Pakistan’s women’s cricket team captain, Nida Dar, achieved a historic feat during the second Twenty20 International (T20I) against England in Northampton. Her 137th wicket in the match not only contributed to Pakistan’s bowling effort but also drove her to the top of the leaderboard for most wickets taken in Women’s Twenty20 International cricket. This impressive accomplishment marks a significant milestone for both Dar and Pakistan women’s cricket.
This list explores the leading wicket-takers in Twenty20 International cricket
Nida Dar has imprinted her name in T20I history, taking 140 wickets in 149 matches played. Currently the undisputed leader in wicket-taking for Women’s T20 Internationals, she has handled batters with her exceptional bowling skills. This achievement is even more remarkable considering she is the pioneering Pakistani cricketer, man or woman, to reach the incredible milestone of 100 wickets in T20Is. Her impact extends beyond raw numbers, as she has inspired a generation of young Pakistani cricketers, especially aspiring female bowlers.
Megan Schutt, a dominant force in Australian T20 cricket, has established herself as a world-class bowler. Her right-arm fast-medium pace consistently dismantles batting attacks, reflected in her staggering haul of 136 wickets in just 110 T20 Internationals. Beyond individual milestones, Schutt is a champion performer, she played a crucial role in securing Australia’s T20 World Cup victories in 2018, 2020, and most recently in 2023. Her ability to perform under pressure is unmatched, further cemented by her achievement as the first Australian woman cricketer to take a T20I hat-trick.
Ellyse Alexandra Perry, a dominant force in T20 cricket, the Australian sporting icon has over the years transformed into a fabulous player of the shortest format. She transitioned to dominate T20s with both bat and ball. A true all-rounder, Perry’s exceptional skills were instrumental in Australia’s three consecutive T20 World Cup victories. Her remarkable achievement of amassing 126 wickets in just 154 T20 Internationals stands as a testimony to her bowling ability, solidifying her place as one of the format’s all-time greats.
Anisa Mohammed, the pioneering force of Caribbean spin bowling, was a forerunner in the T20 format. Debuting at a remarkably young age of 15, she has stamped her name in history as the first cricketer, male or female, to reach the coveted milestone of 100 wickets in T20 Internationals. This groundbreaking achievement cemented her place as a T20 great. Her accurate off-spin was a lethal weapon against batters, and her ability to deliver in high-pressure situations is evident in match-winning performances like her career-best haul of 7 wickets in the 2011 World Cup Qualifier final.
Shabnim Ismail, a South African speedster, carved her name as a pioneer in the T20 format. Her reign as the leader of the South African T20 bowling attack lasted over a decade. Renowned for her raw pace, swing, and pinpoint accuracy, Ismail’s right-arm fast bowling instilled fear in batters around the world. This dominance is reflected in her record-breaking achievement of 123 wickets in T20 Internationals, the highest for any South African player.
