Arshdeep Singh Smashes Record for Most T20I Wickets in a Calendar Year
Arshdeep Singh becomes the highest wicket-taker for India in T20Is in a calendar year during a thrilling win against New Zealand.
Indian left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has etched his name into the history books, becoming the most successful Indian bowler in T20 Internationals within a single calendar year. The feat was achieved during the second T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch, where he surpassed a four-year-old record previously held by veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
The Record-Breaking Performance
In a high-stakes encounter, Arshdeep proved to be the standout performer for the Indian bowling attack. He claimed 2 wickets for 33 runs in his four-over spell, removing key New Zealand batters Tim Seifert and Glenn Phillips.
With this performance, Arshdeep has now claimed 38 wickets this year, boasting an average of 24.78 and an economy rate of 9.25. His best figures for the year stand at an impressive 5/51. He has now moved past Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who had previously taken 37 wickets in 32 matches with an average of 19.56, including two four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul.
While Arshdeep now holds the Indian record, he is trailing just behind the global mark. The record for the most T20I wickets by any bowler in a calendar year is held by Ireland's Joshua Little, who took 39 wickets in 2022. Furthermore, Arshdeep is now just two wickets away from becoming the first Indian cricketer to reach the milestone of 150 T20I wickets.
Match Drama: From Collapse to Comeback
The match began with India winning the toss and choosing to bowl first. The Indian bowlers started aggressively, reducing New Zealand to a precarious 41/3 within the powerplay. However, the Kiwis staged a massive recovery thanks to a dominant 116-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Glenn Phillips led the charge with a blistering 70 off 46 balls (including four boundaries and four sixes), supported by Bevon Jacobs, who scored 58 off 46 balls (five fours and one six). This partnership propelled New Zealand to a competitive total of 180/5 in their 20 overs. Along with Arshdeep's two scalps, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Prince Yadav, and Nitish Kumar Reddy each picked up one wicket.
A Thrilling Chase
India's pursuit of 181 started perfectly with a 40-run opening stand without loss. However, the momentum shifted violently as the world champions suffered a middle-order collapse, sliding from 40/0 to 112/6. The primary architect of this destruction was Mitchell Santner, whose four-wicket haul put India on the brink of defeat.
Hope was rekindled by Naman Dhir, who smashed a quickfire 31 off just 17 balls, featuring a four and three sixes. The victory was finally sealed in a dramatic finish by Tilak, who remained unbeaten on 51 off 26 balls (six fours, one six), and Nitish, who contributed 26* off 13 balls (one four, one six). India crossed the finish line with just one ball remaining.
With this victory, India now leads the five-match series 2-0.