The Asia Cup has traditionally been a batters-dominated event with players highlighting their power-hitting skills, the T20 game has made skill in bowling all the more important. In the shortest form of cricket, it is crucial for a bowler to be able to grab wickets and manage the run flow.
Here is a glance at the top five wicket-takers in the history of the Asia Cup T20:
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (India)
Leading the pack is India’s swing maestro, Bhuvneshwar Kumar. With 13 wickets in just 6 matches, he has been a consistent threat with the new ball and at the death. His standout performance came in the 2022 edition, where he took a devastating 5 for 4 against Afghanistan, showcasing his mastery of swing and variation.
Kumar’s skill at bowling tight lines and getting movement off the wicket makes him a nightmare for any batters to face, and his position in this list is a reflection of the talent he possesses.
Amjad Javed (UAE)
A remarkable performance by an associate team, UAE’s Amjad Javed is at the second position with 12 wickets in 7 games. Javed’s performances in the 2016 Asia Cup qualifiers helped his team immensely. His regular wicket-take and a decent economy rate have him ranked among the top bowlers in the tournament’s T20 history.
His success is a testament to the abilities waiting to be discovered outside of the typical Test-playing nations.
Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)
Afghanistan’s leg-spin sensation Rashid Khan is joint third with 11 wickets from 8 games. Rashid’s leg-spin is a global phenomenon, and his appearance in the Asia Cup T20 has been no exception. His deceptive speed, innovative variations, and accuracy to the dot make him nearly unplayable on his day.
He has been one of the prime architects of Afghanistan’s emergence as a force in global cricket, and his sustained effort in the Asia Cup solidifies his image as a T20 bowling giant.
Mohammad Naveed (UAE)
Another UAE bowler, Mohammad Naveed, is joint third with Rashid Khan with 11 wickets in 7 games. Naveed has been a vital cog for the UAE, offering them valuable breakthroughs against larger teams.
His capacity to offer good spells against regional giants is testament to his talent and willpower, demonstrating that the UAE possesses genuine talent to share.
Hardik Pandya (India)
Completing the top five is India’s versatile all-rounder, Hardik Pandya. Like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Naveed, he has also picked up 11 wickets in 8 matches. Although he tends to be famous for his big-hitting capabilities, Pandya’s bowling has proved to be just as deadly in the T20 Asia Cup.
With his combination of pace, intelligent slower balls, and timely yorkers, he has given India key breakthroughs, making him an absolute all-round package.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025 – Most Runs In The Tournament In T20I Format Ft. Virat Kohli
