2022 has been a remarkable year for T20 cricket and in women’s cricket alone we have witnessed a grand total of 328 matches with 65 teams and over 1000 players featuring in Women’s T20Is which goes to show what a year this has been!
The top five wicket-takers list is also nothing short of a surprise package as with the entry of associate teams to the mainstream, they have shown why they deserve to belong to the center stage and rightfully so occupy top positions on the table. Without further ado, let’s see who are the leading wicket-takers.
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Concy Aweko (40 wickets)
The Uganda cricketer occupies the first position with an unbelievable 40 wickets from 26 games. She averaged an impressive 9.40 and boasts of an economy rate of 3.91 striking at 14.4 while also bowling 6 maidens. She has been the backbone of the Uganda bowling attack and has recently even led them to glory in the Kenya Quadrangular T20 Tournament. Owing to her stupendous performance, she holds the first position overall in most wickets in a calendar year in Women’s T20 Internationals. She will be hoping to carry forward this form to the next year and other major qualifiers so as to ensure Uganda plays in other major multination tournaments while also keeping talent scouts of major franchise leagues around the globe on their toes to sign her up.
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Janet Mbabazi (36 wickets)
Another star from Uganda who continues to impress with her sparkling performances is Janet Mbabazi who has scalped 36 wickets in 26 games. She averages 10.88 and bowled at an economy rate of 4.49 which is nothing short of impressive. Striking at 14.5, she was crucial to Uganda’s prospects in all the games she featured in and was 3rd on the list of highest wicket-takers in the Kenya Quadranglar Women’s T20 Tournament. She formed a formidable bowling partnership with Concy Aweko and provided crucial breakthroughs for Uganda.
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Sarah Akiteng (29 wickets)
Uganda continues to present their stronghold on the list as another youngster, 20-year-old Sarah Akiteng makes her way to the list. Having pocketed 29 wickets from 26 games, she was impressive this year bowling seven maidens. Averaging 11.44 and striking at 17.4, she has an economy rate of 3.93. Her figures of 4/3 versus Germany were impeccable.
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Deepti Sharma (29 wickets)
The true all-rounder who continues to shine for India is Deepti Sharma who has 29 wickets from 25 games this year. Averaging 18.55 and striking at 18.3, Deepti was the X-Factor for Team India. Her economy rate of 6.07 is the best among the Indian bowlers. Her best bowling figures of 3/7 versus Thailand in the Asia Cup was a spectacular spell among the myriad of exemplary performances!
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Vaishnave Mahesh (29 wickets)
UAE has some phenomenal players in their ranks and fifth on the list of top wicket-takers is Vaishnave Mahesh with 29 wickets this year. Bowling an impressive 6 maiden overs, she averaged 12.86 and struck at 15.9 with an economy rate of 4.84.
I am a first year postgraduate student pursuing a MA in Media and Communication Studies at Christ University, Bengaluru. I am a podcaster, blogger and an avid cricket fan. When not glued to cricket matches, you can find me submerged in books and thinking about cricket all the time.