Arshdeep Singh became the most successful T20I fast bowler for India by breaking the record for most wickets by a pacer in the format for his country during the India vs South Africa 3rd T20I match on November 13 (Wednesday) at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. Arshdeep claimed figures of 3-37 in 4 overs and bowled a match-winning spell for the Men in Blue, helping India defeat South Africa by 11 runs in a high-scoring thriller.
Arshdeep now has 92 wickets in 59 T20I matches, the most by any fast bowler in India. The left-arm pacer went past Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s record, who has 90 wickets to his name. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who last played for India in November 2022, has taken 90 wickets in 86 T20Is since his debut against Pakistan in December 2012. Overall, Arshdeep is only behind ace spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who has 96 wickets to his name in the format.
Arshdeep not only went past Bhuvneshwar, but also eclipsed another ace India pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who has 89 wickets in T20Is for India.
Here’s a look at the bowlers who have claimed most T20I wickets for India
1. Yuzvendra Chahal – 96
2. Arshdeep Singh – 92
3. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 90
4. Jasprit Bumrah – 89
5. Hardik Pandya – 88
Coming to the IND vs SA 3rd T20I, Arshdeep Singh began his spell by dismissing the Protea opener Ryan Rickelton in the powerplay, utilising the bounce-friendly conditions at SuperSport Park to move the new ball effectively.
However, his contributions with the old ball proved even more crucial as Heinrich Klaasen (44 off 22) and Marco Jansen (54 off 17) were threatening to snatch victory in South Africa's steep chase of 220. Arshdeep held his nerve, claiming the key wicket of Klaasen in the 18th over before returning to dismiss Jansen in the final over, securing a hard-fought win for India.
With the win, India now lead the four-match T20I series by 2-1, with the final match set to be played at Johannesburg on November 15.
