Fast bowlers have long given batters tough times in the T20 World Cup, courtesy of their ability to produce wicket-taking spells. In the T20 World Cup, pacers
have been especially solid, giving breakthroughs in regular intervals. Notably, fast bowlers account for nearly 65 to 66% of all wickets in T20 World Cup history, largely because they bowl a similar share of the total overs.
Interestingly, while spinners have excelled in the individual all-time wicket charts, pace bowlers collectively have grabbed attention. Pacers often enjoy bounce-friendly conditions like Australia or South Africa, though spin could rule again in India and Sri Lanka in 2026.
Here are the 5 fast bowlers who gave batsmen nightmares in T20 World Cups
5. Trent Boult (New Zealand)
Former New Zealand quick Trent Boult also features on this list is Trent Boult. One of the finest left-arm pacers of his generation, Boult had an impressive World Cup record, where he played a key role in New Zealand's campaigns.
In T20Is, Boult picked up 62 wickets in 61 matches, with best figures of 4/13. In recent years, however, Boult has stepped away from New Zealand’s central contract, significantly reducing his international appearances. He formally retired in 2024; his focus has shifted almost entirely to franchise cricket, where he continues to be an asset across global leagues. In 18 World Cup games, the left-arm seamer scalped 34 wickets.
4. Umar Gul (Pakistan)
Former Pakistan pacer Umar Gul was the most lethal wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history. Gul played 60 T20Is between 2007 and 2014, picking up 85 wickets at an average of 16.97 and an economy of 7.19.
His best World Cup moment came during the 2009 edition's clash against the BlackCaps at The Oval, where he dismantled the middle order with figures of 5/6 in just three overs, including 14 dot balls. Gul was also the leading wicket-taker in the 2007 World T20 and played a crucial role in Pakistan’s title-winning campaign in 2009. Meanwhile, in the T20 World Cup, he featured in 24 games and bagged 35 wickets.
3. Anrich Nortje (South Africa)
Anrich Nortje is the only active player in this list, despite an injury-interrupted career. When he first burst onto the international scene, Nortje made instant headlines with his pace, bounce, and often clocking 150 kmph.
Although regular injuries have forced him to miss a lot of cricket, he still holds the third spot on the list. In ICC T20 World Cups, he has bagged 35 wickets in just 19 matches. In T20Is overall, the speedster has taken 53 wickets in 45 matches, making him one of South Africa’s most reliable fast-bowling options in the shortest format. Notably, he is part of the Proteas' squad for the 2026 edition as well.
2. Tim Southee (New Zealand)
New Zealand pacer Tim Southee was one of the most consistent bowlers in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history. Southee finished his T20 World Cup career with 36 wickets in 25 matches. His ability to pick wickets with the new ball and return at the death made him a crucial player in New Zealand’s bowling attack across multiple editions.
In T20Is overall, Southee enjoyed a brilliant career, claiming 164 wickets in 126 matches at an economy rate of 8.00, a rare achievement for a fast bowler in the shortest format. With his retirement from international cricket in 2024, Southee ended as one of New Zealand’s finest white-ball bowlers.
1. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)
Legendary Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga was known for his slingy action and yorkers that troubled the best batters in the world. With his awkward low-arm release and pace, Malinga was regarded as one of the toughest fast bowlers to face in the shortest format.
His record in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cups includes 38 wickets in the tournament, making him the third-highest wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history. At the time of his last appearance in 2014, he led Sri Lanka to their maiden T20 World Cup title, defeating India in the final.
