The T20 World Cup 2026 burst into life with Wanindu Hasaranga’s masterclass against Ireland in Colombo. His 4-over spell yielding 3 wickets for 25 runs sealed Sri Lanka’s triumph and catapulted him into rarefied air: second on the tournament’s all-time wicket charts with 40 dismissals in 20 matches, nudging aside Shahid Afridi’s 39 in 34.
Hasaranga’s surge highlights his evolution into a global force. Shakib Al Hasan leads imperiously with 50 wickets over 43 matches since 2007. Rashid Khan (38 in 24), Lasith Malinga (38 in 31), and Adam Zampa (36 in 21) form a formidable chasing pack.
Afridi’s third-place finish underscores the generational shift in spin bowling prowess. With the event unfolding from its March 7 start, records hang in the balance. Hasaranga’s poise and Rashid’s guile position them to potentially dethrone Shakib, fueling excitement across the cricketing fraternity.