Former West Indies captain Dwayne Bravo currently holds the record for picking the most wickets in T20 cricket.

The right-arm medium pacer has bagged 625 wickets in 573 matches at an average of 24.29 and an economy of 8.24. He is the first and the only cricketer to reach 600 wickets in the T20 format.

Apart from playing for the West Indies cricket team, Bravo has donned the jersey of several franchises in the Indian T20 League, Caribbean Premier League, Big Bash, Vitality T20 Blast and Bangladesh Premier League. 

Since making his T20I debut against New Zealand in 2006, Bravo has been a vital cog in the West Indies team in the shortest format of the game, winning the ICC World T20 titles in 2012 and 2016.

In his stellar T20 career, the Trinidad and Tobago-born cricketer has claimed the most wickets for Team Chennai in the Indian T20 League, picking 183 wickets in 160 matches at an impressive average of 23.73.

Bravo is followed by Afghanistan's Rashid Khan and West Indies all-rounder Sunil Narine.

Yuzvendra Chahal is the only Indian player to feature in the list of top 10 wicket-takers in T20 cricket.

Besides Bravo, three players - Rashid, Narine and Tahir - have scalped 500 plus T20 wickets. 

Interestingly, when T20 cricket was introduced by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in 2003, it was believed that spinners would be clobbered all around the park in the shortest format of the game.

However, since the inception of T20, spinners have played an important role in most games. Five spinners are currently in the top 10 list for most wickets in T20 cricket.

Most wickets in T20 cricket

Player	Matches	Wickets	Best Figures	Average	Economy
Dwayne Bravo	578	630	5/23	24.28	8.25
Rashid Khan	441	600	6/17	18.25	6.47
Sunil Narine	519	557	5/19	21.55	6.12
Imran Tahir	405	502	5/23	19.95	6.96
Shakib Al Hasan	444	492	6/6	21.49	6.79
Andre Russell	512	462	5/15	25.12	8.67
Wahab Riaz	348	413	5/8	22.63	7.54
Lasith Malinga	295	390	6/7	19.68	7.07
Sohail Tanvir	388	389	6/14	26.36	7.49
Chris Jordan	368	386	4/6	27.21	8.60

Featured photo: NOAH SEELAM / AFP

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 began on June 2 (as per IST) and will run till June 29 in the West Indies and the United States. 

Featuring as many as 20 teams, a total of 55 matches will be played over four weeks in the ninth edition of the T20 World Cup.

Some of the world's leading T20 bowlers including the likes of Adil Rashid, Wanindu Hasaranga, Axar Patel, Maheesh Theekshana, Josh Hazlewood, Rashid Khan and Jasprit Bumrah are featuring in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.

Namibia’s left-arm pacer Ruben Trumpelmann was the first bowler to register a four-wicket haul in T20 World Cup 2024. The 26-year-old pacer recorded figures of 4 for 21 to help his side bowl out Oman for 109 in 19.4 overs. Namibia later beat Oman in a Super Over in the third match of the T20 World Cup.

Sri Lanka cricket team captain Wanindu Hasaranga finished with the most wickets in the previous two editions of the T20 World Cup in 2021 and 2022.

In the 2022 edition of the T20 World Cup in Australia, star leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga scalped 15 wickets in eight matches at an average of 13.26 and an economy of 6.41.

Prior to that in the 2021 edition, Hasaranga also bagged the most wickets in the T20 World Cup in Oman and the United Arab Emirates. He claimed 16 wickets in eight games at an average of 9.75 and an economy of 5.20, which is also the record for the most wickets in any edition of the T20 World Cup.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan holds the record for the most wickets in T20 World Cup history.

Between 2007 and 2022, the slow left-arm orthodox spinner has bagged 47 wickets in 36 matches at an average of 18.63 and an economy of 6.78.

Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi (39 wickets) and ex-Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga (38 wickets) feature next on the list of most wickets in T20 World Cup history.

Apart from Wanindu Hasaranga, the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Matheesha Pathirana, Adam Zampa, Kuldeep Yadav and Mitchell Starc will be in contention to be leading wicket-takers in the ongoing T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the United States. 

Here’s a look at the players with the most wickets in T20 World Cup 2024.

Most wickets in T20 World Cup 2024

Player	Team	Matches	Wickets
Fazalhaq Farooqi	Afghanistan	8	17
Arshdeep Singh	India	8	17
Jasprit Bumrah	India	8	15
Anrich Nortje	South Africa	9	15
Rashid Khan	Afghanistan	8	14
Rishad Hossain	Bangladesh	7	14
Naveen-ul-Haq	Afghanistan	8	13
Alzarri Joseph	West Indies	7	13
Adam Zampa	Australia	7	13
Kagiso Rabada	South Africa	9	13

Photo credit: Alamy

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan holds the record for most wickets in T20 World Cup history.

Shakib Al Hasan has 47 wickets in 36 matches at an average of 18.63 and an economy rate of 6.78. He also has three four-wicket hauls in T20 World Cups with the best bowling effort of 4/9 that came against Papua New Guinea in the 2021 edition. 

Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi is second on the list of most wickets in T20 World Cup with 39 wickets in 34 matches at an economy of 6.71. Sri Lanka’s legendary fast bowler Lasith Malinga is next on the list with 38 T20 World Cup wickets in 31 matches at an economy rate of 7.43. Malinga’s best T20 World Cup spell was his 5/31 which rocked England in 2012.

Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal, mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis and fast bowler Umar Gul round off the top five list for most wickets in T20 World Cups.

Most wickets in T20 World Cup

Player	Matches	Wickets	Economy Rate	Best Bowling
Shakib Al Hasan	36	47	6.78	4/9
Shahid Afridi	34	39	6.71	4/11
Lasith Malinga	31	38	7.43	5/31
Saeed Ajmal	23	36	6.79	4/19
Ajantha Mendis	21	35	6.70	6/8
Umar Gul	24	35	7.30	5/6

Here’s a look at the top wicket-takers in each edition of the ICC T20 World Cup.

ICC T20 World Cup 2007: Umar Gul 

Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul was in tremendous form in the ICC T20 World Cup 2007 as he played an instrumental role in taking his side to the final with 13 wickets. He was also the pick of the bowlers in the final with 3/28 but ended up on the losing side. Interestingly, he was one of three bowlers who missed hitting the stumps in the bowl out that handed India a victory in a league stage match.

ICC T20 World Cup 2009: Umar Gul

Umar Gul once again was the highest wicket-taker in the tournament for the second consecutive time with 13 wickets. However, this time he went on to win the T20 title with Pakistan after falling agonizingly short in the final against India in the inaugural edition in 2007. He finished with figures of 1/29 in a final against Sri Lanka which Pakistan won comfortably by eight wickets. 

ICC T20 World Cup 2010: Dirk Nannes

The T20 World Cup 2010 was the highlight of Dirk Nannes�career after he finished as the highest wicket-taker with 14 scalps, including a best of 4/18 against Bangladesh. Though he had a short T20 career, Nannes made the most of it at the 2010 World Cup by playing a key role as Australia progressed to the final before succumbing to defeat against England.

ICC T20 World Cup 2012: Ajantha Mendis

Sri Lanka’s Ajantha Mendis spun a web around opposition batsmen in the ICC T20 World Cup 2012. He topped the wicket-taking charts with 15 wickets. In the very first match of the tournament, Mendis returned with mind-boggling figures of 6/8 against Zimbabwe. He also bowled magnificently in the final against West Indies with a bowling effort of 4/12 although it wasn’t enough to help Sri Lanka win the coveted T20 title.

ICC T20 World Cup 2014: Imran Tahir & Ahsan Malik

South Africa’s Imran Tahir and Netherlands�Ahsan Malik were the joint leading wicket-takers in the ICC T20 World Cup 2014 with 12 scalps apiece. Tahir produced a best bowling effort of 4/21 against the Dutch while Malik made it to the top of the wicket-takers list as an associate bowler. Malik scalped 5/19 versus South Africa but the Proteas eventually crashed out in the semi-finals, while Netherlands could not go past the group stages. 

ICC T20 World Cup 2016: Mohammad Nabi

Off-spinner Mohammad Nabi produced great individual performances with the ball at the ICC T20 World Cup 2016 and topped the wicket-takers list with 12 scalps, one more than countrymate Rashid Khan. Though Afghanistan could not go beyond the group stages, Nabi’s bowling was a bright spark for Afghanistan in what was otherwise a disappointing campaign.

ICC T20 World Cup 2021: Wanindu Hasaranga

Sri Lankan leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga showcased exemplary bowling skills to finish the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 as the highest wicket-taker with a haul of 16 wickets with a best of 3/20 against South Africa in the Super 12 stage. Though Sri Lanka failed to reach the knockout stages of the competition, the leggie's bowling was a massive boost to a bowling unit that lacked confidence and execution.

ICC T20 World Cup 2022: Wanindu Hasaranga

Wanindu Hasaranga once again ended with most wickets in the 2022 edition of the T20 World Cup in Australia. Sri Lankan star leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga scalped 15 wickets in eight matches at an average of 13.26 and an economy of 6.41. His best bowling figures of 4-0-8-3 at the marquee T20 tournament came against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a First Round Group A encounter in Geelong in October 2022.

Photo credit: Surjeet Yadav / AFP

The Wankhede Stadium is one of the iconic cricket stadiums located in Mumbai, India.

Established in 1974, the Wankhede Stadium is owned and operated by Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA).

Situated near Marine Drive in the Churchgate neighbourhood of Mumbai, the cricket ground has a seating capacity of around 33,000.

The stadium was built after disputes between the Cricket Club of India (CCI) and MCA over the allocation of tickets for cricket matches.

It is the home ground of the Mumbai team in domestic cricket and the Mumbai franchise in the Indian T20 League. 

The Wankhede Stadium staged its first international fixture, a Test match played between hosts India and West Indies in January 1975. Led by Clive Lloyd, West Indies won by 201 runs.

It has staged several important matches in major international competitions including in 1987 Cricket World Cup, 1996 Cricket World Cup, 2011 Cricket World Cup, 2023 Cricket World Cup and the 2016 World T20. 

Apart from international matches, it has also staged several Indian T20 League matches and other T20 matches in domestic as well as at club levels.

Let’s have a closer look at the Wankhede Stadium T20 records and stats.

Wankhede Stadium T20 records and stats

Highest total

The Madhya Pradesh cricket team holds the record for the highest total at the Wankhede Stadium in T20 cricket. During a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy group match in 2019, the Naman Ojha-led Madhya Pradesh posted 244/4 in their 20 overs against Meghalaya. Electing to bat first, Madhya Pradesh rode on fifties from Rajat Patidar (68), Ashutosh Sharma (60) and Naman Ojha (56) to post a record T20 total at the venue. In reply, Meghalaya could only manage 159/9 in their allotted overs as Madhya Pradesh secured a comprehensive 85-run victory in Mumbai.

Lowest total

Team Kolkata registered the lowest total at the Wankhede Stadium in the T20 format. Put into bat, Kolkata were bundled out for 67 in 15.2 overs by Team Mumbai during the inaugural edition of the Indian T20 League in 2008. Captain Sourav Ganguly and Ajit Agarkar top-scored for Kolkata with 15 each. For Mumbai, Shaun Pollock scalped three wickets while Dwayne Bravo, Rohan Raje and Dominic Thornely bagged two wickets each. Later, the Sachin Tendulkar-led Mumbai chased down the required target in just 5.3 overs to claim an eight-wicket win.

Most runs

India cricket team captain Rohit Sharma has scored the most runs at the venue in T20 cricket. Between 2007 and 2024, the swashbuckling right-handed batter amassed 2,445 runs in 85 matches at an average of 34.43 and a strike rate of 136.43. He has slammed one century and 16 fifties at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in cricket’s shortest format. Rohit has represented the likes of the Indian cricket team, Team Mumbai in the Indian T20 League as well as the Mumbai cricket team in domestic cricket at this venue.

Most wickets

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Lasith Malinga has scalped the most wickets at this cricket ground in the T20 format. Representing Team Mumbai in the Indian T20 League, the former right-arm pacer bagged 68 wickets in 43 matches at an average of 17.33 and an economy of 7.00. His best T20 bowling figures at the Wankhede Stadium is 4/16 against Team Deccan in Indian T20 League 2012. Malinga’s former Team Mumbai teammate Harbhajan Singh is second on the list with 53 wickets in 55 matches.  

Highest individual score

Kerala’s Mohammed Azharuddeen holds the record for the highest individual score at the Wankhede Stadium in T20 cricket. Opening the batting, Mohammed Azharuddeen smashed 137 not out off just 54 balls while chasing 197 against Mumbai in a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy clash in 2021. His scintillating knock was laced with nine fours and 11 maximums as he helped Kerala chase down the target in 15.5 overs. Earlier, Mumbai scored 196/7 in their 20 overs. Kerala won the game by eight wickets.

Best bowling figures

Former Mumbai cricketer Siddhesh Lad has the best bowling figures at this venue in the T20 format. The right-arm off-spinner registered magnificent figures of 5/13 against Mizoram during a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy group match in 2019. Lad dismissed Lalhmangaiha, captain KB Pawan, Lalhruaizela, Saidingliana Sailo and Lalhruai Ralte to bowl out Mizoram for 77 in 19.3 overs. Mumbai later successfully chased down the required target in just eight overs as they won the match by 10 wickets. Apart from Lad, Harbhajan Singh, Wanindu Hasaranga, Santha Moorthy and Umran Malik have scalped five wicket-hauls in the T20 format at the Wankhede Stadium.

Highest partnership

Team Bangalore’s AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli hold the record for the highest partnership at the Wankhede Stadium in T20 cricket. During an Indian T20 League match in 2015, AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli forged an unbeaten 215-run partnership for the second wicket against Team Mumbai. While Kohli remained unbeaten on 82 not out, AB de Villiers hammered 133 not out off 59 balls to power Bangalore to 235/1 in their 20 overs. Bangalore later restricted Mumbai to 196/7 in their allotted overs to win the match by 39 runs.

Highest successful chase

The England cricket team holds the record for the highest successful chase at this venue against South Africa during an ICC World T20 clash in 2016. Chasing a target of 230, England rode on Joe Root’s 44-ball 83 and Jason Roy’s 43 off 16 balls to chase down the target in 19.4 overs with two wickets in hand.

Photo credit: Alamy

The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, also known as Chepauk, has been a prominent name in cricket since the inception of the Presidency matches in 1916.

From the first-ever Ranji Trophy match being played in the venue in 1934, to India’s first Test win in 1951-52 when they defeated England, the MA Chidambaram Stadium has hosted some historic matches and seen some memorable records being created over the years.

Though Chepauk has accommodated only two T20 internationals in all these years, the iconic stadium has hosted close to 50 Indian T20 League matches already and is the fortress of the MS Dhoni-led Team Chennai.

Here's a closer look at all the 20-over records at the venue.

MA Chidambaram T20I records

Highest Total: The highest total of 182 at the ground was made by India while playing against West Indies in 2018. After the West Indies team had given a target of 181 runs while opting to bat first, India had chased it down in exactly 20 overs to win the match by six wickets

Lowest Total: The lowest total on the ground was made by India (166 runs) as well, during their clash with New Zealand in 2012. After New Zealand had set up a target of 167 after batting first, the Indian cricket team made 166 runs and lost the match by one run.

Highest Score: The highest individual T20 score at this venue is 92, scored by India's Shikhar Dhawan when he faced West Indies in 2018. His innings, which included 10 boundaries and three sixes, is also the highest run-scorer in a single match in the stadium.

Best Bowling: India's Irfan Pathan has recorded the best bowling figures of 3/31 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium against New Zealand in 2012.

Highest partnership: The highest partnership in Chepauk is the 130-run stand by India's Shikhar Dhawan and Rishabh Pant against the West Indies in 2018. It was a third-wicket partnership.

MA Chidambaram Indian T20 League records

Most runs: Suresh Raina has the most number of runs in Chepauk. The southpaw has played 56 matches in the venue, tallying 1,593 runs with eight half-centuries and one century to his name. He is followed by MS Dhoni (1,513) and Murali Vijay (1053).

Most wickets: Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is the bowler with the most wickets in the Indian T20 League at this venue. He's taken 53 wickets on this ground with best bowling figures of 3/16. 

Highest total: The highest total in the Indian T20 League at this venue was made by Team Chennai against Team Rajasthan in 2010. They scored 246/5 batting first and successfully defended their total by restricting Team Rajasthan to 223/5.

Lowest total: The lowest team total at this venue was made by Team Bangalore during the 2019 edition of the Indian T20 League. They scored 70 before being bundled out and Team Chennai chased down the target with seven wickets and 14 balls to spare.

Highest individual score: Murali Vijay holds the distinction of having the highest individual score on this ground in the Indian T20 League. The same game that saw Team Chennai post the highest team total at this venue also witnessed Murali Vijay smash a 56-ball 127 as the hosts registered a 23-run win.

Best bowling figures: Akash Madhwal boasts the best bowling figures at the Chepauk stadium in the Indian T20 League. While representing Team Mumbai against Team Lucknow in 2023, Madhwal finished with figures of 5/5 in his 3.3 overs overs to bundle out the opposition for 101. His brilliant bowling spell guided Team Mumbai to an 81-run victory in Chennai.

Highest partnership: Murali Vijay and Michael Hussey's 159-run stand for Team Chennai against Team Bangalore during Indian T20 League 2011 is the highest partnership on this ground. Their partnership helped Team Chennai post 205/5 before restricting Team Bangalore to 147/8 to register a 58-run win.

Highest successful chase: Team Chennai pulled off the highest successful chase against Team Bangalore during the 2012 edition of the Indian T20 League. Chasing a target of 206, Faf du Plessis made 71 off 46 and MS Dhoni managed 41 from 24 balls to help Team Chennai to 208/5 at the end of their 20 overs.

Feature Image Courtesy: AFP/ Arun Sankar

The R Premadasa Stadium is one of the most iconic cricket venues located in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Also known as Khettarama Stadium or Ranasinghe Premadasa Stadium, the R Premadasa Stadium has a seating capacity of 35,000.

It has hosted several marquee ICC tournaments including the ICC Champions Trophy 2002, the ICC World Cup 2011 and the ICC World T20 2012.

The R Premadasa Stadium staged its first T20 international match between Sri Lanka and India in 2009 and the Men in Blue won that contest by three wickets. Since then, it has hosted more than 40 T20Is.

Considered the largest stadium in Sri Lanka, it has also staged several Lanka Premier League (LPL) matches.

Let’s have a look at R Premadasa Stadium T20 records and stats:

R Premadasa T20I records and stats

Highest team total

The Bangladesh cricket team holds the record for the highest team total at the R Premadasa Stadium in T20I cricket. During a tri-series encounter in 2018, Bangladesh recorded 215/5 in 19.4 overs while chasing Sri Lanka’s 214/6. Wicketkeeper-batter   Mushfiqur Rahim’s unbeaten 72 off 35 balls, Tamim Iqbal’s 29-ball 47 and Litton Das�43 off 19 balls helped Bangladesh chase down the mammoth total and register a five-wicket win in Colombo.

Lowest team total

The Afghanistan cricket team registered the lowest team total at the R Premadasa Stadium in the T20I format. Chasing 197 against England, Afghanistan were bowled out for 80 in 17.2 overs during an ICC World T20 clash in 2012. Gulbadin Naib (44) was the only Afghan batter to score in double digits. For England, Jade Dernbach, Stuart Broad, Samit Patel and Graeme Swann scalped two wickets each.

Most runs

Sri Lanka’s Kusal Perera has scored the most runs at this cricket venue in T20I cricket. Between 2013 and 2021, the swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter accumulated 425 runs in 14 matches at an average of 30.35 and a strike rate of 139.34. He has slammed four fifties in the T20I format at this ground. India’s Shikhar Dhawan is second on the list with 284 runs in eight matches.

Most wickets

Legendary Sri Lankan cricketer Lasith Malinga picked up the most wickets at the R Premadasa Stadium in T20I cricket. The right-arm pacer bagged 17 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 26.76 and an economy of 8.22. He registered best bowling figures of 3/34 on this ground in the T20I format. Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga features second on the list with 14 wickets in eight matches.

Highest individual score

Former England cricketer Luke Wright has the record for the highest individual score at this venue in the T20I format. During an ICC World T20 group match in 2012, Luke Wright slammed an unbeaten 99 off 55 balls against Afghanistan to power his side to 196/5 in 20 overs. Wright’s knock included eight fours and six maximums. England later bundled out Afghanistan for 80 to secure a massive 116-run victory.

Best bowling figures

Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga holds the record for the best bowling figures at the R Premadasa Stadium in T20I cricket. In the third T20I of a three-match series against India n 2021, the star leg-spinner registered impressive figures of 4-0-9-4. Hasaranga dismissed Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Varun Chakravarthy to restrict India to 81/8 in 20 overs. Sri Lanka chased down the target in 14.3 overs to win the match by seven wickets and seal the series 2-1.

Highest partnership

Australia’s Aaron Finch and David Warner hold the record for the highest partnership at the R Premadasa Stadium in the T20I format. Chasing 129, Finch and Warner stitched a match-winning 134-run stand for the opening wicket to help Australia register a thumping 10-wicket win in Colombo in 2022. Finch remained unbeaten on 61, while Warner was 70 not out as Australia took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

R Premadasa T20 records and stats

Highest team total

Chilaw Marians Cricket Club recorded the highest team total at the R Premadasa Stadium in T20 cricket. Chilaw Marians Cricket Club posted 227/6 in 20 overs against Colts Cricket Club during the final of a domestic T20 Tournament in 2004. Chilaw Marians Cricket Club later bowled out Colts Cricket Club for 124 in 12.5 overs to register a 103-run victory in Colombo.

Lowest team total

Combined Provinces have the lowest team total at this cricket venue in the T20 format. During the Sri Lanka Cricket Inter-Provincial Twenty20 Tournament in 2011, Combined Provinces could only manage 61/8 in a shortened encounter against Kandurata. Captain of Kandurata Tharanga Paranavitana and Kumar Sangakkara later stitched an unbeaten 63-run opening stand to register a 10-wicket win.

Highest individual score

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Upul Tharanga holds the record for the highest individual score at the R Premadasa Stadium in T20 cricket. The southpaw scored an unbeaten 124 against Galle during a SLC T20 League clash in 2018. Tharanga’s innings was laced with five fours and 11 sixes, helping Colombo to a total of 197/5 en-route to an eventual 90-run win over Galle.

Best bowling figures

Sri Lanka’s Jeffrey Vandersay has the best bowling figures at this cricket ground in cricket’s shortest format. Playing for Colombo Stars, the leg spinner registered brilliant figures of 4-1-25-6 against Kandy Warriors during a Lanka Premier League clash in 2021. His spell restricted Kandy Warriors to 124 runs in the chase as Colombo Stars won the match by 58 runs having posted 182/6 in the first innings of the game.

Most runs

Former Sri Lankan captain Dinesh Chandimal has scored the most runs at the R Premadasa Stadium in T20 cricket. The right-handed batter has amassed 1,312 runs in 48 matches at an average of 33.64 and a strike rate of 126.51 between 2011 and 2023. He’s smashed nine fifties in T20 cricket at this venue while representing the likes of B-Love Kandy, Colombo, Colombo Stars, Galle Guardians, Nondescripts Cricket Club, Ruhuna, SLC Greens, Sri Lanka, Uthura Yellows and Wayamba United..

Most wickets

Sri Lankan fast bowler Isuru Udana has scalped the most wickets at this venue in cricket’s shortest format. Between 2011 and 2023, the left-arm pacer has claimed 34 T20 wickets in 35 matches at an average of 26.20 while representing the likes of B-Love Kandy, Basnahira Greens, Combined Provinces, Dambulla, Galle Gladiators, Galle Guardians, Kandy Falcons, Nondescripts Cricket Club, Sri Lanka and Wayamba United. His best bowling T20 figures at R Premadasa Stadium is 3/39. 

Highest partnership

Kamran Akmal and Tamim Iqbal recorded the highest partnership at the R Premadasa Stadium in T20 cricket. Representing Wayamba United, Kamran Akmal and Tamim Iqbal forged a match-winning 176-run stand against Uthura Rudras during a Sri Lanka Premier League clash in 2012. Iqbal’s 93 and Akmal’s 79 guided Wayamba United to a nine-wicket win as they made light work of the 180-run target set by Uthura Rudras.

Photo credit: Alamy

Legendary Australia fast bowler Glenn McGrath is the highest wicket-taker in ICC World Cup history.

Considered to be one of the greatest bowlers of all-time, Glenn McGrath took 71 wickets in 39 ICC World Cup matches.

Spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan is second on the list for players with most wickets in ODI World Cup history having accounted for 68 scalps in 40 games.

Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga and Pakistan Wasim Akram feature third and fourth, respectively, on the highest wicket-takers in ICC World Cup list. While Malinga picked 56 wickets in 29 matches, Akram scalped 55 wickets in 38 matches.

Among active cricketers, Australia’s Mitchell Starc is the highest wicket-taker in ICC World Cup history. He has already bagged 54 wickets in just 21 matches. Know the highest wicket-takers in ICC World Cup.

Most wickets in ICC World Cup

Player	Team	Span	Matches	Wickets
Glenn McGrath	Australia	1996-2007	39	71
Muttiah Muralitharan	Sri Lanka	1996-2011	40	68
Lasith Malinga	Sri Lanka	2007-2019	29	56
Wasim Akram	Pakistan	1987-2003	38	55
Mitchell StarcÂ	Australia	2015-2023	21	54
Chaminda Vaas	Sri Lanka	1996-2007	31	49
Zaheer Khan	India	2003-2011	23	49
Javagal Srinath	India	1992-2003	34	44
Trent Boult	New Zealand	2015-2023	22	42
Imran Tahir	South Africa	2011-2019	22	40

Glenn McGrath | 71

Former Australia fast bowler Glenn McGrath is currently the highest wicket-taker in ICC World Cup history. Between 1996 and 2007, McGrath scalped 71 wickets in 39 matches at an average of 18.19 and an economy of 3.96. He bagged two five wicket-hauls including his best bowling figures of 7/15 in the ODI World Cup. McGrath was part of the Australian cricket team that won three consecutive ODI World Cup trophies in 1999, 2003 and 2007.

Muttiah Muralitharan | 68

Legendary spinner Muttiah Muralitharan is second on the highest wicket-takers in ICC World Cup list. Muralitharan featured in five editions of the ODI World Cup in 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011. The former off-spinner picked 68 wickets in 40 World Cup matches at an average of 19.63 and an economy of just 3.88. He registered four four wicket-hauls in the marquee ODI World Cups. Muralitharan was a member of the Sri Lanka team that won the 1996 Cricket World Cup.

Lasith Malinga | 56

Former Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga features third on the highest wicket-takers in ICC World Cup list. Regarded as one of the greatest limited-overs bowlers of all-time, Malinga bagged 56 wickets in 29 World Cup matches at an average of 22.87 and an economy of 5.51. Interestingly, he is the only bowler in world cricket to have two World Cup hat-tricks. Malinga was part of the Sri Lankan team that finished as runners-up in the 2007 and 2011 ODI World Cups. 

Wasim Akram | 55

Pakistan’s Wasim Akram is the fourth highest wicket-taker in ICC World Cup history. After making his ICC World Cup debut in 1987, Akram finished with 55 wickets in 38 World Cup matches at an average of 23.83 and an economy of 4.04. Widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time, Akram helped Pakistan clinch the 1992 Cricket World Cup. Under his leadership, Pakistan reached the final of the 1999 Cricket World Cup before losing to Australia by eight wickets.

Mitchell Starc | 54

Australia left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc is fifth on the highest wicket-takers in ICC World Cup list. Having featured in three editions of the ICC World Cup between 2015 and 2023, Starc bagged 54 wickets in just 21 matches at an average of 15.79 and an economy of 4.65. He was an integral member of the Australian team that won the 2015 Cricket World Cup.

Photo credit: Alamy

The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is an iconic cricket ground located in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

Established in November 2009, the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium has a seating capacity of 35,000.

The Kandy cricket stadium was one of the sporting venues built for the Cricket World Cup 2011 hosted by Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh. 

The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium staged its first international match in 2010, a Test between Sri Lanka and West Indies.

It later hosted its first One-Day International (ODI) played between Pakistan and New Zealand during a Group A match at Cricket World Cup 2011. Since then, the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium has staged more than 30 ODIs.

Here, we have a closer look at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium ODI records and stats:

Pallekele International Cricket Stadium ODI records and stats

Highest team total

The South Africa national cricket team holds the record for the highest team total at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in ODI cricket. During the third ODI of South Africa’s tour of Sri Lanka in 2018, the visitors posted a mammoth total of 363/7 in their allotted 50 overs. Put in to bat, South Africa rode on Reeza Hendricks�102, along with contributions from Jean-Paul Duminy (92), Hashim Amla (59) and David Miller (51) to record the highest ODI total at Kandy cricket stadium. South Africa later bowled out Sri Lanka for 285 in 45.2 overs to register a 78-run victory. South Africa won the five-match ODI series 3-2.

Lowest team total

The Zimbabwe national cricket team owns the record for the lowest team total at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in the 50-over format. Chasing a target of 255, Zimbabwe was bowled out for 70 against Sri Lanka during the third ODI in 2022. Leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay was the wrecker-in-chief for Sri Lanka as he scalped four wickets for just 10 runs in his 7.4 overs. Takudzwanashe Kaitano (19) and Ryan Burl (15) were the only two Zimbabwean batters to record double digit scores. With a massive 184-run victory, Sri Lanka clinched the three-match ODI series 2-1.

Most runs

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Tillakaratne Dilshan currently holds the record for most ODI runs at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Between 2011 and 2015, the swashbuckling Sri Lankan batter amassed 939 runs in 15 matches at an average of 78.25 and a strike rate of 90.02. He slammed five hundreds and two fifties at this venue in ODI cricket.

Most wickets

Legendary Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga has the most ODI wickets at Kandy cricket ground. The former right-arm pacer picked up 24 wickets in 16 ODIs at an average of 27.29 and an economy of 5.45. His best ODI bowling figures of 6-1-24-4 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium came against South Africa in 2014.

Highest individual score

Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran recorded the highest individual score at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in ODI cricket. Opening the innings, Ibrahim Zadran smashed 162 off just 138 balls during the third ODI of Afghanistan’s tour of Sri Lanka in 2022. His magnificent knock included 15 fours and four sixes. Despite Ibrahim Zadran’s scintillating knock, Afghanistan suffered a four-wicket defeat in Kandy. The three-match ODI series ended 1-1.

Best bowling figures

Former Australian speedster Mitchell Johnson holds the best bowling figures record at this ground in ODI cricket. During the first ODI of Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka in 2011, Mitchell Johnson bagged six wickets for 31 runs in his quota of 10 overs to bowl out the hosts for 191 in 41.1 overs. Australia later chased down the required target in 38.1 overs to secure a comprehensive seven-wicket win in Kandy. The likes of Thisara Perera, Chris Woakes and Akila Dananjaya have also claimed six-wicket hauls at this venue in ODIs.

Highest partnership

Sri Lanka’s Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan hold the record for the highest partnership at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in ODI cricket. Tharanga and Dilshan put on a massive 282-run opening stand against Zimbabwe during an ICC Cricket World Cup clash in 2011. While Tharanga scored 133, Dilshan hammered 144 to power Sri Lanka to 327/6 in 50 overs. Later, Sri Lanka bowled out Zimbabwe for 188 to register a 139-run victory in Kandy.

Photo credit: Alamy

Being dismissed for a duck without scoring a run is the stuff of nightmares for batters in cricket. However, getting out on the first ball you face without disturbing the scorers for a golden duck is even more difficult to endure.

A duck in cricket refers to when a batter gets dismissed by the bowler without scoring a single run in their inning. A golden duck in turn takes place when a batter is dismissed off the very first ball of their innings without troubling the scorers.

No player wants to hold the record for most golden ducks in ODIs. However, former Sri Lanka speedster Lasith Malinga holds the record for most golden ducks in ODIs. He was dismissed for 13 golden ducks while representing the Lankans in ODIs and has 26 ducks overall in the format.

That said, Malinga can still take solace in the fact that he was never dismissed for multiple ducks in a row. For certain other players, there’s no hiding from the ignominy that comes from suffering with consecutive ducks in ODI cricket.

As many as 14 players have endured the unwanted experience of recording three consecutive ducks in ODIs.

The first Indian player to succumb to three consecutive ducks in ODI cricket was Suryakumar Yadav, who couldn’t make it beyond the first ball in each of his three innings against Australia during a three-match ODI series with the Men in Blue in March 2023.

As a result of Suryakumar’s underwhelming run of form with the bat in ODIs for India, he became the first player to record three consecutive golden ducks in an ODI series.

While other players have suffered the same faith of recording three ducks - not consecutive - in an ODI bilateral series just like Suryakumar, none of those individuals did so in a three-match series.

A total of 14 batters have now been dismissed for a duck in three consecutive ODI innings. These players are Alec Stewart, Andrew Symonds, Shane Watson, Tony Blain, Ian Blackwell, Nicholas de Groot, Vusi Sibanda, Tinashe Panyangara, Brett Lee, James Ngoche, Devendra Bishoo, Alex Cusac, Blessing Muzarabani, and Suryakumar Yadav.

Suryakumar, though, is still not the Indian player with the most golden ducks in ODIs. That dubious distinction goes to former bowler Javagal Srinath, who was dismissed for eight golden ducks over the course of his 50-over career. He was dismissed for 19 ducks overall in ODIs.

None of the players who feature among those who recorded a duck in three consecutive ODI innings are in the top 10 for most golden ducks in ODIs. Unsurprisingly, the majority of the players in this top 10 are bowlers.

Most Golden Ducks in ODIs

Player	Country	Matches	Ducks	Golden Ducks
Lasith Malinga	Sri Lanka	226	26	13
Shahid Afridi	Pakistan	398	30	12
Wasim Akram	Pakistan	356	28	10
Moin Khan	Pakistan	219	17	10
Sanath Jayasuriya	Sri Lanka	445	34	9
Muttiah Muralitharan	Sri Lanka	350	25	9
Javagal Srinath	India	229	19	8
Chaminda Vaas	Sri Lanka	322	25	8
Waqar Younis	Pakistan	262	15	7
Ricky Ponting	Australia	375	20	7

 

Photo Credit: Alamy

Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan holds the record for most dot balls bowled in T20I cricket.

The spinner has bowled a record 922 dot balls in 106 innings while maintaining an economy rate of 6.82.

Shakib, who has the second-most wickets in T20I cricket history, is ahead of Tim Southee, who is second on this list for most dots bowled in T20 Internationals. The New Zealand pacer has bowled 907 dot balls in the 102 innings.

Southee has also bowled the second-highest number of dot balls inside powerplay overs in T20 Internationals with 434 dot balls in 80 innings where he bowled in the opening six overs of a 20-over game.

India's Bhuvneshwar Kumar is third on the list of most dot balls bowled in T20Is. The pacer has bowled 863 dot balls in 83 innings.

Furthermore, Bhuvneshwar is the first and only bowler to have bowled 500 dot balls inside powerplay overs. Speaking of most dots bowled in powerplay overs in a T20I fixture, Bhuvi (IND vs WI, 2014) was the second to register 16 dot balls in his spell during the first six overs of a 20-over game after South Africa’s Lonwabo Tsotsobe (PAK vs SA, 2013).

As far as most dot balls bowled in a T20I innings is concerned, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s best performance with the ball came against UAE in 2016, where he bowled 20 dot balls. 

He shares the Indian record for most dot balls bowled in a T20I innings with Ravindra Jadeja, who bowled 20 dot deliveries against Sri Lanka in 2016.

Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi follows Bhuvneshwar on this list. Afridi’s economy rate of 6.63 is the best among the top five bowlers who have bowled the most dot balls in T20I cricket. The spinner is fourth with 830 dot balls in 97 innings.

Lasith Malinga completes the top five list of bowlers with the most dot balls bowled in T20I cricket. The Sri Lankan legend bid adieu to cricket in 2021 and bowled 713 dot balls in 83 innings in his T20I career.

Most dot balls bowled in T20I cricket

Player	Country	Innings	Dot Balls
Shakib Al Hasan	Bangladesh	106	922
Tim Southee	New Zealand	102	907
Bhuvneshwar Kumar	India	83	863
Shahid Afridi	Pakistan	97	830
Lasith Malinga	Sri Lanka	83	713
Mohammad Nabi	Afghanistan	97	702
Mustafizur Rahman	Bangladesh	77	701
Rashid Khan	Afghanistan	74	688
Shadab Khan	Pakistan	78	664
Adil Rashid	England	86	636

 

Featured photo: AFP / RANDY BROOKS