The cricket world got to enjoy some outstanding performances from the bowlers this year. A few bowlers from the lesser-known cricketing countries executed their best and became the top performers in T20I cricket. Before 2021 ends, let's take look at the bowlers with the most wickets in T20Is in 2021.

1. Wanindu Hasaranga

Wanindu Hasaranga was terrific throughout the year 2021, especially in T20I cricket. The Sri Lankan bowler played 20 T20I matches this year where he scalped a total of 36 wickets. With an economy of 5.44, his best bowling in innings is 4/9.

Read also: ICC Men's Cricketer of the year winners of last ten years

2. Tabraiz Shamsi

Sitting in the second position is Tabraiz Shamsi of South Africa. The left-arm spinner picked up the most wickets in T20Is in 2021 alongside Wanindu Hasaranga. He featured in 22 T20I matches and picked up a total of 36 wickets with an economy of 5.72. The bowler has a BBI of 4/25 in T20I cricket.

3. Dinesh Nakrani

Dinesh Nakrani is the second-highest wicket-taker in T20I cricket this year. Dinesh played in 22 matches where he scalped 35 wickets. He has a bowling economy of 6/7 with an economy of 5.05. Also, he is an Indian-born cricketer who now plays for the Uganda cricket team.

4. Waseem Abbas

The next bowler on this list is Waseem Abbas with 29 T20I wickets. Representing Malta, the bowler bowled in 18 T20I matches and registered his name in this prestigious list. With an economy of 7.22, his BBI is 5/37

Read also: IPL 2022 mega auction: Auction to be held on 12 and 13 February

5. Mustafizur Rahman

Sitting in the fifth position is Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh. The left-arm fast-medium bowler scalped 28 T20I wickets in 20 matches this year. With an economy of 7.00, he has a BBI of 4/12. Also, he is the first cricketer to win the Man of the Match award on both his Test debut and his ODI debut.

6. Ish Sodhi

The next cricketer on this list is Ish Lodhi from New Zealand. The right-arm leg-spin bowler featured in 16 T20I matches and picked up 27 wickets. He ended his T20I matches in 2021 with an economy of 8.16 and a BBI of 4/28.

Read also: BCCI U-16 Tournament: 16 of 30 Mumbai players proves to be an overage in bone test

7. Luke Jongwe

Luke Jongwe of Zimbabwe sits in the 7th position on this list with 26 T20I wickets. In 2021, he played in 14 T20I matches where he picked up 26 wickets with an economy of 7.89 and a BBI of 4/18.

8. Adam Zampa

Adam Zampa joined Luke Jongwe to pick up the same number of wickets in T20I this year. The Australian bowler played in 21 T20I matches and scalped 26 wickets with an economy of 7.15 and a BBI of 5/19.

Read also: Top scorers in Vijay Hazare trophy in last ten seasons

9. Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib Al Hasan, one of the greatest all-rounders of all time, made his presence in this list with 25 T20I wickets in 18 matches. The Bangladeshi all-rounder featured in 18 matches this year where he picked up 25 wickets with an economy of 6.05 and a BBI of 4/9.

10. Hasan Ali

Hasan Ali accompanied Shakib Al Hasan in this list as both of them picked the equal number of T20I wickets in 2021. Also, both the cricketers played the same number of T20I matches; 18. Hasan Ali picked up 25 T20I wickets with an economy of 8.07 and a BBI of 4/18.

The Indian Premier League (IPL), has become one of the biggest cricketing events in the world since its inception in 2008. Over the years, the IPL has provided cricket fans with some of the most thrilling and exciting moments in the sport. From stunning performances to nail-biting finishes, the IPL has never failed to entertain its fans. As the IPL 2025 has progressed, we have seen many memorable celebrations that have gone down in IPL history. 

From wild team huddles to iconic player moves, here are the Top 5 best celebrations of IPL 2025 so far. Relive the most unforgettable moments as players let their emotions fly on the biggest stage of cricket.

Also Read: IPL Records: Youngest Half-centurions in IPL History

Best Celebrations of IPL 2025

5. Ashutosh Sharma - Miracle Chase Master's Celebration

Ashutosh Sharma did the unthinkable for Delhi Capitals against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025. At a time when even the most passionate of DC fans would have thought that it was not possible for their team to chase down a 210-run target, Ashutosh Sharma thought otherwise. Impact sub Ashutosh played the most defining knock of his IPL career to guide Delhi Capitals to a thrilling one wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants.

Ashutosh smashed 66 not out off 31 balls and finished it with a huge six off Shahbaz Ahmed as DC chased down a target of 210 with three balls to spare. The right-hander hit five fours and five sixes in all. Ashutsh Sharma's celebration after the win went viral.

4. Digvesh Rathi Signature Celebration

Lucknow Super Giants' rising spinner Digvesh Rathi made headlines, not just for his bowling but for his unique way of celebrating after dismissing none other than his cricketing idol, Sunil Narine. During a high-octane clash against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, Rathi picked up the prized wicket of Narine and followed it up with a brand-new celebration.

In the 7th over of KKR's innings, Rathi bowled a deceptive googly that lured Narine into a mistimed big shot. Narine couldn’t get the power he needed, and Aiden Markram ran in from long-off to complete a clean sliding catch. After taking the wicket, Rathi bent down and theatrically signed the grass, perhaps symbolising a respectful autograph or signature moment rather than a taunt.

3. Wanindu Hasaranga Pushpa Celebration

Rajasthan Royals' Wanindu Hasaranga pulled off the iconic Pushpa celebration during the IPL 2025 match against the Kolkata Knight Riders in Guwahati. After dismissing KKR Skipper Ajinkya Rahane, Hasaranga came up with the move popularised by Telugu star Allu Arjun in the blockbuster movie Pushpa by wiping his chin with the back of his hand with a confident strut, inviting huge cheers from fans.

The accomplished leg-spinner has been impressive ever since he started representing Sri Lanka on the international stage. He has mentioned that Brazilian footballer Neymar Jr is his favourite player. Hasaranga has been celebrating his wickets like Neymar does when he scores a goal. When the leggie played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2022, he picked up four wickets against KKR which made him celebrate ala Neymar.

2. KL Rahul Kantara Celebration

When Delhi Capitals’ wicket keeper-batsman KL Rahul thumped his chest, pointed to the ground and then drew a circle with his bat, during the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, not many realized the significance of what he was doing, until he mentioned it in a post-match.

Speaking after the match, Rahul had said, “This is a special place from me. This celebration was from one of my favourite movies, Kantara. So, a tiny reminder that this ground, this turf, this place where I grew up, is mine."

Initially, it was thought that Rahul’s gestures were a reference to the fact that he’s a Bengaluru boy, a former RCB player, and, most importantly, the Chinnaswamy Stadium, being home ground. But once he mentioned Kantara, netizens were quick to put together short videos of Rahul’s celebratory moves and Divine Star Rishab Shetty’s movements in the climax of Kantara, when his character Shiva is possessed by the spirit of the Guliga Daiva and exacts vengeance on those who wronged his people.

Also Read: IPL records - Batters with most 500+ runs seasons: Kohli breaks Warner's records

1. Abhishek Sharma Parchi Celebration

Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma celebrated his maiden Indian Premier League century in a unique way, which is one of the best celebrations of IPL 2025 so far. The 24-year-old smashed a 40-ball century for SRH in a 246-run chase against the Punjab Kings in Hyderabad.

After scoring the ton, Abhishek took out a paper from his pocket and displayed the message “This one’s for the Orange Army”. The quickfire century helped him book a spot in the record books as he became the third-fastest Indian to score reach triple digits in the IPL.

India started their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a win over Bangladesh on Thursday in Dubai. Despite a ton from Towhid Hridoy, Mohammad Shami's five-wicket haul had restricted Bangladesh to 228 in the first inning. Shubman Gill then scored his 8th ODI ton to take India home with six wickets in hands and 21 balls remaining. Here are the highlights of the Bangladesh vs India match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Shami gave India a perfect start

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and decided to put runs on the board. With three pacers in the team and two excellent spinners, they were confident to defend anything on that Dubai wicket, which everyone knew would get slower with time.

However, to put pressure on a team like India, the Tigers needed at least a respectable total on the board. A fiery opening spell from Mohammad Shami and Harshit Rana put them in a spot of bother. Shami nicked off Soumya Sarkar in the first over on a duck while captain Shanto was sent back by Rana in the next over on a duck as well. 

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (5) tried to build a partnership with Tanzid Hasan but Shami got the better of him in the seventh over.

Rohit messed up Axar's hat-trick

Post that wicket, Axar Patel was brought into the attack by Rohit Sharma and he nearly became the first Indian bowler to get a hat-trick in an ICC event for India. Patel first removed Tanzid Hasan on 25. KL Rahul took a sharp catch behind the stumps. In the next ball, Mushfiqur Rahim edged one to Rahul to bring Axar on a hat-trick. 

In the hat-trick ball, Axar did what he could have done, but Rohit Sharma missed an easy catch at the first slip to dismiss the historical moment. 

Record partnership from Hridoy and Ali

From being 35/5, Jaker Ali and Towhid Hridoy put up a massive 154-run partnership, which is the highest 6th-wicket partnership for Bangladesh in ODI cricket. But, the scenes would not have been the same if Hardik Pandya had not dropped Hridoy on 24 in the 20th over. 

Shami with a five-fer

Not only that two overs later, KL Rahul missed a stumping chance of Jaker Ali on 24. Finally, Mohammad Shami was able to break the partnership as Jaker Ali tried to change gears against Shami’s off-cutter on 68 off 114 balls. 

Rishad Hossain tried to score a few quick runs but Harshit Rana got the better of him with a short ball in the 46th over. Bangladesh would have gotten more runs if Towhid Hridoy had not cramped badly. The right-handed batter nearly had to drag himself out of the crease to complete his runs. He was on the ground in agonising pain multiple times. 

Shami meantime dismissed Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Taskin Ahmed to get his give-wicket haul. With that wicket, Shami also became the Indian bowler with the most wickets in ICC events. 

Fighting maiden ODI ton from Hridoy

Hridoy though kept himself going and completed his maiden ODI ton even under tremendous pain. He was finally caught in the short fine leg on 100 off Harshit Rana as Bangladesh finished on 228 in the first inning. 

Flying start to India's inning

In the break, Axar Patel stated that the wickets got slower as the ball got older. So, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill at the top of the order, it was quite evident they would have gone for some quick runs against the pacers. 

They did that as India reached 69 runs in the first powerplay but lost Rohit Sharma on 41 off 36 in the second last ball of the powerplay. Rohit tried to clear in the circle, but could not connect the short ball from Taskin and was caught around the edge of the circle. Rohit went back to the dressing room but not before becoming the second fastest to score 11000 ODI runs. 

Bangladeshi spinners controlled the middle overs

Virat Kohli came at number three and soon Shanto brought his spinners Miraz and Rishad to stop the modern master. The plan fell into place as well and Kohli (22) was caught at backward point while trying a cut shot against Rishad. 

However, Shubman Gill looked apart as he scored his fourth consecutive ODI fifty. Shreyas Iyer came at number four and after a few good-looking strokes, was outfoxed by a slower one from Mustafizur Rahaman on 15 from 17 balls.

Classy and consistent as ever! ✨

1⃣6⃣th ODI FIFTY for Shubman Gill 👏👏

Follow the Match ▶️ https://t.co/ggnxmdG0VK#TeamIndia | #BANvIND | #ChampionsTrophy | @ShubmanGill pic.twitter.com/4nvl8Bw90H

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 20, 2025

With spinners bowling at random, India sent Axar Patel at number five as the run flow got stuck as well. It looked like India were waiting for the spell of spinners to finish. But, Patel could resist the wrong one from Risahd and top-edged to put the match somewhat level. 

Bangladesh could have made things worse for India if Jaker Ali would not have missed an easy catch at deep mid-wicket on 7 in the 37th over. 

KL Rahul dropped on 9 runs#ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/0lj0f8PXaJ

— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) February 20, 2025

With the net run rate being around 4 and 5, India decided to go slow and steady. Gill and Rahul started accumulating singles and doubles with a boundary here and there. They completed their 50-run partnership in 66 balls as Rishad Hossain finished his spell with 38/2 in 10 overs. 

As India got close to the target, Gill brought out his big shots and completed his consecutive ODI ton in 125 balls to take India home. Gill was patient and skilful enough to take the game deep and away from Bangladesh with his 8th ODI ton in just 51 games. 

Gill remained unbeaten on 101 from 129 balls while Rahul finished off in style with a six as he was undefeated on 41 from 47. India bagged their first win in the Champions Trophy and will face Pakistan in their next game on Sunday.

BAN vs IND: Match Summary

A solid start for Team India in the Champions Trophy!

Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 101* and KL Rahul’s steady 41* guided India to a five-wicket victory over Bangladesh. 🩵🇮🇳

A confident chase to kick off the campaign in style!

#INDvBAN #ShubmanGill #TeamIndia #KlRahul pic.twitter.com/8PqJorE0m8

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) February 20, 2025

Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has topped the wicket-takers list in 2024. After missing the ODI World Cup last year due to injury, Hasaranga made a superb comeback in 2024. In this article, we will look at the bowlers with most ODI wickets in 2024.

Also Read: Most Test runs in 2024: Root, Jaiswal, Duckett and more

Most ODI wickets in 2024

1# Wanindu Hasaranga | 26 Wickets 

Veteran Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga finished 2024 as the joint-highest wicket-taker in ODIs this year, taking 26 wickets in just 10 matches at an average of 15.61.

Hasaranga's most memorable performance in ODI cricket this year came against Bangladesh in Chittagong, where he scored 7/19 to help the team win by three wickets.

2# Dillon Heyliger | 26 Wickets

Canadian medium pacer bowler Dillon Heyliger registered his name as the joint-highest wicket taker in ODI cricket by taking 26 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 22.23 in 2024.

His impressive performances included five wickets once and four wickets twice. Dilan's best bowling figures of 5/31 came against Nepal at King City in September.

3# Allah Ghazanfar | 21 Wickets 

Afghanistan spinner Allah Ghaznafar, who will make his IPL debut for the Mumbai Indians in 2025, managed to take 21 wickets in 11 ODIs in 2024. He is the only bowler to take two five-wicket hauls in 2024.

4# Aryan Dutt | 21 Wickets 

Netherlands off-spinner Aryan Dutt registered his name as the third highest ODI wicket taker in 2024 by taking 21 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 18.71. His impressive performance also included taking five wickets once.

His best bowling was 6/34 which came against Namibia in Kirtipur.

Also Read: Most international runs in each calendar year (since 2010)

5# Nosthush Kenjige | 20 Wickets 

United States (USA) spinner Nosthush Kenjige took 20 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 21.90 in 2024. Known for his variations, Nosthush's impressive tally includes four wicket hauls. 

Kenjige's best bowling performance in 2024 came against Nepal in Dallas, where he took 4/52.

6# Kaleem Sana | 19 Wickets

Canada cricketer Kaleem Sana took 19 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 19.31 in 2024. Kaleem's tally also includes two four wicket hauls. Kaleem's best bowling performance in 2024 was 4/30.

7# Saad Bin Zafar | 19 Wickets

At No. 7, we have the third Canadian in the list. Saad Bin Zafar also took 19 wickets in 15 matches at an average of 30.73 in 2024. Zafar's best bowling performance in 2024 was 3/30.

8# Gerhard Erasmus | 18 Wickets

Namibia's Gerhard Erasmus took 18 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 22.38 in 2024. Erasmus' tally also includes a five wicket haul. His best bowling performance in 2024 was 5/28.

During a Dallas Cowboys NFL game in Houston, USA, the team owner, Jerry Jones, honoured the legendary Sachin Tendulkar with a special jersey customed with Number 10.

Cricket Legend Sachin Tendulkar watched Cowboys lose 47-9 to the Lions pic.twitter.com/JRKjuhMnlU

— FirstSportz NFL (@FirstSportz_NFL) October 14, 2024

Cricket is a growing sport in the United States, having its footprints in the country via the National Cricket League (NCL). Tendulkar, a co-owner of the NCL, is playing a pivotal role in introducing and spreading the cricket fever amongst the new generation audience in America.

The innovative Sixty Strikes format is trying to bridge the worlds of cricket and American sports.

The Tendulkar Effect

Earlier on Sunday, Tendulkar hit off the NCL's community to inspire the young athletes at Dallas' University of Texas.

In his speech, he said, "Cricket has given me so much, and being here in Dallas—both teaching these young athletes and receiving this incredible recognition—has been truly humbling."

He added, "Inspiring these kids and sharing my journey with them has been incredibly fulfilling. I want them to know that with dedication, passion, and belief, they can achieve anything—whether on the cricket field or in life."

The NCL has quickly reached the audience. It has a good blend of world-class cricket with cultural events and initiatives focused on the community. The tournament will conclude on Monday.

Legends United

Reknowned names like Shahid Afridi, Suresh Raina, Shakib Al Hasan, and Chris Lynn have featured in the league, making it a premier event for global cricket.

The National Cricket League has also attracted legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Wasim Akram, and Sir Vivian Richards as mentors of the teams.

endorsed by the International Cricket Council and supported by SEE Holdings, the National Cricket League has its headquarters in Dallas.

Bangladesh cricket team's star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan announced his retirement from Test cricket on Thursday. The veteran took this decision before the IND vs BAN second Test match to be played in Kanpur.

Also Read: Most Wickets in the T20 World Cup History

Shakib will play IND vs BAN second Test match in Kanpur tomorrow i.e. from 27th September. After this, he is going to play Test cricket for Bangladesh in one more series and then he will retire from red ball cricket. He told that the Test against South Africa in Mirpur will be his last.

Shakib also confirmed his T20I retirement

Shakib Al Hasan also took retirement from T20I cricket. He told PTI that T20 World Cup 2024 was his last tournament. He revealed this during a recent press conference.

Shakib played a total of 129 T20I matches and scored 2551 runs, during which his strike rate was 121. However, he could not make much of an impact with the ball and took a total of 149 wickets in 126 innings. He missed his mark of 150 wickets by just one wicket.

Shakib's Test career

Shakib Al Hasan made his Test debut against India. He was seen playing red-ball cricket for the first time in the year 2007 and since then, Shakib has played a total of 70 test matches, in which he scored 4600 runs with the bat, which included five centuries and 31 half-centuries.

While bowling, Shakib has registered a total of 242 wickets in Tests for Bangladesh. He is the only bowler from Bangladesh to cross the mark of taking more than 200 wickets in Tests.

Also Read: Top 8 Wicket-takers of T20 World Cup 2021

Shakib's performance in IND vs BAN 1st Test

Despite being one of the most prolific cricketers from his country, Shakib Al Hasan failed to make his mark in the first Test of the ongoing two-match series against India. The experienced player went wicketless on a surface that offered significant assistance to the spinners. 

While the Indian batters tackled his variations easily, Shakib found it tough to get going against the hosts' formidable bowling attack, letting Bangladesh down with his successive modest outings. So, considering his recent form and injury setbacks, Shakib's retirement was on the cards and shouldn't be surprising at all.