Bowling is an essential aspect of T20I cricket, and taking wickets is crucial in restricting the opposition's run-scoring. South Africa has produced some world-class bowlers over the years, and their performances in T20I World Cups have been noteworthy. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 wicket-takers for South Africa in T20I World Cups. From the legendary Dale Steyn to the current crop of bowlers such as Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada, these bowlers have left an indelible mark on the T20I World Cup history for South Africa. So, let's delve into the statistics and highlights of these top-performing bowlers.
1. Dale Steyn
In the first place, we have the star fast-bowler, Dale Steyn. Steyn scalped 30 wickets in 23 innings in his T20I World Cup career during 2009-2016. Besides registering the best bowling figures of 4/17, Steyn bowled quite economically, leaking only 6.96 runs per over.
2. Morne Morkel
Next on the list is Morne Morkel, with 24 wickets. During 2007-2014, Morkel bowled with an average economy rate of 7.21 in 17 innings. He also registered the best bowling figures of 4/17. Morkel's height and ability to generate steep bounce made him a difficult bowler to face in the format.
3. Anrich Nortje
Making his way to number three, we have Anrich Nortje with 20 wickets in the 2021-2022 T20I World Cups. In his only ten innings, he bowled with an incredible economy rate of 5.37. He also recorded the phenomenal best bowling figures of 4/10 during this tenure.
4. Imran Tahir
Standing in fourth place, with 18 wickets in just nine innings is Imran Tahir. He bowled with an incredible economy rate of 5.94 and best bowling figures of 4/21. Tahir’s accurate leg spin has proved to be the X-factor for the team on multiple occasions. Tahir’s wicket-taking celebration also has a huge fanbase.
5. Wayne Parnell
With 18 wickets in 14 innings, Wayne Parnell is placed fifth on this list. He bowled with an economy rate of 6.74 runs per over and has the best bowling figures of 4/13. Parnell has been quite effective in the powerplay overs, often picking up early wickets.
6. Kagiso Rabada
Kagiso Rabada takes away the sixth spot on this list with 15 wickets in 13 innings of T20I World Cup matches played between 2016 and 2022. He has the best bowling figures of 3/20. However, his economy rate of 9.23 is on the higher side. Rabada is quite effective in the death overs, where he can bowl a variety of deliveries to restrict the opposition's scoring rate.
7. Tabraiz Shamsi
Tabraiz Shamsi, with 12 wickets, takes the seventh spot on this list. With the best bowling figures of 3/17, he leaked runs at an economy rate of 6.55 runs per over. Shamsi possesses an unorthodox style of bowling, which has gained him this success in just the two tournaments of 2021 and 2022.
8. Jacques Kallis
On the eighth spot, we have legendary cricketer Jacques Kallis with 12 wickets in 14 innings. He featured in T20I World Cups from 2009 to 2012 and had an economy rate of 6.67 runs per over. While Kallis was primarily known for his batting, he was also a handy medium-pace bowler in the T20I format.
9. Charl Langeveldt
On number nine, we have Charl Langeveldt with 11 wickets in only four innings. In his only T20I World Cup of 2010, Charl bowled with an economy rate of 6.50 runs per over and registered the best bowling figures of 4/19. He used to bowl with the new ball and in the death overs.
10. Roelof van der Merwe
Last but not least, we have Roelof van der Merwe, who scalped 11 wickets in 9 innings and registered the best bowling figures of 2/14 during 2009-2010. Van der Merwe was known for his left-arm spin bowling, which made him an effective bowler in the middle overs.
