The 500-wicket milestone in T20 cricket is one of the rarest achievements in the short cricketing format. Over the years, only a handful of players have managed to reach this landmark.
This achievement highlights their skill as well as longevity in dominating both the International and domestic league stages. Bangladesh’s Shakib Al-Hasan has become the latest bowler to cross the landmark.
5. Shakib Al-Hasan: 502 Wickets
- Nationality: Bangladesh
- Matches Played: 458
- Bowling Style: Slow Left arm Orthodox
Shakib Al-Hasan entered the T20 500 Wicket club by claiming three wickets during his Antigua and Barbuda Falcons side’s victory over St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the CPL. Shakib stands apart from the rest with excellent abilities as an all-rounder. He is now the only player in T20 history to have completed the double of 7000 runs and 500 wickets.
4. Imran Tahir: 554 Wickets
- Nationality: South Africa
- Matches Played: 436
- Bowling Style: Legbreak Googly
The South African has been a constant force in leagues across the globe, featuring for more than 50 teams. He uses his variations, sharp googlies, and relentless energy to bowl out batters in all conditions. Even at 46 years of age, Tahir’s passion and effectiveness have kept him in demand, making him one of the most successful and enduring bowlers in the history of the format.
3. Sunil Narine: 590 Wickets
- Nationality: West Indies
- Matches Played: 557
- Bowling Style: Right arm Offbreak
Renowned for his mystery spin and ability to choke runs in the powerplay as well as the middle overs. He played a pivotal role in winning Kolkata Knight Riders three IPL titles and has even been named IPL’s Most Valuable Player for three seasons. He even bowled the first and only maiden Super Over in T20 History. He even took a wicket on the final ball.
2. Dwayne Bravo: 631 Wickets
- Nationality: West Indies
- Matches Played: 582
- Bowling Style: Right arm Medium
Dwayne Bravo will go down as one of the legends of the T20 format. He was the first bowler to enter the 500 T20 Wicket Club as well as take 300, 400, and 600 wickets. He played a pivotal role in helping the West Indies secure two World Cups as well as over 15 league titles.
1. Rashid Khan: 660 Wickets
- Nationality: Afghanistan
- Matches Played: 487]
- Bowling Style: Legbreak Googly
His extraordinarily effective legspin has made him one of the greatest T20 bowlers ever. His name ranks among the first on wish lists of teams in leagues all around the world. He took over 50 wickets in T20s for a record eight consecutive calendar years from 2017 to 2024. He also holds the record for most wickets by any bowler in a calendar year, just shy of the 100-wicket mark with 96.
Conclusion
“Batters win you games, bowlers win you tournaments” is an accepted cricketing truth. Nowhere is it challenged more, though, than in T20s. Crossing the 500-wicket mark in T20 cricket is no small feat, and the few who have achieved it represent the very best of the format. Their achievements underline the value of bowlers in a batsman-dominated format.
Written by: Thillai Ritvik
