The highest wicket-takers in T20I cricket for each Test-playing nation have delivered consistent performances, amassing significant wickets and playing key roles in their teams’ success. Their remarkable records highlight their importance in the shortest format, with many contributing to major victories and tournament triumphs for their respective countries.
1. Australia – Adam Zampa (117 wickets)
Adam Zampa, a key figure in Australia’s white-ball setup, made his T20I debut in 2016. With 117 wickets in T20Is, Zampa has been instrumental in Australia’s success, including their 2021 T20 World Cup triumph. He boasts an impressive average of 21 and an economy rate of over 7.5, along with one five-wicket haul.
2. England – Adil Rashid (127 wickets)
Adil Rashid, England’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is with 127 wickets at an average of 24, has been a key player for the team in limited-overs cricket for over a decade. Known for his deceptive flighted deliveries, Rashid played crucial roles in England’s World Cup 2019 and T20 World Cup 2022 victories.
3. South Africa – Tabraiz Shamsi (89 wickets)
Tabraiz Shamsi, South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is with 89 wickets at an average of 20, has excelled in the shortest format. The 34-year-old has honed his skills by playing in various franchise leagues globally, showcasing his expertise and making a significant impact in T20 cricket.
4. West Indies – Dwayne Bravo (78 wickets)
Dwayne Bravo, with 78 wickets at an average of 26, is the most successful West Indies bowler in T20Is. Renowned for his death-overs skills, Bravo was crucial to the team’s success in the T20 World Cups of 2012 and 2016. Alongside his bowling, he was also a reliable finisher for the West Indies.
5. New Zealand – Tim Southee (164 wickets)
Tim Southee, with 164 wickets at an average of 22.38, is New Zealand’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is. Debuting in 2008, the 36-year-old has two five-wicket hauls in T20Is and formed a formidable fast-bowling partnership with Trent Boult, becoming a key player in New Zealand’s T20 cricket history.
6. India – Arshdeep Singh (97 wickets)
Arshdeep Singh, India’s leading T20I wicket-taker with 97 wickets at an average of 17.90, made his debut in 2022. Known for his death-over skills, he became India’s go-to bowler in T20Is and played a key role as the joint-leading wicket-taker in India’s victorious T20 World Cup 2024 campaign.
7. Pakistan – Haris Rauf (110 wickets)
Haris Rauf, one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket, holds the record for the most T20I wickets for Pakistan, with 110 wickets in 79 matches at an average of 21.2. Known for his BBL stint with the Melbourne Stars, Rauf is a key part of Pakistan’s white-ball bowling attack alongside Afridi and Naseem Shah.
8. Sri Lanka – Wanindu Hasaranga (131 wickets)
Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, a key figure in Sri Lanka’s white-ball cricket, has taken 131 wickets in 79 T20Is at an average of 22. Debuting in 2019, he has become Sri Lanka’s top bowler in pressure situations. Besides his bowling prowess, Hasaranga has also contributed with two T20I half-centuries.
9. Zimbabwe – Sikandar Raza (79 wickets)
Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe’s T20I captain, is the country’s leading wicket-taker in the format with 79 wickets in 102 matches at an average of 22. The 38-year-old off-spinner has also taken one five-wicket haul. Raza plays a crucial role by bowling during the powerplay, especially against left-handers, to support the fast bowlers.
10. Bangladesh – Shakib Al Hasan (149 wickets)
Shakib Al Hasan, one of the greatest all-rounders of the current generation, is Bangladesh’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is with 149 wickets in 129 matches. His impressive record includes two five-wicket hauls and six four-wicket hauls. Alongside his bowling, Shakib has also contributed significantly with the bat, scoring 13 half-centuries.
| Country | Player | Wickets | Matches | Average | Five-Wicket Hauls |
| Australia | Adam Zampa | 117 | – | 21 | 1 |
| England | Adil Rashid | 127 | – | 24 | – |
| South Africa | Tabraiz Shamsi | 89 | 70 | 20 | – |
| West Indies | Dwayne Bravo | 78 | – | 26 | – |
| New Zealand | Tim Southee | 164 | 126 | 22.38 | 2 |
| India | Arshdeep Singh | 97 | – | 17.9 | – |
| Pakistan | Haris Rauf | 110 | 79 | 21.2 | – |
| Sri Lanka | Wanindu Hasaranga | 131 | 79 | 22 | – |
| Zimbabwe | Sikandar Raza | 79 | 102 | 22 | 1 |
| Bangladesh | Shakib Al Hasan | 149 | 129 | – | 2 |
| Ireland | Mark Adair | 127 | 88 | 19 | – |
| Afghanistan | Rashid Khan | 161 | 96 | 13 | 2 |