Bhuvneshwar Kumar in T20 format (X.COM)
T20 cricket has brought about a revolution in the sport, providing fast-paced, high-energy matches that engage audiences around the world. The powerplay is a crucial stage of the game where teams plan to maximize their run-scoring potential while limiting the opposition's ability to score freely.
For bowlers, the powerplay presents a unique challenge. Only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle, making the margin for error minimal. Bowlers need to be precise with their line and length while also employing innovative variations to keep the batsmen guessing.
Taking wickets in the powerplay is a tough task, given the aggressive approach adopted by batsmen during this phase. However, it also creates an opportunity for bowlers to make significant breakthroughs and set the tone for the rest of the innings.
At OneCricket, let’s take a look at the top 5 bowlers with most powerplay wickets in T20 cricket.
1. David Willey (157 Wickets)
David Willey, 157 Wickets (Source: AFP)
David Willey is a dynamic left-arm seamer and powerful lower-order hitter known for his aggressive approach with both bat and ball. Willey's T20I debut for England was on June 23, 2015, against New Zealand in Manchester. Across 269 innings, Willey has delivered 3,259 balls, conceding 3,987 runs at an economy rate of 7.34.
His wicket-taking ability remains a key asset, reflected in a solid bowling average of 25.39 and 297 total dismissals. Whether opening the bowling or providing essential breakthroughs in the middle overs, Willey consistently brings control, variation, and competitiveness.
2. Trent Boult (140 wickets)
Trent Boult a world-renowned cricketer (X.COM)
Trent Boult stands among the elite left-arm fast bowlers of modern cricket, renowned for his ability to swing the new ball sharply and strike early. Across 238 innings, Boult has delivered 3,089 balls, conceding 3,709 runs, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 7.20. His wicket-taking consistency is reflected in 140 wickets, supported by a solid bowling average of 26.49.
Boult’s effectiveness is further underlined by his disciplined execution: 1,650 dot balls showcase his control, while his calculated aggression forces errors that translate into breakthroughs. His overall bowling impact includes 193 extras, highlighting his willingness to attack the stumps and swing the ball late.
3. Mohammad Amir (121 Wickets)
Mohammad Amir left-arm fast bowler (X.COM)
Mohammad Amir, the left-arm fast bowler from Pakistan stands third in the list to take most wickets in powerplay in T20 cricket. He made his T20 International debut for Pakistan in 2009 against England. He is known for his ability to swing the new ball and bowl deceptive variations, including the slower ball and the yorker, which make him a challenging bowler to face in the shortest format of the game.
Mohammad Amir has taken 121 wickets in T20 cricket in powerplay. His ability to generate pace, swing, and variations has made him a formidable opponent for batsmen around the world in T20 cricket.
4. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (126 Wickets)
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (X.COM)
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the Indian pace bowler, is known for his ability to swing the ball upfront and deliver crucial breakthroughs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar made his T20 International debut for India in 2012 against Pakistan. He has the ability to move the ball both ways, making him a potent threat in the powerplay overs. Additionally, he has developed variations like the knuckleball and slower deliveries, which add to his effectiveness in the shortest format.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has taken 126 wickets in T20 cricket in powerplay. He who took his first international wicket on his first ball with a swinging delivery, is one of the best swing bowlers India has ever produced.
5. Shaheen Shah Afridi (116 wickets)
Shaheen Shah Afridi, 116 wickets (Source: AFP)
Shaheen Shah Afridi continues to stand tall as Pakistan’s premier fast-bowling spearhead, blending pace, swing, and aggression to dismantle batting line-ups. Across 205 innings, Shaheen has delivered 2,438 balls, conceding 2,946 runs at a controlled economy rate of 7.25.
Taking 116 wickets, his strong bowling average of 25.39 underlines his ability to take wickets consistently and break crucial partnerships. A hallmark of Shaheen’s bowling is sustained pressure, reflected in 1,252 dot balls, forcing batters into mistakes.
