Who owns most wickets in a T20 World Cup edition?
The 2024 ICC T20 World Cup is set to begin on June 1. It will be co-hosted by the West Indies and USA. Spinners will likely rule the roost as the Caribbean pitches are slow and dry. Sri Lanka will be fancying their chances as their premier spinner Wanindu Hasaranga was the highest wicket-taker in the last two T20 WC editions (2022 and 2021).
Wanindu Hasaranga: 16 wickets, 2021
Sri Lanka leg-spinner Hasaranga 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. Although Australia were crowned champions, Hasaranga's dominant run was hailed by many. Notably, Hasaranga also became the third cricketer to take a T20 World Cup hat-trick. He did so against South Africa.
Ajantha Mendis: 15 wickets, 2012
Mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis jeopardized the greatest batters in the late 2000s. He was simply unplayable when on song. His average of 9.82 is the best for a bowler in winning cause in the T20 World Cup. The Lankan spinner took 15 wickets at 9.80 in the 2012 tournament at home. Sri Lanka finished as the runners-up after losing the final to WI.
Wanindu Hasaranga: 15 wickets, 2022
Hasaranga also 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.
Dirk Nannes: 14 wickets, 2010
Left-arm seamer Dirk Nannes hogged limelight for his pace and swing during the late 2000s. Before playing for Australia, he represented Netherlands as he was the son of Dutch migrant parents and owned a Dutch passport. Nannes turned out for the Aussies in the 2010 T20 World Cup, taking 14 wickets at 13.07. Australia eventually lost the final to champions England.
