The ninth edition of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 is set to start tomorrow, June 2, with the inaugural match between the USA and Canada. Both teams are playing their first World Cup and will be hoping to have a good one. The World Cup will be held in the US and the West Indies, and 20 teams will participate this season. The previous eight editions have seen some magnificent batters and bowlers showcase their talents throughout the tournament.
From Virat Kohli to Shakib-Al-Hasan, the list of highest run-scorers and wicket-takers in the T20 World Cup continues. Most of the players on the list are astute and have handled the pressure situations well. The bowlers in the last editions have been brilliant with the ball and taken some extraordinary wickets.
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Let's discuss the T20 World Cup top wicket-takers:
5. Ajantha Mendis - 35 wickets
Ajantha Mendis was one of the greatest bowlers in Sri Lanka, and spin bowling was difficult for people to comprehend. He was perfectly capable of reading the batters' minds and reflecting immediately. In the World Cups, he has taken 35 wickets in 21 games, which is the fifth-highest in the tournament.
4. Saeed Ajmal - 36
Pakistan's Saeed Ajmal was their star bowler, who has taken 36 wickets in 23 matches. With his bowling, he has dominated the batters and got those important breakthroughs during tough times. As a bowler, he was quite smart and knew his game very well. Hence, he got constant wickets and also created chances whenever possible.
3. Lasith Malinga - 38
Lasith Malinga is another Sri Lankan legendary bowler with an impressive World Cup record. In 31 games, the stalwart has taken 38 wickets, which is quite remarkable. He was Sri Lanka's prime bowler at that time and was known for his swing bowling, deadly yorkers, and the most unique actions.
2. Shahid Afridi - 39
Pakistan's Shahid Afridi was definitely a stalwart when it came to bowling. Everything seemed so effortless, starting from his bowling action to his ability to take wickets. Moreover, in 34 games, he has taken 39 wickets, which is impressive. He was a match-winner and took crucial wickets whenever possible.
1. Shakib Al Hasan - 47
Shakib-Al-Hasan has an impressive record in the World Cup, as he has taken 47 wickets in 35 innings. This is quite a record for the bowler who has picked up some good wickets. Moreover, he's one of the best all-rounders in cricket who knows how to turn matches in the team's favour with bowling and batting. Now that he's making a comeback in the team, the entire world's eyes will be on him.