Providing a breakthrough to the team in the 1st over of a match is the aim of every bowler. The new ball troubles the opening batters a bit. So if the fast bowlers have the capability to swing the ball at a good pace, they can pick up multiple wickets in the 1st over itself.
However, fans should note that it is a tough task for any bowler to take wickets in the opening over consistently because the batters tend to gain knowledge about the opponent and improve themselves. Still, a few bowlers have managed to do so consistently, and here’s a list of the seven bowlers who have taken the most wickets in the opening over of a T20 innings.
(Stats Credit: Parashu Uniyal)
7. Tim Southee – 25 wickets in 1st over of T20 innings
New Zealand’s Test captain Tim Southee has a great record in T20 cricket as well. The right-arm pacer has picked up 25 wickets in the innings’ opening over.
6. Dale Steyn – 25 wickets in 1st over of T20 innings
Former South African speedster Dale Steyn was known for his swing and pace. Like Southee, Steyn also took 25 wickets while bowling the first over.
5. Shaheen Shah Afridi – 26 wickets in 1st over of T20 innings
Shaheen Shah Afridi is one of the top cricketers in the world right now. The left-arm pacer from Pakistan has a habit of taking wickets and he has taken 26 while bowling the first over of T20 innings.
4. Trent Boult – 27 wickets
Current New Zealand pacer Trent Boult has 27 wickets while bowling the first over. The batters struggle a lot against his pace and swing initially.
3. David Willey – 32 wickets
David Willey is another left-arm pacer to feature on the list. Willey is from England, and he has bagged 32 wickets in the first over of T20 innings.
2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 40 wickets
The record for the most wickets by an Indian bowler in the first over of T20 innings belongs to Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The medium pacer has bagged 40 wickets.
1. Chris Rushworth – 47 wickets
Former Durham pacer Chris Rushworth owns the record for the most wickets in the first over of T20 innings. Rushworth took 47 wickets.
