It is quite important for the bowlers to pick up wickets after a regular interval of time. This ensures that the batters are not allowed to settle down, hence, restricting the oppositions score. In big tournaments, like the Women’s T20I World Cup, it is necessary for the bowlers to remain consistent. We have seen the New Zealand’s prowess in providing top-quality fast bowlers. Bowlers like Sophie Devine have left a permanent mark on the game of cricket. In this article, we will take a look at these impressive Kiwi bowlers who have bagged the most wickets in T20I World Cups.
1. Sophie Devine
We start the list with Sophie Devine. Since the inaugural Women’s T20I World Cup, Sophie has bagged a total of 29 wickets in 27 innings. She gave away 478 runs in the 78 overs which she bowled, and registered the best bowling figure of 4/22.
2. Leigh Kasperek
On number two, we have Leigh Kasperek. Kasperek scalped 22 wickets in the 13 innings of the Women’s T20I World Cups between 2016 and 2020. Apart from the wickets, she was pretty economical, giving away only 285 runs in 50 overs. She recorded the best bowling figures of 3/13 in the tournament.
3. Amelia Kerr
Next up is Amelia Kerr, with 17 wickets in her bag. In the 47 overs of 12 innings that she bowled in the tournament, Amelia gave away 249 while registering the best bowling figure of 3/21. The leg-spin bowling allrounder has scored a double century across all formats of the game.
4. Nicola Browne
On the fourth spot, we have Nicola Browne. While playing in the Women’s T20I World Cup for New Zealand between 2009 and 2014, Nicola picked up 17 wickets in 17 matches. She conceded 263 runs in 49 overs during this interval and recorded the best bowling figure of 4/15.
5. Lea Tahuhu
Standing in the fifth position, we have Lea Tahuhu with 16 wickets to her name. Since 2016, Lea has featured in 16 matches and bowled 50 overs while giving away 305 runs. Her best bowling figures during this tenure were 3/37. Lea used to play as a right-arm medium-fast bowler for the team.
6. Erin Bermingham
Making her way to the sixth place on the list, we have Erin Bermingham. During 2010-2016, Erin has picked up 15 wickets in 39 overs of 11 innings while giving away 212 runs. The right-handed leg-break bowler has the best bowling figure of 2/14.
7. Sian Ruck
On number seven, we have Sian Ruck. Ruck has bagged 14 wickets in the 13 Women’s T20I World Cup matches between 2009 and 2016. The left-arm medium pacer has given away 213 runs in her 43 overs and registered the best bowling figure of 3/12 in the process.
8. Lucy Doolan
Lucy Doolan, with a total of 11 wickets registered to her name, stands in the eighth position on this list. In the 33 overs of 10 innings during 2009-2012, Lucy has given away 170 runs. Her best bowling figure in the Women’s T20I World Cups is 3/16. The right-arm off-break bowler is also capable of keeping wickets and batting in the top order.
9. Morna Nielsen
On the ninth spot of this list, with 11 wickets written under her name, we have Morna Nielson. Nielson also gave away 220 runs in 51 overs of 14 innings while recording the best bowling figures of 2/10. Morna started her career as a medium-pacer but switched to spin soon, and made a quick impression on the selectors.
10. Hayley Jensen
Last but not least, we have Hayley Jensen making it to the list of top bowlers. Hayley too, has scalped 11 wickets in 11 innings. Since 2014, Hayley has conceded 238 runs in 34 overs and registered the best bowling figures of 3/11 during this tenure. She plays as a right-arm medium pacer for the team.
