South Africa Bowlers in T20 World Cup History – Top 3 Performers

South Africa finished as runners-up in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, losing to India in the final of the tournament held across the Caribbean and the United States. Despite falling short of the final hurdle, the Proteas delivered a strong overall performance and will be keen to carry that momentum into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

For the upcoming edition, South Africa have largely retained a similar squad and have been placed in Group D alongside Canada, Afghanistan, New Zealand, and the United Arab Emirates. Aiden Markram will lead the side, with the bowling unit featuring a strong mix of pace and spin, including Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Anrich Nortje, Keshav Maharaj, George Linde, and Kwena Mapahaka. With the tournament set to be played on Asian pitches, spinners are expected to play a crucial role, as conditions are likely to favour slower bowlers.

Also read: T20 World Cup history: Top three wicket takers for England

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

Anrich Nortje

Anrich Nortje possesses the rare ability to combine extreme pace with late movement, making him a natural successor to his idol, Dale Steyn, in South Africa’s fast-bowling lineage. He first caught widespread attention during the 2018-19 Mzansi Super League, where his raw speed unsettled even established South African batters. His performances earned him an ODI debut in March 2019, followed by IPL and ODI World Cup call-ups.

Nortje grabbed global headlines during IPL 2020 while playing for the Delhi Capitals, when he clocked deliveries at 156 kph and 155 kph, the latter famously dismantling Jos Buttler’s middle stump. He later developed effective T20 variations, including a deceptive leg-cutter, which proved invaluable in global tournaments. Nortje claimed nine wickets at an economy rate of 5.30 in the 2021 T20 World Cup and followed it up with 11 wickets at the same economy in the 2022 edition. Overall, he has taken 53 wickets in 45 T20Is and 35 wickets in 19 T20 World Cup matches.

Dale Steyn

Dale Steyn remains one of the greatest fast bowlers the game has ever seen. The right-arm pacer is known for his extreme pace, lethal swing, and pinpoint accuracy, and dominated batters across conditions, including in the subcontinent, which further enhanced his legendary status.

In 2008, Steyn became the fastest South African, and the 15th fastest overall at the time, to reach 100 Test wickets. While his career spanned all formats, his impact in T20 cricket was equally significant. Steyn finished his T20I career with 64 wickets in 47 matches and picked up 30 wickets in 23 T20 World Cup appearances for South Africa.

Kagiso Rabada

Kagiso Rabada is a genuine fast bowler who consistently operates in the 140-150 kph range and possesses the skill to outthink batters. He quickly emerged as the leader of South Africa’s pace attack in the late 2010s. Before turning 23, Rabada became the youngest South African and the fifth-youngest bowler overall to claim 100 Test wickets.

Rabada also played a pivotal role in South Africa’s triumph in the 2025 World Test Championship final against Australia, where he claimed nine wickets. In T20is, he has taken 78 wickets in 72 matches. In T20 World Cup history, Rabada has claimed 28 wickets in 22 matches, making him the third-highest wicket-taker for the Proteas in the tournament.

South Africa squad for T20 World Cup 2026:

Aiden Markram (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs

South Africa 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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