Women's T20I cricket has gained immense popularity in recent times, and the T20I World Cup is one of the most prestigious tournaments in this format. South Africa has been a consistent performer in the Women's T20I World Cup, and their bowlers have played a crucial role in their success. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 wicket-takers for South Africa in the Women's T20I World Cups. From veteran campaigners to young guns, these bowlers have made significant contributions to their team's success in the tournament. Let's delve into the stats and numbers to see who makes the cut in this list.
1. Shabnim Ismail
In the first place, we have Shabnim Ismail. Shabnim scalped 43 wickets in 32 innings in her T20I World Cup career since the inaugural tournament in 2009. With the best bowling figures of 3/5, Shabnim was quite economical, leaking only 5.83 runs per over.
2. Marizanne Kapp
Next on the list is Marizanne Kapp, with 26 wickets. During 2009-2023, Marizanne bowled with an average economy rate of 5.26 in 25 innings. She registered the best bowling figures of 3/16. Kapp's ability to bowl accurate yorkers at the death makes her a valuable asset to the team.
3. Dan van Niekerk
On number three, we have Dan van Niekerk with 25 wickets during 2009-2020. In 27 innings, she bowled with an average economy rate of 5.58. She also recorded the phenomenal best bowling figures of 3/10 during this tenure. She is primarily a leg-spinner who can also contribute with the bat in the middle order.
4. Sune Luus
Standing in fourth place, with 16 wickets in just 13 innings, is Sune Luus. She bowled with an incredible economy rate of 5.00 and the best bowling figures of 5/8. Luus' ability to vary her pace and flight has made her a tricky bowler to face, and she often bowls in the middle overs to control the run rate.
5. Ayabonka Khaka
With 11 wickets in 10 innings, Ayabonka Khaka is placed fifth on this list. She bowled with an economy rate of 6.38 runs per over and had the best bowling figures of 4/29. Khaka's ability to generate pace and movement with the new ball has often given South Africa an early breakthrough.
6. Sunette Loubser
Next up on the list is Sunette Loubser. She bagged ten wickets in 13 innings of T20I World Cups played between 2009 and 2014. She bowls with an economy rate of 6.66 and has the best bowling figures of 3/22. The right-arm off-spinner was known for her accuracy and ability to bowl tight spells in the middle overs.
7. Nonkululeko Mlaba
Nonkululeko Mlaba, with nine wickets, takes the seventh spot on this list. With the best bowling figures of 3/10, she leaked runs at an economy rate of 5.89 runs per over in her. She has quickly established herself as a reliable spinner who can also contribute with the bat in the lower order.
8. Chloe Tryon
On the eighth spot, we have Chloe Tryon with seven wickets in 14 innings. She has been featuring in T20I World Cups since 2010 and has an economy rate of 6.88 runs per over. Tryon often bowls at the death, and her ability to bowl yorkers has helped South Africa in close matches. Tryon is also a powerful hitter.
9. Nadine de Klerk
On number nine, we have Nadine de Klerk with six wickets in seven innings. She had a high economy rate of 6.85 runs per over and the best bowling figures of 3/19. Nadine is a right-arm medium-fast bowler who is also a useful batter in the lower order and is known for her aggressive stroke play.
10. Susan Benade
Last but not least, we have Susan Benade, who scalped five wickets in six innings and registered the best bowling figures of 2/7 during 2009-2012. Her economy during this tenure was of 4.58 runs per over. Susan was a right-arm medium-fast bowler and was known for her ability to swing the ball.
