Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga stole the spotlight in the T20 World Cup 2026, powering his side to victory over Ireland with a stellar 3-wicket haul for 25 runs. But the real headline was his ascent to second place on the all-time T20 World Cup wicket-takers list, eclipsing Shahid Afridi’s longstanding mark of 39 dismissals.
In a career spanning 20 matches, Hasaranga has now claimed 40 victims, demonstrating ruthless precision. Afridi drops to third with his 34-game record, while Shakib Al Hasan’s unparalleled 50 wickets in 43 matches from 2007-2024 remain the gold standard.
Rashid Khan’s 38 wickets in 24 outings position the Afghan as a serious contender, matched by Lasith Malinga’s 38 in 31 for fifth. Australia’s Adam Zampa, with 36 in 21, completes a top six brimming with talent.
Launched on March 7, this World Cup edition offers ample opportunities for shifts in the leaderboard. As Hasaranga and peers chase greatness, cricket enthusiasts are treated to a bowler-dominated spectacle, where every spell could redefine legacies.