In the fast-paced world of Twenty20 (T20) cricket, bowlers play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of matches. With limited overs and high-scoring contests, taking wickets becomes crucial to halt the opposition’s momentum and turn the game in favour of the bowling side.
Over the years, we have witnessed some exceptional bowlers who have achieved remarkable feats by reaching the 100-wicket milestone in the shortest format of the game in record time. In this article, we will explore the top 10 fastest bowlers to reach 100 wickets in T20 cricket.
Fastest Bowlers to 100 Wickets in T20I Cricket
| Player | Date Achieved | Debut Date | Time Taken | Matches Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rashid Khan (AFG) | 29 Oct 2021 | 26 Oct 2015 | 6y 3d | 53 |
| Sandeep Lamichhane (NEP) | 16 Jun 2024 | 31 May 2018 | 6y 16d | 54 |
| Wanindu Hasaranga (SL) | 19 Feb 2024 | 1 Sep 2019 | 4y 171d | 63 |
| Mark Adair (IRE) | 7 Dec 2023 | 12 Jul 2019 | 4y 148d | 72 |
| Bilal Khan (OMA) | 15 Apr 2024 | 21 Nov 2015 | 8y 146d | 72 |
| Lasith Malinga (SL) | 6 Sep 2019 | 15 Jun 2006 | 13y 83d | 76 |
| Ish Sodhi (NZ) | 9 Oct 2022 | 5 Jul 2014 | 8y 96d | 78 |
| Mustafizur Rahman (BAN) | 14 Mar 2023 | 24 Apr 2015 | 7y 324d | 81 |
| Adam Zampa (AUS) | 11 Jun 2024 | 4 Mar 2016 | 8y 99d | 83 |
| Shakib Al Hasan (BAN) | 9 Aug 2021 | 28 Nov 2006 | 14y 254d | 84 |
| Tim Southee (NZ) | 26 Oct 2021 | 5 Feb 2008 | 13y 263d | 84 |
| Shem Ngoche (KENYA) | 29 Jun 2024 | 1 Feb 2010 | 14y 149d | 85 |
| Shadab Khan (PAK) | 27 Mar 2023 | 26 Mar 2017 | 6y 1d | 87 |
| Mitchell Santner (NZ) | 5 Sep 2023 | 23 Jun 2015 | 8y 74d | 90 |
| Chris Jordan (ENG) | 8 Jun 2024 | 2 Feb 2014 | 10y 127d | 92 |
| Adil Rashid (ENG) | 12 Dec 2023 | 5 Jun 2009 | 14y 190d | 100 |
1. Rashid Khan (AFG)
Rashid Khan, the Afghan leg-spinner, holds the record for being the fastest bowler to reach 100 wickets in T20 internationals. He achieved this feat during a match against Pakistan in Dubai on October 29, 2021.
Rashid took just 6 years and 3 days to reach the milestone, marking his incredible impact on the T20 format. His unique variations, deadly googlies, and accurate bowling have made him a formidable force in the world of T20 cricket.
Rashid Khan’s rise to stardom has been meteoric, and he has been a key figure for Afghanistan in the T20 format. His ability to deceive batsmen with his quick leg breaks and variations has made him a nightmare for many top-order batsmen. With the ability to bowl in the powerplay and restrict batsmen in the death overs, Rashid Khan has become one of the most sought-after T20 bowlers in franchise cricket around the world.
2. Lasith Malinga (SL)
Sri Lanka’s legendary fast bowler, Lasith Malinga, holds the second position on this list. He reached the 100-wicket mark in T20 internationals during a match against New Zealand in Pallekele on September 6, 2019. Malinga accomplished this milestone in 13 years and 83 days, showcasing his longevity and consistency as one of the best T20 bowlers of all time.
Lasith Malinga’s toe-crushing yorkers and clingy action have made him a T20 icon. He has been a vital cog in the Sri Lankan team for many years and has also been a prominent figure in various T20 leagues. His ability to take wickets in crucial moments and deliver under pressure has earned him the nickname “Yorker King.”
3. Ish Sodhi (NZ)
Ish Sodhi, the New Zealand leg-spinner, occupies the third spot in this elite list. He achieved the milestone of 100 wickets in T20 internationals during a match against Bangladesh in Christchurch on October 9, 2022. Sodhi’s impressive journey to 100 wickets took 8 years and 96 days, demonstrating his effectiveness in the shortest format of the game.
Ish Sodhi’s rise to the top as a leg-spinner has been impressive, and he has established himself as a key spinner for New Zealand in T20 cricket. With his deceptive googlies and variations, Sodhi has troubled many of the top batsmen in the world. His ability to bowl in the middle overs and break partnerships has made him a valuable asset for New Zealand in the T20 format.
4. Mustafizur Rahman (BAN)
Bangladesh’s left-arm pacer, Mustafizur Rahman, secured the fourth position in this ranking. He reached the 100-wicket mark in T20 internationals during a match against England in Mirpur on March 14, 2023. Mustafizur achieved this feat in 7 years and 324 days, establishing himself as one of the leading fast bowlers in T20 cricket.
Mustafizur Rahman’s unique cutter deliveries and deadly variations have made him a feared bowler in T20 cricket. He burst onto the scene with his sensational performances in the IPL and has since become an integral part of the Bangladesh team. Mustafizur’s ability to take wickets with his off-cutters and slower balls has made him a potent force in the death overs.
5. Shakib Al Hasan (BAN)
Another Bangladeshi cricketer, Shakib Al Hasan, stands at the fifth spot on this list. He achieved the milestone of 100 wickets in T20 internationals during a match against Australia in Mirpur on August 9, 2021. Shakib accomplished this impressive feat in 14 years and 254 days, highlighting his immense contribution to the game.
Shakib Al Hasan’s all-round abilities have made him one of the best cricketers in the world, and he has been a crucial figure for Bangladesh in T20 cricket. With his left-arm spin and ability to bat in the middle order, Shakib has been a match-winner for Bangladesh on numerous occasions. His control over the game and ability to perform under pressure make him a standout performer in T20 cricket.
6. Tim Southee (NZ)
Timothy Grant Southee, the New Zealand fast bowler, holds the sixth position in the list of fastest bowlers to 100 T20 wickets. He reached this milestone during a match against Pakistan in Sharjah on October 26, 2021. Southee achieved the feat in 13 years and 263 days, making him a valuable asset to the New Zealand cricket team.
Tim Southee’s ability to swing the ball both ways and his devastating yorkers have made him one of the premier fast bowlers in T20 cricket. He has been a consistent performer for New Zealand and has the knack of picking up wickets at crucial junctures. Southee’s experience and skill in the death overs have made him a valuable asset for his team.
7. Shadab Khan (PAK)
Pakistan’s young leg-spinner, Shadab Khan, secured the seventh position in this elite ranking. He achieved the milestone of 100 wickets in T20 internationals during a match against Afghanistan in Sharjah on March 27, 2023. Shadab accomplished this feat in just 6 years and 1 day, showcasing his immense talent and potential.
Shadab Khan’s rise to prominence has been swift, and he has become one of the key spinners for Pakistan in the T20 format. With his leg spin and googlies, Shadab has bamboozled many top batsmen in the world. His ability to contribute with the bat in the lower order makes him a valuable all-rounder for Pakistan.
Final Words
When it comes to T20 cricket, these bowlers have etched their names in the record books by achieving the remarkable feat of taking 100 wickets in T20 internationals in record time. Their ability to consistently perform at the highest level and contribute significantly to their respective teams’ success is a testament to their talent and dedication.
These bowlers have left an indelible mark in T20 cricket by achieving the remarkable feat of taking 100 wickets in record time. Their skill, consistency, and ability to deliver under pressure make them a prized asset for their respective teams.
As T20 cricket continues to captivate fans worldwide, we can expect more bowlers to rise to the occasion and set new milestones in this exciting and unpredictable format of the game.
Read Next: Top 10: Most Wickets in T20 Internationals
