T20 International cricket is known for big sixes, power-hitting, and jaw-dropping scores—but it’s the bowlers who make or break matches with just four overs. In a game where every ball counts, a great bowlers in T20 cricket is like gold. These legends have changed the game by controlling the pace, taking wickets at key moments, and making it thrilling for fans worldwide. Let’s look at the top 10 best bowlers in T20 International history who left a lasting impact and became true match-winners.
10. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – India
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been one of the most dependable names when we talk about swing and control in T20 cricket. A master of the new ball, he also excels at death overs. His economy and discipline make him a top best bowlers in T20 international , especially in high-pressure matches. Bhuvi is also known for his calm approach and ability to outsmart batters with subtle variations.
| Stat Category | Record |
| Matches | 87 |
| Wickets | 90 |
| Best Bowling | 5/4 |
| Bowling Average | 23.10 |
| Economy Rate | 6.96 |
9. Ish Sodhi – New Zealand
Ish Sodhi is a consistent performer for New Zealand and one of the most underrated spinners in T20 Internationals. He uses his wrist spin with flight and guile to deceive batters. A true best bowlers in T20 international who delivers in crunch moments and takes wickets when the team needs them most, Sodhi has built his reputation match after match.
| Stat Category | Record |
| Matches | 102 |
| Wickets | 130 |
| Best Bowling | 4/28 |
| Bowling Average | 22.89 |
| Economy Rate | 7.71 |
Also Read: Top 5 Batsmen with the Most Runs in ODI Cricket
8. Lasith Malinga – Sri Lanka
Lasith Malinga is an icon. His slingy action and deadly yorkers made him a nightmare for batters. A lethal best bowlers in T20 international, Malinga was not only Sri Lanka’s go-to man but also feared by players around the globe. He has retired, but his legacy remains in every toe-crushing yorker he delivered.
| Stat Category | Record |
| Matches | 84 |
| Wickets | 107 |
| Best Bowling | 5/6 |
| Bowling Average | 19.68 |
| Economy Rate | 7.42 |
7. Rashid Khan – Afghanistan
Rashid Khan is nothing short of a sensation in world cricket. A match-winner and a consistent performer, Rashid is the definition of a modern-day best bowlers in T20 international. With his quick leg-breaks and unreadable googlies, he has rattled even the best batters across the world. He is also a valuable fielder and handy with the bat.
| Stat Category | Record |
| Matches | 82 |
| Wickets | 130 |
| Best Bowling | 5/30 |
| Bowling Average | 14.62 |
| Economy Rate | 6.16 |
6. Shakib Al Hasan – Bangladesh
Shakib Al Hasan has been Bangladesh’s all-round rock for years. But when it comes to bowling, he is one of the smartest left-arm spinners in T20 cricket. His experience and cool-headed strategy make him a classic best bowlers in T20 international, using his variations and flight to confuse batsmen and contain runs.
| Stat Category | Record |
| Matches | 122 |
| Wickets | 140 |
| Best Bowling | 5/20 |
| Bowling Average | 20.56 |
| Economy Rate | 6.73 |
5. Adil Rashid – England
England’s white-ball dominance has a lot to do with Adil Rashid. A top-class leg-spinner who brings variation and control, Rashid is often the game-changer. He is a classic best bowlers in T20 international, who picks wickets in the middle overs and doesn’t allow batters to settle. His googlies and flippers keep batters guessing.
| Stat Category | Record |
| Matches | 104 |
| Wickets | 113 |
| Best Bowling | 4/20 |
| Bowling Average | 24.07 |
| Economy Rate | 7.46 |
4. Tim Southee – New Zealand
Tim Southee is one of the most experienced pacers in T20I history. He mixes swing with smart slower deliveries, making him an effective best bowlers in T20 international. Over the years, he’s picked up key wickets and delivered excellent spells, proving his worth in every T20 tournament and series.
| Stat Category | Record |
| Matches | 120 |
| Wickets | 144 |
| Best Bowling | 5/18 |
| Bowling Average | 23.69 |
| Economy Rate | 8.02 |
3. Mohammad Nabi – Afghanistan
Mohammad Nabi might be more popular for his batting, but his off-spin is no less threatening. A clever best bowlers in T20 international, he uses angles, flight, and pace variation to dominate. He’s also been a reliable bowler during powerplays and middle overs, keeping it tight and striking when it matters.
| Stat Category | Record |
| Matches | 113 |
| Wickets | 89 |
| Best Bowling | 4/10 |
| Bowling Average | 27.34 |
| Economy Rate | 7.34 |
2. Wanindu Hasaranga – Sri Lanka
Hasaranga has quickly risen to the top tier of T20 bowlers. His lethal googlies and attacking mindset have made him a regular wicket-taker. A new-age bowlers in T20, Hasaranga always looks for wickets and brings energy on the field, making him an absolute asset for Sri Lanka.
| Stat Category | Record |
| Matches | 65 |
| Wickets | 104 |
| Best Bowling | 4/9 |
| Bowling Average | 15.26 |
| Economy Rate | 6.78 |
1. Jasprit Bumrah – India
No surprises here. Jasprit Bumrah is arguably the best bowlers in T20 cricket. His unorthodox action, deadly yorkers, and calmness in pressure situations make him unbeatable. He thrives in both powerplay and death overs. Bumrah’s match-winning performances have helped India seal countless victories in T20 cricket.
| Stat Category | Record |
| Matches | 62 |
| Wickets | 74 |
| Best Bowling | 3/11 |
| Bowling Average | 19.66 |
| Economy Rate | 6.55 |