India and Sri Lanka are going to host the 10th edition of the T20 World Cup soon. The tournament will run from February 07 to March 8. So far, a total of 9 editions have been played of this marquee event. India, England, and West Indies have clinched two titles, while Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Australia have also won one edition, respectively. In every edition, many records have been made. A batter creates history with a bat, while bowlers achieve milestones with a ball. However, only one bowler has taken 50 wickets in T20 World Cup history. In this article, we’re going to explore the top 5 bowlers who took the most wickets in the T20 World Cup. 

1. Shakib al Hasan (Bangladesh)

Bangladesh’s former captain Shakib Al Hasan has played all T20I World Cup editions so far. In the history of the T20 WC, he took 50 T20 wickets in 41 innings, including an economy rate of 6.86. He always performed well for his team, but despite this, his team could never even reach the semi-finals. After the 2024 World Cup, he retired from T20Is and Test cricket. He is the leading run scorer and most wicket taker for Bangladesh cricket. He is one of the finest all-rounders in world cricket. Unfortunately, Bangladesh will not compete in the upcoming edition of the T20 WC. 

2. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)

Pakistan’s Former Captain Shahid Afridi has 39 wickets in the T20 World Cup. He played 6 T20I WC editions (2007-2016). He played 34 innings for these wickets, including an economy rate of 6.71. He was one of the biggest all-rounders for Pakistan in world cricket. He was part of the Pakistan 2009 champions side, where he took 11 wickets and scored 176 runs. He played a match winning 54 runs knock in that final too. 

3. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)

Lasith Malinga, the yorker king of the cricket world, played 5 T20 World Cup editions, where he took 38 wickets. He was also the captain of srilankan team in 2014 when his team won the T20I World Cup. In the finals, Sri Lanka beat India and took revenge for the 2011 ODI World Cup final. After winning the 2014 World Cup, Malinga retired from T20I cricket. 

4. Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)

Wanindu Hasaranga, a mystery Sri Lankan spinner, has 37 wickets in just 3 T20I World Cup editions (2021-2024) till now. He took 16 wickets in the 2021 World Cup, 15 in 2022 & 6 in 2024. He played 19 innings for these wickets, including an economy rate of just 6. Wanindu Hasaranga was also the captain of the Sri Lankan team in the 2024 T20I World Cup, but his team's performance was not good. The Sri Lankan team goes out of the 1st round. He will also feature in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 edition, and his wicket tally will increase. Sri Lanka is a co-host, and Hasaranga will be a key player for the SL side. 

5. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)

Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan has 37 wickets in T20I World Cups. He has played 4 T20 WC editions (2016, 2021, 2022 & 2024) till now. He took 11 wickets in the 2016 World Cup, 8 wickets in 2021, 4 in 2022, and 14 in 2024. Under his captaincy, Afghanistan reached the last T20 World Cup semifinal. And, now this time, he and his team are eyeing to clinch their first ICC Trophy.