Leading wicket-takers across all World T20 editions

The World T20, which started back in 2007, has seen many remarkable bowling performances. This format is generally not seen as a bowlers game. The shortest format of the game is generalized as unhelpful for bowlers. But, some extraordinary bowlers have proved it from time to time that it’s a misconception, especially on the grandest stage of T20 cricket. Here are the leading wicket-takers across all World T20 editions. 1. Umar Gul – 13 wickets (2007): Pakistan bowler Umar Gul reacts as New Zealand batsman (R) Ross Taylor takes a run during the Twenty20 cricket world championship semi-final match between New Zealand and Pakistan at Newlands cricket stadium in Cape Town, 22 September 2007. (Photo by GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP/Getty Images) Umar Gul was Pakistan’s pace bowling spearhead in the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup and performed his role duly. Not only was he the top performer for Pakistan in the tournament, he also finished as the highest wicket-taker. His best bowling show in the tournament was the 4/25 he claimed against Scotland in Durban. Pakistan eventually ended the tournament as runner-ups to India. Also read – Best Asian XI of the World T20 2016 2. Umar Gul – 13 wickets (2009): Pakistan’s bowler Umer Gul (L) celebrates with teammate Shahid Afridi (R) after bowling Ireland’s Trent Johnston for a duck during a ICC World Twenty20 super-eight match at the Oval in London June 15, 2009. Pakistan scored 159 runs for 5 wickets and won the game by 39 runs. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images) Umar Gul also dominated the 2009 edition of the World T20 which was played in England. Pakistan made up for their previous loss in the final and emerged as the champions. Gul again was the chief performer for his team and took 13 wickets at an amazing average of 12.15. His best bowling performance in the tournament was his spectacular spell of 5/6 against New Zealand at the Oval. 3. Dirk Nannes – 14 wickets (2010): Australian cricketer Michael Clarke(L) celebrates with teammate Dirk Nannes the wicket of Pakistan cricketer Khalid Latif during the ICC World Twenty20 second semifinal match between Australia and Pakistan at the Beausejour Cricket Ground on May 14, 2010 in Gros Islet, St Lucia. (Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP/Getty Images) The left-arm fast bowler was at his peak of his short T20 career during the 2010 World T20. His amazing form reflected in his numbers as he ended up as the highest wicket-taker in the 2010 edition of the mega event where Australia finished runner-up to England. All these wickets came at an average of 13.07 and with an economy rate of 7.03. His best performance in the tournament was the match haul of 4/18 which he recorded against Bangladesh at Bridgetown. 4. Ajanta Mendis – 15 wickets (2012): COLOMBO, SRI LANKA – OCTOBER 7: Sri Lankan player Ajantha Mendis celebrates the dismissal of West Indies player Chris Gayle during the ICC World T20 Final between Sri Lanka and West Indies at R. Premadasa Stadium on October 7, 2012 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. (Photo by Ajay Aggarwal/Hindustan Times via Getty Images) By 2012, Ajanta Mendis’ credibility in Test had waned but his T20 reputation was still alive. Mendis took advantage of the home conditions and reaped 15 wickets in just 6 games at an astonishing average of 9.80. His strike rate was also a superb 9.6 balls per wicket. Mendis’ best figures in that edition is also equally mind-boggling. He looked unplayable against the weak Zimbabwe team and demolished them picking 6 wickets for 8. 5. Imran Tahir – 12 wickets (2014): South Africa bowler Imran Tahir celebrates the wicket of England batsman Eoin Morgan during the ICC World Twenty20 tournament cricket match between England and South Africa at The Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong on March 29, 2014. (Photo by PRAKASH SINGH/AFP/Getty Images) Imran Tahir has developed leaps and bounds as a leg-spinner. In 2014, all his hard work and dedication started to yield the desired result. Tahir was South Africa’s main weapon in 2014 World T20 hosted by Bangladesh. He took advantage of the sub-continent spin friendly tracks and returned home as the highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 14 wickets an average of 10.91 with best bowling figures of 4/21. Also read – Top 10 Bowlers with most wickets in a T20 tournament 6. Ish Sodhi – 10 wickets (2016): MOHALI, INDIA – MARCH 22: Ish Sodhi of New Zealand celebrates the wicket of Shahid Afridi, Captain of Pakistan with Kane Williamson, Captain of New Zealand during the ICC World Twenty20 India 2016 Super 10s Group 2 match between New Zealand and Pakistan at the IS Bindra Stadium on March 22, 2016 in Mohali, India. (Photo by Jan Kruger-IDI/IDI via Getty Images) If there was one bowler who enjoyed bowling in Indian, spinner-friendly conditions the most during the World T20 2016 it was the Kiwi leg-break bowler Ish Sodhi. He was almost unplayable and most effective against hosts India and returned with his best bowling figures in T20Is during the league game where he got 3 batsmen out spending just 18 runs. Sodhi was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand right through the tournament and accounted for 10 wickets in the 5 matches that his team played before being knocked out of the championship. Also read – Top 10 Bowlers with most 4 or more wickets in T20Is