ICC T20 Bowlers Ranking: Surprises, Shifts, and Star Performers

In the exhilarating world of Twenty20 (T20) cricket, where boundaries are more than mere scoring shots, the role of ICC T20 bowlers Ranking is often underappreciated. But keen followers of this format understand that they are the heart and soul of many victories. Understanding the significance of bowlers in T20 cricket, we present the definitive list of top wicket-takers that any cricket enthusiast shouldn’t miss.

We’ll explore the current maestros who are dominating the T20 scene, including their playing styles, key achievements, and why they are considered the best in the business. Without further ado, here are the top 10  ICC T20 Bowlers Ranking  that you need to know, straight from the ICC rankings.

The Current King – Adil Rashid (Rank #1)

A familiar name in the cricketing circles, Adil Rashid has consistently been a force to reckon with in the T20 format. Moreover, as the current number one bowler in ICC rankings, Rashid’s leg-break and googly skills have yielded impressive results. He has clinched a staggering 107 wickets in T20s at an average of 25.21, and Rashid grabbed 4 wickets for just 2 runs per wicket against West Indies on Oct 23, 2021. His ability to strike at crucial junctures is unmatched, and as a key player for England, he’s poised to lead the bowling lineup in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

“I always strive to challenge myself and improve with every game I play.” ~ Adil Rashid

The Rising Star – Wanindu Hasaranga (Rank #2)

Wanindu Hasaranga’s meteoric rise in T20 cricket continues to turn heads. A leg-Break all-rounder, Hasaranga has already made a significant mark in his young career with a total of 104 wickets in T20s at an impressive average of 15.56. Wanindu Hasaranga grabbed 4 wickets while only giving away 9 runs against India on July 29, 2021. Going forward, Hasaranga’s role in Sri Lanka’s T20 roster will undoubtedly be pivotal, and with a growing reputation, he is a star on the ascendancy.

A Maestro in the Making – Akeal Hosein (Rank #3)

Akeal Hosein may not be a name that resonates with everyone, but in T20 cricket. His left-arm spin has proven to be a potent weapon. With 38 wickets and an economy rate that consistently keeps the opposition in check, Hosein’s meticulous control and subtle variations make him a valuable asset. His career-best figures captured 4 wickets while only giving away 30 runs against England on January 30, 2022. epitomize his effectiveness in containing runs while making inroads. The future looks bright for this promising bowler from the West Indies.

The Indian Sensation – Axar Patel (Rank #4)

Axar Patel, the versatile left-arm orthodox bowler, has been a revelation in T20 cricket. Known for his accuracy and craftiness, Patel has amassed 49 wickets at an economy rate that keeps batsmen on a tight leash. His best of 3 wickets for 9 runs on 21st November, 2021 against New Zealand highlights his match-winning capabilities. Patel’s prowess with the ball, complemented by his lower-order batting skills, makes him a treasure trove for Indian cricket, especially in crucial T20 encounters.

A Sri Lankan Pillar – Mahesh Theekshana (Rank #5)

The emergence of Maheesh Theekshana has been a boon for Sri Lankan cricket. Furthermore, as a right-arm Off-Break bowler and a right-handed lower-order batsman, Theekshana offers a rare skill set that adds depth to his team. He already has 44 wickets at a remarkably low average, showcasing his potential to unsettle batsmen. His best figures of 3 wickets for 17 runs against Ireland on October 20th, 2021 is a testament to his ability to turn the game on its head. Theekshana’s rise to success is a tale that Sri Lankan cricket fans will follow with anticipation and excitement.

The Crafty Conjuror – Ravi Bishnoi (Rank #6)

Ravi Bishnoi is a name that’s synonymous with guile and deception. Additionally, with 36 T20 wickets to his credit, Bishnoi has an impressive bowling average and a knack for picking crucial wickets. His leg-break and googly bowling style often leave batsmen puzzled, as evidenced by his best figures of 4 wickets for 16 runs against West Indies on August 7th, 2022. Bishnoi’s development as a T20 specialist is a captivating narrative to watch.

The Accuracy Archer – Josh Hazlewood (Rank #7)

Josh Hazlewood’s controlled right-arm fast-medium deliveries have made him a favorite for purists. Although T20 is typically spinner-dominated, Hazlewood’s accuracy has earned him 61 wickets, often at pivotal moments in matches. Hazlewood’s craft has led to batsmen’s dismissals at a respectable average, with figures of 4 wickets for 12 runs against Sri Lanka on February 11th, 2017 highlighting his impact. In the fast-paced world of T20, Hazlewood’s precision is a rare and invaluable quality.

The Deceptive Dancer – Tabraiz Shamsi (Rank #8)

Tabraiz Shamsi’s unorthodox Slow left-arm chinaman have turned him into a mysterious figure in T20 cricket. Furthermore, with 78 wickets and a bowling average that regularly frustrates batsmen, Shamsi’s best figures of 5 wickets for 24 runs against England on July 31st, 2022 capture his ability to conjure game-changing scenarios. His confidence in exploring unconventional deliveries makes him a joy to watch and a potent weapon for the Proteas.

The Experienced Anchor – Mitchell Santner (Rank #9)

Mitchell Santner’s left-arm orthodox bowling complements his all-rounder status, adding value to the New Zealand team. With 111 wickets, Santner’s bowling average reflects his consistency at snaring wickets, while his all-round skills further strengthen his role in T20 cricket. His best of 4 wickets for 11 runs against India on March 15th,2016 signifies his potential to shift the momentum of a game, and as an experienced campaigner, Santner’s savvy will be vital for New Zealand’s T20 aspirations.

The Record-Breaker – Rashid Khan (Rank #10)

Rashid Khan’s right-handed leg spin has revolutionized T20 cricket. Boasting an incredible average of 14.27, Khan has claimed 138 wickets, solidifying his place among the T20 greats. His mastery against Ireland on 10/03/2017 of the googly leaves batsmen bewildered, and his best bowling figures of 5 wickets for just 3 runs are legendary. He commands respect on the T20 field, and as his dominance continues, fans can expect even more amazing feats.

Conclusion

While the T20 format favors batsmen, it also shines a light on bowlers with exceptional talent. This is evident in the dominance of spinners at the top of the ICC T20 Bowlers Ranking. Their success reflects the strategic complexities of T20 cricket. The upcoming T20 World Cup promises to be a thrilling showdown with these celebrated bowlers at its core. Don’t miss this unmissable event! Witness the art of bowling in the shortest format as these T20 stalwarts battle it out. Keep an eye out for emerging talents who may redefine the art of T20 bowling. The future of T20 cricket is undeniably bright with these skilled bowlers leading the way.

FAQs

Q1: How are bowlers ranked in T20 cricket? 

Bowlers are ranked based on their T20 match performance. This ranking considers various factors, such as wickets taken, bowling average, economy rate, and even a bowler’s best bowling figures. For instance, the ICC maintains an official T20 Bowlers Ranking, which you can find on their website.

Q2: What makes a bowler successful in T20 cricket? 

Although, the success in T20 cricket for a bowler relies heavily on their adaptability. They need to be able to adjust their bowling strategy to different playing conditions. Furthermore, bowlers must maintain accuracy under pressure. In the fast-paced world of T20, keeping the batsmen in check with precise deliveries is crucial. Additionally, a successful T20 bowler has a bag of tricks. They possess a variety of deliveries to deceive the batsman and make run scoring difficult.

Q3: Why are spinners particularly effective in T20 cricket? 

Spinners are a major weapon in T20 cricket. They can use the pitch conditions to their advantage. For instance, they can make the ball turn sharply and vary its speed, creating confusion for batsmen seeking quick runs.

Q4: Can fast bowlers also find success in T20 cricket? 

Absolutely, fast bowlers can thrive in T20 cricket. Their success hinges on a combination of factors. Firstly, they need to vary their pace to keep batsmen guessing. Secondly, mastering deliveries like yorkers and bouncers adds another weapon to their arsenal. Finally, maintaining a tight line and length consistently limits scoring opportunities.

Q5: How does the T20 World Cup showcase these bowlers? 

The T20 World Cup is a major international cricket event. Here, talented bowlers get to compete against the best batsmen globally. Moreover, their bowling skills can make or break their team’s game plan and ultimately, their path to winning the tournament.