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The T20 format has revolutionized the game of cricket, bringing in explosive batting, innovative fielding, and tactical bowling. While batters often take the limelight, bowlers have played a crucial role in determining the outcomes of matches in this fast-paced format.
Whether it is through remarkable economy rates or the ability to take wickets in pressure situations, the best bowlers in T20 Internationals (T20Is) are the ones who can adapt to the game's relentless tempo and keep the opposition in check. Over the years, several bowlers have stood out for their consistency and match-winning abilities in the shortest format of the game.
Here, we rank the top 10 greatest men’s T20I bowlers of all time, considering their achievements, impact, and influence. These players have not only taken wickets consistently but have also excelled in maintaining tight economies and providing breakthroughs when their teams needed them most.
From veterans with decade-long careers to emerging stars who are now well-established, this list includes the finest bowlers to have graced the T20I game.
Top 10 greatest men's T20I bowlers of all time
#10 Umar Gul (Pakistan)
Umar Gul was one of the pioneers of reverse swing in T20 cricket, and his effectiveness in the death overs was unmatched. In 60 matches, Gul took 85 wickets, with best figures of 5/6. His average of 16.97 and economy rate of 7.19 highlight his ability to strike at crucial moments. Gul’s skills made him one of Pakistan’s most dependable T20I bowlers during his career.
He was also a crucial member of Pakistan's team that won the T20I World Cup back in 2009.
#9 Samuel Badree (West Indies)
Samuel Badree was one of the most economical bowlers in T20I cricket during his time with the West Indies. In 52 matches, Badree claimed 56 wickets at an exceptional economy rate of 6.17. His best figures of 4/15 speak of his wicket-taking ability, especially in the powerplay. Badree’s control with the new ball made him a crucial asset for West Indies in their T20 World Cup triumphs.
#8 Mitchell Santner (New Zealand)
Mitchell Santner has been a key bowler for New Zealand in T20Is, with 115 wickets from 104 matches. A left-arm spinner, Santner has consistently performed in both home and away conditions. His average of 22.02 and economy rate of 7.05 make him an effective option in the middle overs.
Santner’s best figures of 4/11 show his ability to take important wickets and control the flow of runs. His reliability and consistency have been vital to New Zealand’s success in the format.
#7 Jasprit Bumrah (India)
Jasprit Bumrah’s unconventional bowling style and remarkable ability to bowl under pressure make him one of India’s greatest T20I bowlers. Bumrah has taken 89 wickets in 70 matches at a phenomenal average of 17.74. Known for his precise yorkers and deceptive slower deliveries, Bumrah has maintained an economy rate of just 6.27, making him one of the most economical bowlers in T20Is. His best figures of 3/7 showcase his potential to stifle even the best batters.
Bumrah also played a massive role in India's recent triumph at the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup.
#6 Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)
Wanindu Hasaranga has emerged as one of the most effective leg-spinners in T20Is at present, with 119 wickets from 74 matches. Known for his sharp variations, including a lethal googly, Hasaranga has an impressive average of 15.82 and an economy rate of 7.00.
His ability to pick up wickets in the middle overs makes him a key player for Sri Lanka. With best bowling figures of 4/9, Hasaranga has quickly become a match-winner for his country in the shortest format.
#5 Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)
Lasith Malinga’s unique sling-arm action and pinpoint yorkers earned him legendary status in T20 cricket. Malinga claimed 107 wickets in 84 matches for Sri Lanka, making him one of the most dangerous bowlers in the format’s history. Malinga maintained an average of 20.79 and an economy rate of 7.42 throughout his career. His impact on T20 cricket, especially with his toe-crushing yorkers, remains unparalleled.
He is the only bowler with two hat-tricks in T20Is and also won the 2014 T20 World Cup.
#4 Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh)
Mustafizur Rahman, also known as "The Fizz," has been a revelation for Bangladesh since his debut in 2015. With 132 wickets in 106 matches, Mustafizur has built a reputation for his ability to bowl deceptive cutters and slower balls, especially in the death overs. His best bowling figures of 6/10 are one among the best in T20I history. With an average of 21.62 and an economy rate of 7.51, Mustafizur’s variations make him a formidable force in the format.
#3 Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)
Shakib Al Hasan is not only one of the best all-rounders in the history of T20Is but also a prolific wicket-taker. With 149 wickets from 129 matches, Shakib has been a stalwart of Bangladesh’s bowling attack. His left-arm spin has often deceived batters, and his ability to bowl in different phases of the game adds to his value.
Shakib’s career-best figures of 5/20 highlight his match-winning ability. With an average of 20.91 and an economy rate of 6.81, he has been a game-changer for Bangladesh.
#2 Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)
Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s spin sensation, is a modern-day great in T20I cricket. With 152 wickets in just 93 matches, Rashid has been a key figure in Afghanistan’s rise on the international stage. Known for his lethal googlies and quick arm action, Rashid has maintained an outstanding average of 14.13 and an economy rate of just 6.08. His best figures of 5/3 talk of his capability to decimate opponents. Rashid’s incredible consistency makes him one of the most feared T20 bowlers in the world.
#1 Tim Southee (New Zealand)
Tim Southee tops the list as the highest wicket-taker in T20I history, with an impressive 164 wickets from 126 matches. Since his T20I debut in 2008, Southee has been a consistent performer for New Zealand, delivering crucial breakthroughs with the new ball and at the death.
His best bowling figures of 5/18 prove that he has a solid record in dismantling batting lineups. With an average of 22.38 and an economy rate of 8.00, Southee’s longevity and wicket-taking prowess make him a standout bowler in the history of T20Is.
