In T20 cricket, the powerplay of those first six overs of the innings holds significant importance. Losing wickets early can really ramp up the pressure on the batting side, giving the bowling team a solid edge right from the start. Over the years, several bowlers have carved out a reputation for themselves by excelling during the powerplay in Men’s T20 World Cup matches. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the bowlers who have claimed the most wickets during the powerplay in the Men’s T20 World Cup. Shaheen Shah Afridi – Pakistan (18 wickets) Pakistan’s star fast bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi, tops the charts with 18 powerplay wickets in T20 World Cup history. Renowned for his swing, Afridi has a knack for making crucial breakthroughs in the opening overs, disrupting early partnerships. Even in the latest tournaments, he’s been a consistent performer for Pakistan. His skill in delivering Yorkers and bouncers under pressure truly sets him apart as one of the most formidable bowlers in T20 cricket. Afridi’s early wickets often give Pakistan a significant advantage right from the start of the innings. Kagiso Rabada – South Africa (16 wickets) South Africa’s ace bowler, Kagiso Rabada is also on the list as he has claimed 16 powerplay wickets in Men’s T20 World Cups. Known for his fierce aggression and blistering pace, Rabada’s early strikes can shift the momentum of a match, putting South Africa in a commanding position. His reliability during those crucial first six overs has established him as one of the top bowlers in the world of cricket. Also Read | Fans Troll Babar Azam After Slow 25 vs England in T20 World Cup 2026 Angelo Mathews – Sri Lanka (15 wickets) Former all-rounder Angelo Mathews has made quite an impact in T20 World Cups, taking 15 wickets during the powerplay. While he was primarily celebrated for his batting skills, his bowling proved to be incredibly effective in those crucial early overs. Instead of relying solely on speed, he often mixed things up with various deliveries and swing. His knack for catching batsmen off guard with slower balls and cutters was key in helping Sri Lanka secure vital breakthroughs right at the start of the innings. Trent Boult – New Zealand (14 wickets) Trent Boult, New Zealand’s left-arm fast bowler, has made quite an impact in T20 World Cups, snatching up 14 wickets during the powerplay. His real talent lies in his ability to swing the new ball in both directions, which makes him a tough challenge for batsmen right from the start. He often makes his mark in those crucial first six overs, breaking important partnerships and helping New Zealand seize control of the game. With his pinpoint accuracy and consistent performance, Boult has established himself as one of the most dependable bowlers during the powerplay. Stuart Broad – England (14 wickets) England’s phenomenal fast bowler, Stuart Broad, makes the cut with an impressive 14 powerplay wickets in T20 World Cup history. His height and bounce have always posed a challenge for batters during those crucial powerplay overs. With his wealth of experience, he’s adept at reading the game and striking at pivotal moments. His knack for snagging early wickets has consistently given England a solid start, setting the tone for their matches.