known for its fast-paced and thrilling format and it represents the pinnacle of cricketing.

If we talk about statistics, there are many players that have different records be it most runs, most number of sixes or most centuries. One record in T20 stands out which involves taking the highest number of wickets. No other player in T20 World Cup history has taken more wickets than Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan.

As of 2026 data, Shakib has taken 50 wickets at an impressive average of 20.12 and a commendable economy rate of 6.86. 

Following his footsteps is Wanindu Hasaranga of Sri Lanka who now sits at a record of 40 wickets according to ESPN

READ| India T20 World Cup Schedule 

Highest Wicket Takers in T20 World Cup History

Here is the list of top 15 wicket takers in the T20 World Cup history: 

READ| T20 World Cup Winners List (2007-2026)

Top Wicket-Takers in T20 World Cup

Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) - 50 wickets

Source: Sky Sports

Bangladesh's star all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, is currently at the top of the chart for the most wickets in T20 World Cup history. He is renowned for his precise spin bowling and varied techniques, which helped him claim 50 wickets in 43 T20 World Cup matches. 

PW Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) 40 Wickets

Source: Ada Derana

Following in the footsteps of Shakib is Hasaranga who has surpassed Shahid Afridi for 40 wickets in just 20 matches. His performance has been consistent throughout the editions. 

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Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) - 39 Wickets

Source: Sports 360

Pakistan's Shahid Afridi ranks third now among the top wicket-takers in T20 World Cup history. Afridi has claimed 39 wickets across 34 T20 World Cup games. He is known for his unconventional leg-spin and spirited demeanor on the field. His final appearance in the T20 World Cup occurred in 2016.

Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) - 38 Wickets

Source: Cricket Addictor

Started in the 2016 edition, Rashid Khan is now among the top 5 bowlers who have taken the most wickets in the T20 world cup. He has taken 38 wickets in a span of 24 matches maintaining an average of 15.44. 

Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) - 38 wickets

Source: ESPN

Sri Lanka's Lasith Malinga stands as a genuine icon in T20 cricket. He is celebrated for his distinctive slingy action, cunning slower balls, and deadly yorkers which made Malinga secure 38 wickets in 31 T20 World Cup matches. His exceptional skill in the death overs was crucial to Sri Lanka's triumph in the 2014 T20 World Cup.