Arshdeep Singh Hits Historic Milestone: Equals World Record for T20I Wickets in a Year!
India's Arshdeep Singh matches the world record for most T20I wickets in a calendar year during the match against New Zealand.
Indian speedster Arshdeep Singh has etched his name into the history books, matching the world record for the most T20 International wickets claimed by a bowler from an ICC full-member nation in a single calendar year. The milestone was achieved during a high-voltage clash against New Zealand at the Henry Stadium in Wellington on October 27, 2026.
The Moment of Glory
The landmark moment arrived when Arshdeep dismissed Tim Seifert, marking his 39th wicket of the 2026 calendar year. India had won the toss and opted to bowl first in the third T20 match of the series. In a disciplined performance, Arshdeep completed his four-over quota, conceding 33 runs and securing the wicket that leveled him with the record books.
Chasing the Record
Arshdeep's ascent to the top has been rapid. Just prior to this encounter, he had already eclipsed the Indian national record held by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who had taken 37 wickets in 2022. Arshdeep surpassed that mark during the second T20 match of the series, where he claimed two wickets to reach a total of 38.
Where Arshdeep Stands Globally
With 39 wickets in 2026, Arshdeep now shares the record for ICC full-member nations with Ireland's Joshua Little, who set the benchmark with 39 wickets back in 2022. Currently, Arshdeep is the leading wicket-taker in T20 Internationals for 2026, followed by Rwanda's Mohammad Nadir, who has 35 wickets to his name.
However, the overall world record across all nations remains untouched. Bahrain's Ali Dawood holds the absolute peak of this achievement, having claimed a staggering 63 wickets in 2025.
A Rising Legend in T20 Cricket
This feat is a testament to Arshdeep's consistency and lethal bowling. His career statistics now place him among the elite of the shortest format:
- Total T20I Wickets: 149
- Appearances: 102 matches
- Global Ranking: He is now the third-highest wicket-taking pace bowler in T20I history.
He currently trails only two legendary figures in the pace department: New Zealand's Tim Southee, who leads with 164 wickets, and Bangladesh's Mustafizur Rahman, who has 163 wickets.