T20 World Cup 2022 updates- The shortest format of the game has become the most famous among the three in lightning quick time. The rush, the thrill, and the adrenaline is enough to make the fans enjoy moment with unbridled passion and excitement right from the first ball till the last.
However, while the batsmen steal the thunder in this format more often than not, the bowlers always have their say at some point or the other, which is why this game is the leveller in so many ways.
Sometimes the batsmen come up trumps, while sometimes it’s the bowlers. It is good to know that at least some of the bowlers do have success in the format.
With that being said, here’s a look at the five highest wicket-takers in the shortest format of the game, with changes taking place during the T20 World Cup 2022-
5. Ish Sodhi – 104
The Kiwi leggie is one of the mainstays of this New Zealand side, and his ability to pick wickets whenever he’s given the ball is what sets him apart. While he does get taken for runs, he is certain to give you at least 2 wickets per game, if not more.
Such is his impact and ability to change the match at any given point in the game. Add to the fact that almost 40% of his wickets have been in New Zealand, which traditionally supports the pacers more than spinners, his 104 wickets in T20 internationals is a rather commendable feat.
4. Lasith Malinga- 107
The slinga needs no introduction at all. The sight of Malinga at the run-up, kissing the ball before running at the batsman with his unique slinging action, and dismantling the stumps with his trademark toe-crushing Yorkers is a sight that cricket fans across the globe have seen many many times.
The man has been the savior of Sri Lanka on so many occasions, single-handedly winning them matches on his own at a juncture when they have no business of winning it at all. 38 of his 107 wickets have come in the T20 World Cups, which goes on to show that he always turned up in international tournaments. He is definitely up there in the pantheon of greats in the hall of fame for pacers
3. Rashid Khan-119
Another spinner on the list, which is a surprise considering that spinners are always a target for any batting side looking to accelerate and put the pressure back on. However, when that spinner is Rashid Khan, you don’t put the pressure: you feel it. Such is the craft, skill and guile of the man, that you just cannot hit him even if you wanted to.
And that is where he does the most damage. The thing about him is that you just cannot read him, which is the reason why he’s one of the most lethal and dangerous spinners in the world. At just 23, the fact that he still has time on his side, there is no reason in believing that he will definitely be the highest wicket taker in this format of the game when he decides to hang his boots.
2. Shakib Al Hasan- 122
Arguably one of the greatest all-rounders to grace this format, Shakib Al Hasan has been the leading light of this Bangladesh side which somehow always border on the edge of mediocrity inspite of having the quality to go head-to-head against the established powerhouses.
The left-arm spinner is their bowling spearhead, and inspite of the side having pace bowlers in abundance, it is Shakib who they turn to whenever they are in need of a breakthrough, and he always delivers when needed. With him at the twilight years of his career, he will be hoping to add a few more scalps to his existing 122 wickets, and this World Cup could be the perfect opportunity to do it.
1. Tim Southee- 125
The highest wicket taker in the shortest format of the game, Tim Southee has been an ever-present in this New Zealand side and has been leading the attack with the ball for a very long time. He does not possess express pace or lethal swing, but what he lacks in those areas, he more than makes up for in his accuracy.
He is one of the most accurate bowlers around and it is his accuracy that has been responsible for these wickets. Now at the final leg of his career, he would hope to take as many wickets as possible, and perhaps maybe add a wt20 title as well.
