T20 World Cup 2026: ‘Unreal numbers from the USA bowler’ – Irfan Pathan lauds Shadley van Schalkwyk, tournament’s leading wicket-taker

The USA have had another memorable T20 World Cup campaign, as they registered two wins from four games in Group A and have a slim chance of reaching the Super-Eight stage once again. In the 2024 T20 World Cup, they scripted history by beating Pakistan in the group stage and eventually progressed to the Super-Eight phase. This time, they did lose to Pakistan, but wins against the Netherlands and Namibia have helped them stay afloat.

One of the star performers for the USA in the ongoing World Cup has been fast bowler Shadley van Schalkwyk. The 37-year-old right-arm speedster is the leading wicket-taker in the tournament by a distance. In four matches, he has picked up 13 wickets at a mind-boggling average of 7.77 and an equally impressive strike rate of 6.85. His economy rate is also a commendable 6.56.

After the veteran bowler picked up two wickets in the USA’s final group game against Namibia on Sunday, February 15, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan appreciated his efforts throughout the marquee event.

Pathan, who won the Player of the Match award in the inaugural T20 World Cup final in 2007, praised Schalkwyk’s variations and mentioned that his control of lines makes him the top wicket-taker so far.

“Van Schalkwyk just keeps taking wickets. Unreal numbers from the USA bowler at this World Cup. His variations are his biggest strength, but it’s his control of the line that makes him the number one wicket-taker in this tournament,” Pathan wrote on his official ‘X’ (Formerly Twitter) handle.

On Sunday, the USA amassed 199/4 in 20 overs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on the back of half-centuries from skipper Monank Patel and Sanjay Krishnamurthi. In reply, Namibia could only manage 168/6 in their 20 overs.