December 6, 2023
Bowling in current cricket requires a different combination of skill, strategy, and endurance for various formats. In T20 cricket, bowlers have to adapt to the high tempo and limited overs, often coming up with innovative deliveries to outfox batsmen. In One Day cricket, they strike a balance between aggression and strategy over 50 overs. Test cricket, known for its endurance and technique, sees bowlers meticulously planning and executing their skills over five days. Each format presents unique challenges, and the bowlers who excel in them are truly exceptional.
This article will explore the top wicket-takers in T20, One-day, and Test cricket, highlighting their achievements and contributions to the sport.
Contents
From the wizards of spin to the masters of pace, these bowlers have enthralled fans and dominated the pitch with their exceptional talent. Join us as we celebrate these cricketing greats and their remarkable journeys.
Most Wickets in International Cricket (All Formats Combined)
Player | Span | Matches | Wickets |
M. Muralitharan (Sri) | 1992-2011 | 495 | 1347 |
S. Warne (Aus) | 1992-2007 | 339 | 1001 |
J. Anderson (Eng) | 2002-2024 | 400 | 987 |
A. Kumble (Ind) | 1990-2008 | 403 | 956 |
G. McGrath (Aus) | 1993-2007 | 376 | 949 |
W. Akram (Pak) | 1984-2003 | 460 | 916 |
S. Broad (Eng) | 2006-2023 | 344 | 847 |
S. Pollock (SA) | 1995-2008 | 423 | 829 |
W. Younis (Pak) | 1989-2003 | 349 | 789 |
T. Southee (NZ) | 2008-2024 | 387 | 765 |
Rank | Player | Country | Wickets | Matches |
1 | D. Bravo | West Indies | 625 | 573 |
2 | R. Khan | Afghanistan | 583 | 430 |
3 | S. Narine | West Indies | 552 | 513 |
4 | I. Tahir | South Africa | 502 | 405 |
5 | S. Al Hasan | Bangladesh | 490 | 438 |
6 | A. Russell | West Indies | 458 | 503 |
7 | W. Riaz | Pakistan | 413 | 348 |
8 | L. Malinga | Sri Lanka | 390 | 295 |
9 | S. Tanvir | Pakistan | 389 | 388 |
10 | C. Jordan | England | 373 | 360 |
Most Wickets in Single Indian T20 League Season
Player | Country | Wickets | Matches |
M. Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | 534 | 350 |
W. Akram | Pakistan | 502 | 356 |
W. Younis | Pakistan | 416 | 262 |
C. Vaas | Sri Lanka | 400 | 322 |
S. Afridi | Pakistan | 395 | 398 |
S. Pollock | South Africa | 393 | 303 |
G. McGrath | Australia | 381 | 250 |
B. Lee | Australia | 380 | 221 |
L. Malinga | Sri Lanka | 338 | 226 |
A. Kumble | India | 337 | 271 |
Player | Country | Wickets | Matches |
M. Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | 800 | 133 |
S. Warne | Australia | 708 | 145 |
J. Anderson | England | 689 | 178 |
A. Kumble | India | 619 | 132 |
G. McGrath | Australia | 563 | 124 |
S. Broad | England | 566 | 160 |
C. Walsh | West Indies | 519 | 132 |
K. Dev | India | 434 | 131 |
R. Hadlee | New Zealand | 431 | 86 |
R. Herath | Sri Lanka | 433 | 93 |
Most Wickets in a Calendar Year Test
In the fast-paced T20 format, legends like D. Bravo and R. Khan have set remarkable records with their innovative and versatile bowling techniques. In One-Day, bowlers like M. Muralitharan and W. Akram have left an indelible mark with their strategic prowess over extended matches. Test cricket, the ultimate test of a bowler’s skill and stamina, has seen greats like S. Warne and J. Anderson reach unparalleled heights.