SL bowlers with most wickets in a T20 WC edition
The Sri Lanka cricket team has enjoyed a good run of form at the ICC T20 World Cup. The 2014 champions have been two-time runners-up in addition to finishing as the semi-finalist in 2010. However, they haven't cleared the group stage since their title triumph in 2014. Here we look at the SL bowlers with the most wickets in a T20 WC edition.
Ajantha Mendis and Lasith Malinga - 12 wickets in 2009
Mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis and pace merchant Lasith Malinga were instrumental in taking SL to the final in the 2009 edition in England. Both bowlers finished as the joint-second-highest wicket-takers with 12 wickets apiece across seven matches. While Malinga conceded runs at 7.14, Mendis (5.5) had the best economy rate among bowlers with at least two wickets.
Wanindu Hasaranga: 15 wickets in 2022
Wanindu Hasaranga led the wickets column in the previous T20 World Cup edition (2022) Down Under. He snapped up 15 wickets from eight games at an astonishing average of 13.26. His economy rate read 6.41. Notably, Hasaranga was the only player to bowl a maiden over (among players with more than 10 wickets). Despite his run, SL failed to reach the semi-finals.
Ajantha Mendis: 15 wickets in 2012
Mendis was also sensational in the 2012 event, which was hosted by Sri Lanka. The Lankan spinner took 15 wickets at 9.80 in the 2012 tournament. His economy rate was a brilliant 6.12. Sri Lanka finished as the runners-up after losing the final to WI. Albeit in a losing cause, Mendis returned with figures worth 4/12 in the summit clash in Colombo.
Wanindu Hasaranga: 16 wickets, 2021
Hasaranga also holds the record for taking the most wickets in a T20 World Cup edition. He snapped up 16 wickets in the 2021 tournament held in the UAE (ER: 5.20). Although SL could not clear the Super 12 stage, Hasaranga's dominant run was hailed by many. Notably, Hasaranga also became the third cricketer to take a T20 WC hat-trick (against South Africa).
