Arshdeep Singh Two Scalps Away From Historic 150 T20I Wickets
Arshdeep Singh is just two wickets away from becoming the first Indian to take 150 T20I wickets as India faces New Zealand in Wellington.
India's premier left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh is standing on the threshold of a monumental achievement in international cricket. As India prepares to face New Zealand in the third T20I of their five-match series, the star bowler is just two wickets away from becoming the first Indian to reach the milestone of 150 T20I wickets.
The Quest for History in Wellington
The stage is set at Wellington’s Hnry Stadium this Tuesday, where Arshdeep will lead the attack in an attempt to etch his name in the record books. Currently, the seamer has claimed 148 wickets across 101 T20I appearances. His statistics reflect a dominant force in the shortest format, boasting an impressive average of 20.41 and an economy rate of 8.65, including a standout five-wicket haul.
Not only is he India's leading wicket-taker in T20Is, but he also holds the 10th position on the all-time global list. Arshdeep has already found his rhythm in the current series against New Zealand, picking up three wickets in the first two encounters.
From a Nervous Start to Death-Over Mastery
Arshdeep's journey has been one of remarkable growth. Interestingly, he shares a unique, albeit awkward, distinction with former Indian stars Jhulan Goswami and Ajit Agarkar—all three began their T20I careers with a maiden over.
However, he quickly shook off those early nerves to become one of the most feared bowlers in the final overs. Known for his pinpoint yorkers and the ability to clock speeds exceeding 140 kmph, Arshdeep has become an indispensable asset to the Indian side.
A Rapid Rise to Prominence
- The Debut: He burst onto the international scene during India's tour of England in 2022.
- Caribbean Success: Following his debut, he made a significant impact against the West Indies, grabbing seven wickets in just five matches.
- Asia Cup Breakthrough: His consistency earned him a spot in the 2022 Asia Cup, where he was one of only two Indian bowlers—the other being Bhuvneshwar Kumar—to take more than four wickets.
India’s Dominance in New Zealand
While all eyes are on Arshdeep's personal milestone, the team is equally focused on securing a dominant victory. India currently holds a 2-0 lead in the five-match series, having won the first two games against a New Zealand side that recently finished as runners-up in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
What makes this lead more impressive is that India has managed to maintain momentum despite the absence of key pillars like pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and versatile all-rounder Hardik Pandya. With the series firmly in their grasp, the visitors will look to capitalize on their form as they head into the third clash in Wellington.