T20 cricket is considered a batsman's game, with fours and sixes typically being hit from the first ball. However, some bowlers have changed the course of matches with their lethal bowling in the T20 World Cup 2026. Bowlers have consistently taken wickets throughout the tournament, proving crucial for teams and helping them gain advantage at crucial moments. As the tournament nears its final stages, let's take a look at the five leading wicket-takers in the T20 World Cup 2026.
Top 5 bowlers with most wickets in T20 World Cup 2026
| Rank | Player | Country | Wickets | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shadley van Schalkwyk | USA | 13 | 4 |
| 2 | Blessing Muzarabani | Zimbabwe | 12 | 5 |
| 3 | Lungi Ngidi | South Africa | 11 | 5 |
| 4 | Maheesh Theekshana | Sri Lanka | 11 | 6 |
| 5 | Varun Chakaravarthy | India | 11 | 6 |
5. Varun Chakravarthy (India)
India's Varun Chakravarthy, the world's No. 1 bowler, has taken 11 wickets in the tournament so far at an economy rate of 7.2. His best performance was 3/7 against Namibia in Delhi. However, Varun has struggled recently in the tournament, conceding runs at an economy rate of 10.25 in the first two Super 8 matches. He took just two wickets during that period. With India facing the West Indies in a crucial match, Varun will need to be ready to take wickets.
4. Maheesh Theekshana (Sri Lanka)
Sri Lanka's mystery bowler Maheesh Theekshana has taken 11 wickets, but his economy rate is 7.19. Theekshana has been a consistent wicket-taker for Sri Lanka in this tournament. He failed to take a wicket in just one group stage match against Zimbabwe. Bowling with the new ball, he has provided Sri Lanka with much-needed breakthroughs.
3. Lungi Ngidi (South Africa)
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Lungi Ngidi has been the star of the tournament for South Africa so far. His bowling performance has been the reason the Proteas haven't won the tournament. In addition to taking 11 wickets, Ngidi has also excelled with his bowling variations, confusing batsmen. His economy of 6.8 has played a key role in helping the Proteas restrict their opponents to low scores.
2. Blessing Muzarabani (Zimbabwe)
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Zimbabwe's fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani has taken 12 wickets in five matches. His height and extra bounce have been a major challenge for batsmen. Muzarabani has been successful in taking wickets with the new ball as well as in the middle overs. His consistency in the Super 8s has been a major plus for Zimbabwe. He has shown good ability to adapt to the conditions in Sri Lanka and India.
1. Shadley van Schalkwyk (USA)
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Shadley van Schalkwyk, the American fast bowler, is currently the leading wicket-taker in the World Cup. He has taken 13 wickets in four matches. Interestingly, his team lost in the group stage, but he is still ranked No. 1. Schalkwyk surprised everyone by taking four wickets against tough teams like India and Pakistan. Shadley's best qualities are his line and length and his ability to take wickets in the last few overs. He has created problems for the batsmen and has had a major impact on the tournament.
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