The T20 World Cup 2026 has thrown up several surprise heroes, but few stories have been as remarkable as that of Shadley van Schalkwyk. At 37, the USA all-rounder is currently the leading wicket-taker of the tournament, announcing himself on the global stage with a string of match-defining performances.
In just three matches, van Schalkwyk has claimed 11 wickets, including two four-wicket hauls, and no other bowler has yet reached double digits. What makes his rise even more impressive is the quality of opposition he has dominated.
Against tournament heavyweights India and Pakistan, the experienced seamer picked up a combined eight wickets, unsettling some of the most explosive batting line-ups in world cricket.
He made an immediate impact against
India, dismantling the top order with a fiery spell. Bowling with discipline and aggression, he removed key batters including Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav. His figures of four for 25 in that match turned the contest on its head. He followed it up with another four-wicket performance against Pakistan, dismissing crucial players such as Saim Ayub, Salman Agha and Shadab Khan.
Born in South Africa, van Schalkwyk began his professional career there, representing Western Province in domestic cricket. Over the years, he built an impressive record in first-class and List A formats, scoring over 2,500 runs and taking nearly 240 wickets in red-ball cricket. Despite consistent performances, a national call-up never came.
Seeking new opportunities, he moved to the United States in the 2020s and gradually established himself in their national setup. He was part of the USA squad at the 2024 T20 World Cup and has since become a vital figure in their bowling attack. In franchise cricket, he represents the Los Angeles Knight Riders in Major League Cricket and the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in ILT20 competitions.
With experience, control and the ability to deliver under pressure, van Schalkwyk's story is a reminder that cricketing dreams do not have an age limit.
