T20 World Cup history: Top three wicket-takers for Pakistan

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is currently underway across India and Sri Lanka, running from February 7 to March 8. Pakistan entered the tournament high on confidence after clinching a three-match T20I series victory over Australia. Their 2024 campaign, however, ended in disappointment as they were knocked out in the group stage following a string of crucial defeats. With a refreshed squad and renewed determination, Pakistan will be eager to reassert themselves on the global stage.

They are placed in Group A alongside India, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA and face a challenging route to the knockout rounds. The side is led by Salman Ali Agha, while the bowling attack boasts prominent names such as Shaheen Afridi, Usman Tariq, Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, and Abrar Ahmed. In familiar Asian conditions, Pakistan’s bowlers will aim to exploit their adaptability and variations to restrict opposition batters and steer the team deep into the tournament.

Here is a look at the top three wicket-takers for Pakistan in T20 World Cup history:

Shahid Afridi

Shahid Afridi remains one of Pakistan’s most iconic cricketers, renowned for his dynamic all-round abilities. A leg-spinning all-rounder, Afridi possessed a rich variety of deliveries, including a well-disguised googly, a conventional leg-break, and a quicker delivery that often surprised batters. His bowling was a potent weapon in limited-overs cricket, particularly in the T20 format, where his knack for breaking partnerships proved invaluable.

While Afridi was equally famous for his explosive batting, often playing with fearless aggression, it was his impact with the ball that consistently influenced matches in T20 World Cups. He was named Player of the Tournament in the inaugural 2007 edition and played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s 2009 triumph, delivering match-winning performances in both the semi-final and final. Across 99 T20Is, Afridi claimed as many wickets. In T20 World Cups, he featured in 34 matches and scalped 39 wickets, making him Pakistan’s highest wicket-taker in the tournament’s history.

Saeed Ajmal

Saeed Ajmal’s rise to international cricket was unconventional, as he made his debut in his 30s. However, he quickly established himself as one of the most skilful off-spinners in world cricket. Ajmal relied heavily on his doosra, complemented by subtle changes in flight and pace that made him extremely difficult to read.

His golden run began around 2011, when his variations consistently troubled batters across formats. Ajmal often bowled his off-spin and doosra from a similar line, typically on or just outside off stump, which made picking his deliveries even more challenging. He played a significant role in Pakistan’s successful 2009 T20 World Cup campaign, finishing as the joint second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament while maintaining an impressive economy rate. In 23 T20 World Cup matches, Ajmal took 36 wickets, cementing his legacy as one of Pakistan’s most effective spinners.

Umar Gul

Umar Gul was one of Pakistan’s premier fast bowlers in the white-ball format during his peak years. He is known for his pinpoint yorkers and exceptional control at the death and was instrumental in Pakistan’s 2009 T20 World Cup victory. Though not express in pace, he generated sharp movement and bowled a heavy ball, making him a constant threat.

Gul’s ability to strike in crucial moments set him apart. He often delivered decisive spells after the powerplay, combining clever variations with accurate yorkers to dismantle batting line-ups. In 60 T20Is, he claimed 85 wickets. On the World Cup stage, Gul played 24 matches and picked up 35 wickets, making him one of Pakistan’s most successful fast bowlers in T20 World Cup history.

Pakistan squad for T20 World Cup 2026:

Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq

Pakistan schedule for T20 World Cup 2026:

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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