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Most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket by an Indian bowler

The Indian record for most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket is held by Ravichandran Ashwin, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket on December 18, 2024 after the end of the third Test match against Australia in Brisbane.

Dec 18, 2024, 9:25 AM7 min read

Ravichandran Ashwin tops the most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket by an Indian bowler list.  Image | BCCI

Indian cricket has a rich history of producing some iconic batsmen over the different generations, which has been a big aspect. But there have been many Indian bowlers who have stamped their authority and have managed to write their names in history, especially in test cricket. In this article, we will talk about the Indians who have registered the most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket. Getting five wickets in an innings is never easy, but some bowlers have made a habit of it.

The Indian record for most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket is held by Ravichandran Ashwin, who has 37 five-wicket hauls from 106 matches. Ashwin overtook India's highest-ever wicket-taker, Anil Kumble. The leg-spinner finished his career with 619 wickets and has 35 five-wicket hauls in 32 more Tests than Ashwin.

Ashwin recently announced his retirement from international cricket on December 18, 2024 after the end of the third Test match against Australia in Brisbane.

Most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket by an Indian bowler

1. Ravichandran Ashwin (2011-2024) | 37 Times

Ravichandran Ashwin tops the most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket by an Indian bowler list.  Image | BCCI
Ravichandran Ashwin tops the most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket by an Indian bowler list. Image | BCCI

Ravichandran Ashwin, the modern-day spin maestro, tops the most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket by an Indian bowler list with a staggering 37 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket. Since making his debut in 2011, Ashwin has emerged as India's premier spinner in Test cricket. Ashwin recently announced his retirement from international cricket on December 18, 2024 after the end of the third Test match against Australia in Brisbane.

The veteran Indian spinner has been a key reason for India's success and dominance at home. He is also the fastest Indian to reach 300, 400, and 500 test wickets. Ashwin has played 106 tests in his Test career and taken 537 wickets with a BBI of 7/59. Not to forget, he was also a handy batter in test cricket.

Also Read: Most 5 wicket hauls in Test Cricket

2. Anil Kumble (1990-2008) | 35 Times

Anil Kumble has 2nd most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket for India. Image- The Statesman
Anil Kumble has 2nd most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket for India. Image- The Statesman

Arguably one of the greatest spinners of all time, Anil Kumble is the second Indian bowler who has the most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket. Anil Kumble started a career as a batsman and became one of the greatest bowlers in Indian cricket history.

Kumble certainly was one of the most iconic bowlers of all time and is still the second-fastest to reach a massive feat of 600 wickets in Test cricket. Without much turn, Kumble found success in all conditions. He played 132 Tests and took 619 wickets with the best bowling figures in an innings of 10/74. Kumble also took eight ten-wicket match hauls.

3. Harbhajan Singh (1998-2015) | 25 Times

Harbhajan Singh has 3rd most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket for India. Image- The Express Triune
Harbhajan Singh has 3rd most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket for India. Image- The Express Triune

Harbhajan Singh, fondly known as the 'Turbanator', is considered as one of India's finest off-spinners. He retired with two World Cup titles and over 700 international wickets. In test cricket, he became the first Indian bowler to take a hat-trick in 2001 against Australia, which changed his career. Bhajji played 103 tests overall and took 417 wickets with 25 five-wicket hauls and 5 ten-wicket match hauls.

4. Kapil Dev (1978-1994) | 23 Times

Kapil Dev has 4th most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket for India. Image- Scroll.in
Kapil Dev has 4th most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket for India. Image- Scroll.in

A true legend of Indian cricket, Kapil Dev comes forth in the most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket by an Indian bowler list who revolutionized the game with his dynamic all-round skills. Indian cricket history is incomplete without the contribution of Kapil Dev. He was the most impactful Indian cricketer of his era.

Be it his iconic 175* against Zimbabwe in the World Cup 1983 or leading India to glory, he was an exceptional performer. Kapil is the only cricketer in history to score more than 5000 runs and take 400+ wickets in test cricket. He played 131 tests, took 434 wickets with 23 five-fors, and also scored eight hundreds with the bat.

Also Read: Most Test wickets as captain

5. Bhagwath Chandrasekhar (1964-1979) | 16 Times

Bhagwath Chandrasekhar. Image- CricketMash
Bhagwath Chandrasekhar. Image- CricketMash

Bhagwath Chandrasekhar was India's one of the biggest match-winners in his time. India's success overseas was pretty rare, but Chandrasekhar made India believe that they could do that. 42 wickets in just five overseas test wins is just incredible. He played for India between 1964 and 1979, featured in 58 tests, and took 242 wickets with a best of 8/79. Chandrashekhar registered 16 five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket match hauls in his career.

6. Ravindra Jadeja (2012-2024*) | 15 Times

Ravindra Jadeja. Image- NDTV Sports
Ravindra Jadeja. Image- NDTV Sports

Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja picked up his 15th 5-wicket haul and went up to 7th in the list of most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket for India. His performance has hit a peak over the last few years, making him a very reliable cricketer in all conditions. Jadeja featured in 78 Tests so far, and took 319 wickets with a best of 7/42. He also became the second left-arm Indian spinner after Bishan Singh Bedi to record 8 five-wicket hauls in the longest format at home.

7. Bishan Singh Bedi (1966-1979) | 14 Times

Bishan Singh Bedi. Image- NewsBytes
Bishan Singh Bedi. Image- NewsBytes

Bishan Singh Bedi, the graceful left-arm spinner and former Indian captain, impressed cricket fans with his artistry and finesse, claiming 14 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket. Known for his impeccable control and flighted deliveries, Bedi misleaded batsmen with his ability to spin the ball both ways. His memorable performances against formidable opponents like Australia and the West Indies cemented his legacy as one of India's finest spinners.

8. Jasprit Bumrah (2018-2024*) | 12 Times

Most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket by an Indian bowler - Sportzpoint.com

Jasprit Bumrah has become the Indian with the second-most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket among pacers after claiming a five-for at the Gabba on day two against Australia. This was Bumrah's third fifer in Tests in Australia.

Bumrah has also become the Indian pacer with the second-most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket after Kapil Dev. Bumrah went past Ishant Sharma and Zaheer Khan to achieve the milestone. Bumrah now has 12 five-wicket hauls for India in Test matches. Bumrah featured in 43 Tests so far, and took 190 wickets with a best of 6/27.

9. Subhash Gupte (1951-1961) | 12 Times

Subhash Gupte. Image- ESPNcricinfo
Subhash Gupte. Image- ESPNcricinfo

Subhash Gupte was a kind of player who will always be remember for his great skills and magic of spin bowling. He was the front-line spinner of India in 1950s and early 60s. A little incident ended his career when he was only 32 and India lost a great spinner. Gupte debuted his Test career against England in 1952 and took 12 five-wicket hauls in his short career. He featured in 36 Tests, and took 149 wickets with a best of 9/102.

10. Zaheer Khan (2000-2014) | 11 Times

Zaheer Khan. Image- Wisden
Zaheer Khan. Image- Wisden

Zaheer Khan, the left-arm pace sensation, played a pivotal role in India's bowling resurgence during the 2000s, claiming 11 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and deliver lethal yorkers, Zaheer troubled batsmen with his skill and guile. His memorable spells against top-quality opposition, both at home and abroad, played a crucial role in India's success in Test cricket. He featured in 92 Tests, and took 311 wickets with a best of 7/87.

Also Read: Fastest to 500 Test Wickets

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N.B: Last Updated on 18/12/2024.

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Indian Men's cricketers to win ICC player of the month award

Let's have a look at all the Indian men's cricketers who won ICC Player of the Month award. Some have won the award more than once.

Sep 15, 2025, 11:56 AM6 min read

Indian Men's cricketers to win ICC player of the month award

Mohammed Siraj has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for August 2025, following his match-winning performance in the final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval. The right-armer, who bowled 46 overs in the Test, was also named Player of the Match for his efforts. Siraj beat competition from New Zealand pacer Matt Henry and West Indies quick Jayden Seales to clinch the monthly honour.

Let's have a look at all the Indian men's cricketers who won ICC Player of the Month award. Some have won the award more than once.

Also Read: Asia Cup Winners List from 1984 to 2023

 ICC Player of the Month Award Winners

9. Mohammed Siraj

Indian Men's cricketers to win ICC player of the month award

Mohammed Siraj won the ICC Player of the Month award in August 2025. It is worth noting that Siraj’s exceptional performance in India’s tour of England and his brilliance in the clash held at The Oval were among the biggest reasons why Siraj won award. Siraj took three wickets on the final day of the last test of the series against England, which helped the Indian team register a brilliant win. 

Siraj produced a stunning nine-wicket haul across both innings to help India level the five-Test series 2-2. His second-innings burst included a decisive five-wicket haul that dismantled England’s batting order and sealed victory for the visitors.

8. Yashasvi Jaiswal

Indian Men's cricketers to win ICC player of the month award

Yashasvi Jaiswal bagged the ICC Player of the Month Award for his sensational performance in the Test series against England in March 2024. Jaiswal beat New Zealand's Kane Williamson and Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka for the award.

Jaiswal was also named the player of the series in England's 5-Test tour against India. The batter scored 712 runs in 5 Test matches, surpassing Virat Kohli's tally of most runs in a single Test series vs England. Jaiswal also became only the second India batter after Sunil Gavaskar to hit 700+ runs in a series.

7. Virat Kohli

Indian Men's cricketers to win ICC player of the month award

Star batter Virat Kohli was named the ICC Player of the Month for October 2022 following a series of stellar performances during India's charge to the T20 World Cup semifinals in Australia. He scored 205 runs with the bat. Apart from scoring a brilliant half-century against Netherlands in Sydney, he produced an unforgettable innings in the stunning victory over Pakistan in front of a capacity crowd at the MCG to kick off their campaign in style.

At 31 for four, Kohli asserted his dominance on the opposition bowlers in a memorable display of controlled aggression, helping his side to chase down the 160 targets on the final ball, thanks to his unbeaten 82 from 53 balls.

6. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Indian Men's cricketers to win ICC player of the month award

India seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar won the ICC Player of the Month award in March 2021 for his superlative show in the limited overs series against England. Bhuvi took six wickets at an economy rate of 4.65 in the three ODIs, while capturing four wickets at a fantastic economy rate of 6.38 in the five T20Is to emerge as the standout bowler on either side in the white ball series. 

Bhuvneshwar became the third successive Indian recipient of the award since its inception early this year. 

5. Ravichandran Ashwin 

Indian Men's cricketers to win ICC player of the month award

Ravichandran Ashwin has won the ICC Men's Player of the Month award for February 2021 after his all-round display in the Test series against England. Ashwin not only finished as the top wicket-taker in the 3-1 series win against England, but also scored his seventh Test century. 

Ashwin scored 176 runs in the three matches in February and took 24 wickets in the month. He also became the second-fastest bowler in history to 400 Test wickets, behind only Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan.

Also Read: ICC tournaments hosted by India – History & Highlights

4. Rishabh Pant

Indian Men's cricketers to win ICC player of the month award

The Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has won the inaugural ICC Player of the Month award 2021. Pant has been honoured for his superlative performances in the two Tests against Australia in January 2021, wherein he scored a 97 at Sydney and an unbeaten 89 at Brisbane.

Pant was chosen ahead of England captain Joe Root and Ireland's Paul Stirling in the voting to bag the award. Pant's innings helped India to become the first team in 32 years to beat Australia at the Gabba in Test cricket. 

3. Shreyas Iyer | 2 Times

Indian Men's cricketers to win ICC player of the month award

Shreyas Iyer was named as ICC Men's Player of the Month twice in February 2022 and March 2025 for his performance during India's triumphant Champions Trophy 2025.

With 172 runs coming at an average of 57.33 during the final three games of the Champions Trophy, Iyer was a leading light for India as they secured a landmark third win in the competition’s history. He ended the tournament as the second-highest scorer with 243 runs at an average of 48.60.

2. Jasprit Bumrah | 2 Times

Indian Men's cricketers to win ICC player of the month award

Jasprit Bumrah was crowned as the winner of the ICC Player of the Month Award for two times in December and June 2024. Bumrah won the prize twice in the calendar year. Bumrah's incredible display in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) was rewarded by the ICC in December 2024. Previously he won the top honour in June 2024 following his heroic display in the T20 World Cup 2024.

1. Shubman Gill | 4 Times

Indian Men's cricketers to win ICC player of the month award

Indian Test team captain Shubman Gill was named ICC Player of the Month four times - in January 2023, September 2023, February 2025, and July 2025. He is also the first male player to win the award four times. Gill was also named in the ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year in 2023.

His latest win came after an amazing performance in Test matches against England in July 2025, where he showed outstanding batting skills as India's newly appointed Test captain. 

Gill finished as the leading run scorer of the series, having scored 754 runs from ten innings at an average of 75.4 with four hundreds to his name. He started the series with a magnificent 147 at Headingley, Leeds and further accumulated 430 runs (269, 161) in the second Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham, the second-highest match aggregate in the format.

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Most Wickets in India vs Pakistan Matches in Asia Cup (ODI+T20I)

Before the much awaited clash begin, let's have a look at the bowlers with most wickets in India vs Pakistan matches in Asia Cup in both ODI and T20I formats.

Sep 12, 2025, 1:11 PM3 min read

Most Wickets in India vs Pakistan Matches in Asia Cup (ODI+T20I)

The mega clash between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 group stage will be played on 14 September. Looking at the tournament record, both teams have played 18 matches against each other. Out of these, India have won 10 while Pakistan have claimed 6 games. However, in the last 10 years, the rivalry has become one-sided, where Pakistan managed to win only once in seven showdowns.

So, before the much awaited clash begin, let's have a look at the bowlers with most wickets in India vs Pakistan matches in Asia Cup in both ODI and T20I formats.

Also Read: Most Runs in India vs Pakistan Matches in Asia Cup (ODI+T20I)

Most Wickets in India vs Pakistan Matches (ODI+T20I)

5. Anil Kumble | 7 Wickets

Most Wickets in India vs Pakistan Matches in Asia Cup (ODI+T20I)

The former legendary indian leg-spinner, Anil Kumble was a master of his craft. He had a great record against Pakistan in the Asia Cup matches, taking wickets with his guile and accuracy. In 4 matches against Pakistan in Asia Cup, Kumble scalped 7 wickets at an economy rate of 4.32 and best figure of 3/43. 

4. Saeed Ajmal | 8 Wickets

Most Wickets in India vs Pakistan Matches in Asia Cup (ODI+T20I)

Saeed Ajmal was one of the key spinners of Pakistan in the Asia Cup. Batters would struggle to score in front of him. Meanwhile, against India, Ajmal has taken 8 wickets in 4 matches at an average of 24.00 with a brilliant economy rate of 4.92.

In addition, Ajmal also played a key role in Pakistan’s win in 2012. He was one of the most reliable players on the team during the crucial matches.

3. Hardik Pandya | 8 Wickets

Most Wickets in India vs Pakistan Matches in Asia Cup (ODI+T20I)

India’s all-rounder Hardik Pandya has balanced his batting fireworks with key bowling contributions. His 8 wickets against Pakistan in only 6 games highlight his knack for breakthroughs, often dismissing set batsmen or breaking partnerships with clever use of short balls and cutters.

Pandya’s bowling has been particularly valuable when India experimented with team balance, allowing them to play an extra batsman while still retaining bowling depth. His dual role makes him one of the most influential Asia Cup performers of recent times.

2. Kuldeep Yadav | 8 Wickets

Most Wickets in India vs Pakistan Matches in Asia Cup (ODI+T20I)

Indian spinners have always played an integral part in the success of the Men in Blue, and Kuldeep Yadav has added to the tradition with his performances in recent years. He possesses the X-factor with his chinaman bowling and has been the tormentor-in-chief in the recent outing against Pakistan.

The 30-year-old has not played any T20I for India against Pakistan in the Asia Cup so far, but he has been part of an Asia Cup match against Pakistan in the ODI format, where he took a total of 8 wickets in 4 matches. Kuldeep possesses mystery in his bowling, and the Pakistan batters have always struggled to read his variations.

Also Read: Past results of India vs Pakistan in Asia Cup

1. Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 10 Wickets

Most Wickets in India vs Pakistan Matches in Asia Cup (ODI+T20I)

Indian pace spearhead Bhuvneshwar Kumar is India's top wicket-taker against Pakistan in Asia Cup. He has taken 10 wickets in 5 matches. He ran through Pakistan's batting line-up in the Asia Cup 2022 match at the Dubai International Stadium. He registered figures worth 4/26(4) as the Pakistani innings folded on 147. 

Bhuvi has also become the first-ever bowler to take four or more wickets against Pakistan in T20 Internationals. He bowled 13 dot balls in the match. However, he is not part of the current T20I squad. 

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Most T20 wickets among Indian bowlers

Here the Indian bowlers with most T20 wickets among the Indian bowlers.

Sep 6, 2025, 2:04 PM5 min read

Most T20 wickets among Indian bowlers | Bhuvneshwar Kumar surpasses

Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar produced a sensational double-wicket maiden over in Qualifier 2 of the UPT20 League 2025, reminding fans of his golden days with the new ball. With this, he surpassed Piyush Chawla in the list of most T20 wickets among Indian bowlers. Despite not being in India’s recent plans, Bhuvneshwar Kumar continues to prove his effectiveness in domestic and franchise leagues, with his control, accuracy, and ability to strike early making him a valuable asset for any team.

Indian bowlers with most T20 wickets

We will give the list of Indian bowlers with most T20 wickets. 

4. Ravichandran Ashwin | 317 T20 Wickets

Ravichandran Ashwin | 310 T20 Wickets - sportzpoint.com

A test legend in his own rights, Ravichandran Ashwin had started his career with the T20s. It was Chennai Super Kings who had found the spark in him which helped him gain the exposure to evantually get selected for India and flourish as an all-format bowler. The off-spinner from Tamil Nadu has played 333 T20 games so far in his career and took 317 wickets at an astonishing economoy rate of 7.11

In IPL, he has played for teams like CSK, Kings XI Punjab, Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiants and Delhi Capitals along with playing for the Indian team and Tamil Nadu in his career. In his 221 IPL games, he has taken 187 wickets at 7.20 runs per over. For India, in T20Is, Ashwin has the off-spinner took 72 wickets in only 65 games. 

 Tournament Matches Wickets Economy Rate Average Best Figure 5WI
T20I 65 72 6.90 23.22 4/8 0
IPL 221 187 7.20 30.22 4/34 0
Champions League 24 30 7.44 22.16 4/18 0
Total T20s 333 317 7.11 26.94 4/8 0

3. Piyush Chawla | 319 T20 Wickets

Most T20 wickets among Indian bowlers - Piyush Chawla | 319 T20 Wickets - sportzpoint.com

The leg spinner has been playing T20s since 2007 and has played a total 297 T20 matches so far in his career. In his career, he has taken 319 T20 wickets with an economy rate of 7.53. However, he only played 7 T20 internationals for India and took only 4 wickets for the country.

In the Indian Premier League, he has featured in 192 games for Chennai Super Kings, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians. Chawla has been one of the most successful bowlers in the tournament with 192 wickets with an economy rate of 7.96 runs per over.

Moreover, he has played for overseas teams like Sussex in Vitality Blast Tournament in England. 

Tournament Matches Wickets Economy Average BBI 5W
IPL 192 192 7.96 26.60 4/17 0
Champions League 8 8 8.07 28.25 2/17 0
Vitality Blast 1 2 4.25 8.50 2/17 0
T20Is 7 4 6.56 37.75 2/13 0
T20s (Total) 297 319 7.53 24.45 4/12 0

2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 327 T20 wickets

Most T20 wickets among Indian bowlers | Bhuvneshwar Kumar surpasses

The 35-year-old medium pacer has been one of the highest wicket-takers for India in T20I cricket. In T20 internationals for India, Bhuvnewshwar Kumar has taken 90 wickets in 87 T20I matches at an outstanding economy rate of 6.96, including two five-wicket hauls. 

In Indian Premier League, while playing for Pune Warriors, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Royal Challengers Bangalore, Buvi has taken 198 wickets in 190 matches at an excellent economy rate of 7.69 runs per over. In total, Bhuvneshwar so far has taken 327 wickets in T20 cricket in 309 matches at 7.36 runs per over.

He stands as the second highest wicket-taker among Indians in T20 cricket and is the only Indian fast bowler to take more than 300 wickets in shortest format of the game.

 Tournament Matches Wickets Economy Rate Average Best Figure 5WI
T20I 87 90 6.96 23.10 5/4 2
IPL 190 198 7.69 27.33 5/19 2
Champions League 1 0 7.75 - - 0
Total T20s 309 327 7.36 25.11 5/4 5

1. Yuzvendra Chahal | 380 T20 Wickets

Yuzvendra Chahal has the most T20 wickets among Indian bowlers - sportzpoint.com

Yuzvendra Chahal is perhaps the most Indian successful bowlers in the shortest format of the game. The leg-spinner from Haryana started his career with IPL teams like Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore and made a name for yourself to get into the Indian team.

Chahal spent eight seasons with Royal Challengers Bangalore and with 139 wickets, is still their highest wicket-taker in Indian Premier League history. However, RCB decided not to retain him in the 2022 mega auction, and Chahal headed to Rajasthan Royals. 

In IPL 2025 Mega acution, he became the most expensive spinner in the tournament's history as Punjab Kings bought him for INR 18 cr. Till now, in IPL, Chahal has taken 221 wickets, and is the most successful bowler in the tournament's history. For India, he has played 80 T20I games and once was the highest wicket-taker for India in T20Is with 96 wickets.

Tournament Matches Wickets Economy Average BBI 5W
IPL 174 221 7.96 22.76 5/40 1
Champions League 6 3 6.76 29.33 2/9 0
T20Is 80 96 8.19 25.09 6/25 1
T20s (Total) 326 380 7.71 23.57 6/25 2

 

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Most maiden overs in T20Is among Test playing nations

Being able to contain some of the world’s most brutal batters to scoreless overs in the shortest format of the game is a truly remarkable feat. Let's have a look at the most maiden overs in T20Is among Test playing nations.

Aug 23, 2025, 11:46 AM4 min read

Most maiden overs in T20Is among Test playing nations

A maiden over, where six legitimate balls are delivered with no runs conceded, is common in the longer format of the game. But being able to contain some of the world’s most brutal batters to scoreless overs in the shortest format of the game is a truly remarkable feat.

However, a select few elite Test cricket nations players have career T20I economies of less than eight runs each and have a tally of maiden overs to their names.

Let's have a look at the most maiden overs in T20Is among Test playing nations.

Also Read: Most sixes in T20 Internationals in 2025 so far (men & women)

Most maiden overs in T20Is (Test playing nations)

5. Josh Hazlewood | 7

Most maiden overs in T20Is among Test playing nations

Josh Hazlewood is one of the most celebrated ace speedsters in international cricket. Hazlewood stands out for his stronger impact in limited-overs cricket, he maintains a better economy rate, delivers superior best figures.

Making his debut in 2013, Hazlewood has bowled seven maiden overs in the shortest format of the game. In 55 T20I, Hazlewood has claimed 73 wickets with an average of 21.83 and an economy rate of 7.60. No fast bowler from a Test nation has claimed more T20I wickets at a better economy rate since then.

4. Tim Southee | 7

Most maiden overs in T20Is among Test playing nations

Tim Southee had a fruitful 16-year-long T20I career. The right-arm swing bowler was often New Zealand’s third or fourth bowler in the shorter format, and he delivered in spades. Southee bowled seven maiden overs in the shortest format of the game.

Southee also bagged 164 wickets in 123 innings at an average of 22.38. He delivered his best performance 5/18 against Pakistan in December 2010.

3. Mustafizur Rahman | 8

Most maiden overs in T20Is among Test playing nations

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has quite a few variations which have led to his success as a bowler in T20I cricket. If there is anyone who can overtake Shakib Al Hasan to become Bangladesh’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is, it’s Mustafizur. He has bowled eight maiden overs in T20I cricket as of now, the most for Bangladesh.

Mustafizur bowls a mix of cutters and slower ones in the middle overs besides getting his yorkers right at the death. He did so at the 2016 T20 World Cup, on his way to a maiden five-wicket haul in T20 cricket. He finished the match with an outstanding 5/22.

However, his best performance was an unbelievable 6/10 against the USA in May 2024. He has taken 138 wickets in 109 innings at an average of 21.07 and an economy of 7.36.

2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 10

Most maiden overs in T20Is among Test playing nations

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, one of India's greatest new-ball bowlers, has delivered 10 maiden overs in the shortest format. The right-arm seamer was once a mainstay bowler for India across formats. Bhuvi made his T20I debut against Pakistan in December 2012. He bowled the 10th maiden in a T20 World Cup match against Zimbabwe on November 6, 2022.

Bhuvneshwar, who is known for his astute impeccable line and length, has picked up 90 wickets from 87 T20Is so far. His average and economy rate read 23.10 and 6.96.

Also Read: Team India’s Record in Knockout Games – ODI vs T20 vs Test

1. Jasprit Bumrah | 12

Most maiden overs in T20Is among Test playing nations

Jasprit Bumrah has bowled the most maiden overs in T20Is amongst the Test playing nations bowlers. Despite being known as one of India’s greatest fast bowlers in Test cricket, Bumrah has been equally as effective in his shorter format matches.

Since 2016, Bumrah has become a fearsome aspect of his country’s pace attack due to his unorthodox short run-up and ability to swing the ball both ways. This makes it hard for many batsmen to consistently score off him.

Bumrah has sent down an impressive 12 maiden overs. In 70 T20Is, Bumrah has also struck 89 wickets while averaging 17.74 and boasting a stellar economy of 6.27. 

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Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

With the Asia Cup 2025 right around the corner, let's have a look at the highest wicket taker in Asia Cup history.

Aug 14, 2025, 12:03 PM5 min read

Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

Asia Cup 2025 will be held in UAE from 9 to 28 September. Due to T20 World Cup 2026, this time Asia Cup will also be organized in T20 format. India is being seen as the biggest contender in the Asia Cup this time.

Over the years, there have been many bowlers who have made a significant impact for their sides in the Asia Cup and are even featured in the list of highest wicket taker in Asia Cup history. Players like Muthiah Muralidaran, Lasith Malinga and many more are certified legends for their sides, and they fully deserve the status after their brilliant bowling performances over the years.

With the Asia Cup 2025 right around the corner, let's have a look at the highest wicket taker in Asia Cup history.

Also Read: Highest Run Scorer in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History | ODI Format

1. Muthiah Muralidaran

Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

Muthiah Muralidaran is considered to be one of the greatest bowlers in the history of cricket. He has picked up 30 wickets in 24 Asia Cup matches at an economy of 3.75 and an average of 28.83. He was part of Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup titles wins in 1997, 2004 and 2008.

2. Lasith Malinga

Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

Lasith Malinga is second on the list of best bowlers in Asia Cup history. He has been one of Sri Lanka's greatest pacers, especially in white-ball cricket. Malinga played in 5 editions from 2004 to 2018 and took 29 wickets at an economy of 4.65 and an average of 20.55. He finished as the highest wicket-taker in the 2010 and 2014 editions and won the Asia Cup in 2004 and 2014.

3. Ajantha Mendis

Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

Former Sri Lanka mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis is third on the list. Mendis took 26 wickets in just 8 matches from 2008 to 2014 at an economy of 3.98 and an average of 10.42. He was the highest wicket-taker at the 2008 edition and helped Sri Lanka to the Asia Cup titles in 2008 and 2014.

4. Saeed Ajmal

Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

Saeed Ajmal is the only non-Sri Lankan bowler in the top 5 bowlers with the most wickets in Asia Cup history. Ajmal took 25 wickets in 12 matches between 2008 and 2014 at an average of 19.25 and an economy rate of 4.21. He was part of Pakistan’s Asia Cup-winning team in 2012.

5. Ravindra Jadeja

Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

India's star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja completes the top 5 list of the bowlers with most wickets in the Asia Cup. He played in the 2010 to 2023 editions of the Asia Cup so far and took 25 wickets at an average of 26.28 and an economy rate of 4.34. 

Also Read: Asia Cup 2025 date announced; BCCI yet to confirm participation against Pakistan

Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History | T20 Format

1. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

The top wicket-taker in Asia Cup T20 history is India’s pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has scalped 13 wickets in six matches at an impressive average of 9.46. The 35-year-old, who is currently not part of India’s squad, is also known for his skillful death and new ball bowling.

Bhuvi has an excellent economy rate of only 5.34 and is the only bowler to take a five-wicket haul in the shorter edition of the tournament. The right-arm medium pacer’s best figures of 5/4 — also his T20I best, came against Afghanistan in the 2022 edition of the tournament.

2. Amjad Javed

Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

The second-highest wicket-taker of this list is Amjad Javed of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who has featured only in the 2016 edition of the tournament, where he led the team. In the only edition he played in this format, he has taken 12 wickets in seven matches at an average of 14.08.

The 45-year-old has a relatively higher economy rate of 7.34 as compared to Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Javed’s best bowling figures in an innings came against Sri Lanka during the inaugural edition of the T20I format of the Asia Cup. The right-arm pacer took three wickets for 25 runs to record his best figures in the tournament.

3. Mohammad Naveed

Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

The third-highest wicket-taker in the event’s history is also the UAE’s Mohammad Naveed, with 11 wickets to his name in seven matches. Like Amjad Javed, he made only one appearance during the 2016 Asia Cup, where his team advanced after playing qualifying rounds.

The 38-year-old has an excellent average of 13.18 with a reasonable economy rate of 5.24. Naveed’s best bowling figures of 3-14 came against Hong Kong in 2016. With his bowling performance, the UAE restricted Hong Kong to 146-7 in their 20 overs. In reply, the UAE successfully chased down the total and won by nine wickets.

4. Rashid Khan

Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

Afghanistan spin wizard Rashid Khan has taken 161 wickets in just 96 T20Is for Afghanistan and is the leading wicket taker in T20 cricket. However, he is unlikely to be fourth on the list by his standards. He has so far taken 11 wickets despite playing eight matches, a number higher than all the top three bowlers.

The leg-spinner has an average of 18.36 and boasts a slightly higher economy rate of 6.51. His best figures of 3-22 came against Bangladesh in 2022, resulting in a thrilling victory over the Tigers.

5. Hardik Pandya

Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is fifth on the list. The right-arm pacer has scalped 11 wickets in eight matches so far, with an average of 18.81 and the highest economy rate of (7.01) among the top five bowlers.

Notably, his best figures of 3-8 against arch-rivals Pakistan during the 2016 edition. Thanks to Hardik Pandya’s bowling, India bundled out Pakistan for a modest total of 83 and successfully chased it down in 15.3 overs.

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