The rivalry between India and Australia in Test cricket is one of the most celebrated contests in the sport. With a history dating back to 1947-48, this clash has produced unforgettable matches, marked by exceptional performances from legendary players. While batsmen often take the spotlight, bowlers play an equally critical role in securing victories in the longest format of the game.

Indian bowlers, both spinners and pacers, have risen to the challenge against Australia, delivering spellbinding performances that have etched their names in cricketing history. Here’s a look at the top five Indian bowlers with the most wickets against Australia in Test cricket.

5. Kapil Dev – 79 wickets

India’s first World Cup-winning captain, Kapil Dev, was a masterful all-rounder who thrived against Australia. In 20 Tests between 1979 and 1992, Kapil claimed 79 wickets at an impressive average of 25.35. His fiery spell of 8/106 in Adelaide during the 1985-86 series remains etched in memory, as he dismantled a strong Australian batting lineup led by Allan Border.

4. Ravindra Jadeja – 89 wickets

A modern-day maestro, Ravindra Jadeja has emerged as a consistent performer against Australia. In 17 Tests, Jadeja has taken 89 wickets at an average of 18.89, showcasing his ability to excel in both Indian and Australian conditions. His 7/42 at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium in 2023 stands out as one of the most dominant spells in recent history, helping India secure a resounding victory.

3. Harbhajan Singh – 95 wickets
Harbhajan Singh’s magical spells against Australia earned him the nickname "The Turbanator." In 18 Tests, he picked 95 wickets, highlighted by his stunning performance in the 2001 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With 32 wickets in three matches, including a memorable hat-trick at Kolkata, Harbhajan proved to be Australia’s nemesis time and again. His best figures of 8/84 underline his dominance over the mighty Aussies.

2. Anil Kumble – 111 wickets

Anil Kumble, India’s highest wicket-taker in Tests, was a force to be reckoned with against Australia. Over 20 matches, he scalped 111 wickets, including 10 five-wicket hauls. Kumble’s precision and ability to exploit spin-friendly conditions made him Australia’s biggest challenge. His iconic 8/141 at the Sydney Cricket Ground during the 2003-04 tour remains one of the finest spells by an Indian bowler Down Under.

1. Ravichandran Ashwin – 114 wickets

Sitting at the top of the list is Ravichandran Ashwin, who has taken 114 wickets in 22 Tests against Australia. Known for his tactical brilliance and versatility, Ashwin’s standout performance came in Chennai in 2013, where he recorded figures of 7/103 and 5/95. With an impressive mix of spin variations, Ashwin continues to trouble Australian batters both at home and away, cementing his legacy as one of India’s finest.

India’s bowlers have played a pivotal role in scripting historic victories against Australia. From Kapil Dev’s fiery pace to Ashwin’s guileful spin, these legends have consistently delivered match-winning performances. Their ability to adapt to vastly different conditions in India and Australia has made the rivalry thrilling to watch.

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As India and Australia continue to produce epic battles on the field, the legacy of these iconic bowlers serves as a reminder of the importance of taking 20 wickets to win a Test match. With each series, new stars emerge, but the contributions of these stalwarts will forever remain an integral part of this storied rivalry.

India vs. Australia has been one of the most exciting rivalries in cricket history, delivering unforgettable matches since their first encounter in 1947-48. The contrasting playing conditions in the two countries add a layer of intrigue, making every series unique. Over the decades, many Indian batters have risen to the challenge, dominating Australian bowlers at home and away.

Here’s a look at the top five Indian batters who have scored the most runs against Australia in Test cricket.

5. Virat Kohli – 2042 Runs

Former Indian captain Virat Kohli has an outstanding record against Australia across formats. In Test cricket, he ranks fifth among Indians with the most runs against the Aussies.

In 25 matches, Kohli has amassed 2042 runs at an average of 47.48, including eight centuries (the second-most by an Indian vs. Australia) and five half-centuries. His highest score of 186 reflects his dominance with the bat. Kohli's leadership was historic; under him, India secured their first-ever Test series victory in Australia in 2018-19.

4. Cheteshwar Pujara – 2074 Runs

Known for his grit and resilience, Cheteshwar Pujara has been a thorn in Australia’s side. Between 2010 and 2023, Pujara played 25 Tests against them, scoring 2074 runs at an average of 49.38.

Pujara was instrumental in India’s victories in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series, emerging as the highest scorer in 2016-17 and 2018-19, and the second-highest in 2020-21. His tally includes five centuries and 11 half-centuries, proving his consistency across challenging conditions.

3. Rahul Dravid – 2143 Runs

Rahul Dravid, often referred to as The Wall, was a dependable batter for India in tough situations. Against Australia, he played 32 Tests between 1996 and 2012, scoring 2143 runs at an average of 39.68.

Dravid's contributions included two centuries and 13 half-centuries. His memorable 233 at Adelaide in 2003, and his partnership with VVS Laxman at Eden Gardens in 2001, underline his significance in India’s Test cricket history.

2. VVS Laxman – 2434 Runs

VVS Laxman had a special connection with playing against Australia, producing some of his career-best performances. He scored 2434 runs in 29 Tests between 1998 and 2012 at an impressive average of 49.67.

His innings of 281 at Eden Gardens in 2001 remains one of the greatest Test knocks of all time, helping India achieve a famous comeback win. Laxman’s six centuries and 12 half-centuries against Australia further highlight his ability to perform under pressure.

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1. Sachin Tendulkar – 3630 Runs

The Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar tops the list with 3630 runs against Australia, the most by any Indian and second-most overall in Test cricket. Tendulkar played 39 Tests against Australia from 1991 to 2013, averaging 55 with 11 centuries and 16 half-centuries.

His innings of 241 not out in Sydney in 2004 showcased his mastery over the Australian bowlers. Tendulkar’s consistency and ability to rise to the occasion made him the Aussies’ biggest challenge for over two decades.

The India-Australia rivalry in Test cricket is more than just a contest—it’s a battle of grit, skill, and legacy. These five batters have left an indelible mark on this storied competition, inspiring generations of cricketers and fans alike.

The extraordinary might of the Australian team was crushed at the Adelaide Oval as Pakistani speedster Haris Rauf ran through the batting lineup like a hot knife through the butter. On a steamy pace-friendly wicket, Rauf extracted prodigious bounce and seam movement to trouble the Aussie batters early on. He received ample support from his pace counterpart Shaheen, who accounted for three dismissals while Naseem and Hasnain finished with one wicket apiece.

Four out of five of his dismissals featured soft dismissals that came in the form of caught behind whereas one solitary dismissal came in the form of bold dismissal. Inglis, Labuschagne, Hardie, Maxwell, and Cummins succumbed to his hostile pace bowling. His figures of 5-29 are his best-recorded ODI figures on Australian soil and on the back of such a ground-breaking performance, the Men in Green can now dream of a potential victory in this series. 

A look into Haris Rauf's obliterating bowling spell   

Out-class Spell by Haris Rauf Today #PAKvsAUS pic.twitter.com/9zKl7mAYAb

— Ahsan Shah 💙 (@parh_ly_ahsan) November 8, 2024

Inglis was the first victim to fall to Rauf's hostile bowling. He was dismissed during the 14th over when he attempted to pull a shortish delivery angling down the leg side. Haris was rewarded for this ordinary delivery as Inglis only managed to get some glove on the way making it all too easy for Rizwan to complete a simple catch behind the stumps. 

Labuschagne was the next batter to depart and he was dismissed at a very crucial time when Australia needed a partnership to stay afloat. Rauf bowled an absolute peach in the form of a seam-up delivery and Labuschagne poked at it tentatively to find the outside edge through to Rizwan behind the stumps. 

Hardie was the next victim to fall and he too succumbed in a very similar fashion as his predecessor Labuschagne during the 26th over of the match. A regulation seam-up delivery on a length deviated very late to take the outside edge of Hardie's bat which ultimately resulted in his demise on 14.

Then a big wicket of Maxwell which completely derailed Australia during the 28th over. Maxwell made a very poor choice to counter-attack Rauf for which he paid a hefty price.  Maxwell's eyes lit up after seeing a short and wide delivery outside off. He tried to take a swipe at it only to drag the ball back onto his stumps.

And then finally, Rauf delivered a final nail in the coffin by removing the skipper Cummins who could have threatened Pakistan in the dying phase of the innings. His dismissal broke the back of the Australian innings as the home side failed to put up a big score on the board.

Where does the match currently stand? 

Shaheen Afridi picked up the final wicket of the innings to clean up Australia for 163. Haris's inspirational bowling spell has given the visitors a fighting chance of getting back into the series. The Men in Green narrowly missed out in the first ODI at Melbourne but with such a relatively small target to chase, Pakistan find themselves on the cusp of a maiden ODI victory in Australia since 2017. 

See also: Low scoring Oman vs UAE ODI enters the record books

England leveled the ODI series by creating history in the second game of the three-match ODI series against the hosts West Indies at Antigua. 

Trailing the series by 1-0, England chose to field first after winning the toss in the second game of the series. After West Indies scored 328/6 in 50 overs, England successfully reached the target in 47.3 overs after losing five wickets.

Captain Shai Hope scored a century in the first innings

Captain Shai Hope scored his 17th ODI century as his 117 off 127 balls (eight fours and four sixes) powered the Caribbean team to score a big ODI total. Keacy Carty (71) and Sherfane Rutherford (54) supported him with half-centuries, while Shimron Hetmyer (24), Roston Chase (20*), and Matthew Forde (23*) brought some useful cameos.

Captain Liam Livingstone fired a match-winning century

In reply, although England lost a couple of wickets cheaply, they always had some useful partnerships. Opener Phil Salt (59), Jacob Bethell (55), and Sam Curran (52) scored valuable half-centuries, while the captain Liam Livingstone scored his maiden ODI century as he remained not out on 124 runs off 85 balls (five fours and nine sixes) to guide the visitors to reach the target safely. 

Both captains scored centuries in the same ODI

• It was the seventh time in ODI cricket history that both captains scored centuries in the same game. 

• England also became the first team to successfully chase three 300+ ODI targets in the West Indies. Even the hosts West Indies have recorded it twice. 

Second highest successful ODI chase in West Indies

• England recorded the second-highest successful ODI chase in the West Indies. They also hold the record for the highest successful chase of 361 runs against West Indies in the 2019 Bridgetown ODI. 

While India celebrated the opening day of the Pune Test against New Zealand with strong bowling performances, the batting collapse put the hosts in danger of losing the Test as well as the home series against New Zealand. Can we see any dramatic comeback from the hosts? In other words, is there any previous Test match history of successful fourth innings chasing after getting behind 100 or more runs at the end of the first innings battles? 

Leading the three-match away Test series by 1-0, New Zealand captain Tom Latham chose to bat first in the second Test at Pune. While India can’t afford another defeat in this home Test series, which is also a part of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship, another win for the Blackcaps will only mean their historic Test series win in India.

India are in deep trouble at Pune Test

On the opening day of the Pune Test, New Zealand were bowled out for 259 runs. While Ravichandran Ashwin (3/64) picked up the first three wickets, Washington Sundar recorded his first Test fifer and ended with the bowling figures of 23.1-4-59-7 on his Test comeback.

Starting the second day of the Pune Test at 16/1, Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and the no.4 batter Shubman Gill took the team to score 50 runs. But then the hosts lost wickets quickly, as India lost five wickets to score the next 50 runs.

Apart from Jaiswal (30), Gill (30), and Ravindra Jadeja (38) all other Indian batters failed to reach the 20-run mark as India were bundled out for only 156 runs. New Zealand left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner also claimed a seven-wicket haul (7/53), as he recorded the third-best bowling figures by a New Zealand bowler against India in a Test innings. 

New Zealand started their second innings with a 103-run lead. At the end of the second day, the visitors scored 198/5 with a lead of 301 runs. Although Washington Sundar also picked up four wickets in the second innings (4/56) and already completed his first Test 10-wicket haul, the achievement has been overshadowed.

Is there any chance for India at the Pune Test?

Now the question is, can India turn the table in the fourth innings? New Zealand’s lead has already crossed the 300-run mark, and the visitors will surely add some more important runs on the third day. So, it means that the hosts India will have to chase a big fourth innings target in the Pune Test.

What do the records say?

Here, we will only discuss Test matches in which a team had a 100+ run deficit at the end of the first innings battles but still successfully chased the fourth innings target to record a stunning win. This means that the team batted first in the second innings of a Test match and wasn’t forced to follow on.  

Talking about Indian cricket history, we have seen this picture only once. Yes, only once India won a Test match by successfully chasing a fourth innings target despite trailing by 100+ runs at the end of the first innings battles.

Historic 1978 Port of Spain Test

It was the historic 1978 Port of Spain Test match against India. After the hosts West Indies scored 359 runs, India were all out for 228 runs as the visitors were trailing by 131 runs. The hosts set a 403-run target after declaring their second innings for 271/6. 

While none of the Indian batters managed the half-century mark in their first innings, opener Sunil Gavaskar scored 102 runs, while Mohinder Amarnath was run out for 85 runs, and Gundappa Viswanath was run out after scoring 112 runs. Also, Brijesh Patel scored 49 not out as the Bishan Bedi-led Indian team won that match by six wickets after reaching the target in 147 overs after losing four wickets.

2001 Kolkata Test can't join the upper list

There was another such incident in Indian cricket, which is unforgettable. During the historic 2001 Kolkata Test, India suffered a 274-run deficit. However, India were enforced to follow on, and Australia batted the fourth innings to chase the 384-run target. By bowling out the visitors for 212 runs, India clinched a famous Test win. However, it can’t be considered in the upper list due to India’s follow on and Australia’s batting in the fourth innings. 

Overall Test cricket history

In Test cricket history, 23 matches experienced a successful fourth innings chase for a team despite trailing by 100+ runs at the end of the first innings battle (excluding the 2000 Centurion Test between South Africa and England, which experienced a 0/0 declaration from England and forfeited innings from South Africa). England have recorded it 10 times. 

In the meantime, in the list of leading by more than 100 runs at the end of the first innings battles and still failing to defend the fourth innings target, New Zealand recorded it four times, twice at home and twice away. 

How many times are the 300+ runs chased in the fourth innings in India? 

Talking about the fourth innings target chase in India, 300+ runs have been chased only once. During the 2008 Chennai Test against England, India successfully chased a 387-run target after losing only four wickets.

So, we can see there are a few past records that can still favours team India in the current situation at the Pune Test, but those were highly rare occurrences. 

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 just ended as New Zealand Women won their first Women’s T20 World Cup trophy. South Africa Women once again finished as the runners-up, which they recorded in two consecutive editions. 

During the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the United Arab Emirates, where ten teams participated and 23 matches were played, we experienced some great performances. 

Here, we are going through the top five performances in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Megan Schutt (Australia Women): 3/3 (vs New Zealand Women) in Group Stage

It was a crucial Group A match between Australia Women and New Zealand Women. After Australia Women chose to bat first at Sharjah, the six-time champions scored 148/8, which was a challenging total. However, the right-arm medium pacer’s disciplined bowling confirmed the no easy breath for the White Ferns batting.

Starting the second innings with a maiden over,  Megan Schutt dismissed New Zealand opener Georgia Plimmer for only four runs in her second over, where she conceded only two runs. The White Ferns never made a comeback in the chasing as the 31-year-old dismissed set Amelia Kerr (29) in the 12th over of the innings, where she conceded only one run. Schutt returned to bowl the final over, where she dismissed Eden Carson (5) on the second delivery to confirm their victory by 60 runs after bundling out New Zealand Women for 88 runs.

Schutt ended the match with the bowling figures of 3.2-1-3-3, where she delivered 18 dot balls. 

Sophie Devine (New Zealand Women): 57 not out (vs India Women) in Group Stage

It was the first match of the tournament for both New Zealand Women and India Women in Group A. After New Zealand Women captain Sophie Devine chose to bat first at Dubai, they scored 55/0 at the end of the powerplay. However, the White Ferns were struggling after the powerplay.

When Amelia Kerr was dismissed in the 14.2 overs, New Zealand Women scored 99/3. It meant that they scored 44 runs from 50 balls in the post-powerplay. However, set-batter Devine played an inspirational innings that helped New Zealand Women manage the first batting total of 160/4.

Although Devine started slowly by scoring six runs off the first 10 balls, she then hit two consecutive fours in the 13th over. Between the 15th and 16th overs, Devine hit three fours in four balls. In the last four overs, Devine played only one dot ball and added 24 runs in 14 balls, where the right-handed batter hit two fours. Devine ended that innings with 57 not out in 36 balls with the help of seven fours.

In reply, India Women were all out for only 102 runs, where the White Ferns skipper also took three catches. Although Rosemary Mair (4/19) and Lea Tahuhu (3/15) dominated with the ball, captain Devine won the Player of the Match award. 

Hayley Matthews (West Indies Women): 50 runs (vs England Women) in Group Stage

Talking about this match, it was a must-win game for both teams, and both the Caribbean openers Qiana Joseph and captain Hayley Matthews can be considered for this list, but here we are talking about Hayley Matthews rather than the Player of the Match Qiana Joseph.

West Indies Women had a target of 142 runs, and they needed to reach the target faster to earn the top spot of the Group B points table. 

Unlike her opening partner Joseph, who was dropped three times, Matthews’ batting was more solid. After hitting an over-boundary on the second ball of the innings, the Caribbean captain hit two more fours in that first over of the second innings. It set the tone for West Indies Women. She hit four fours in the late part of the powerplay, including three fours in the final four balls of the sixth over. 

After scoring 35 off 19 balls at the end of the powerplay, Matthews continued her dominant batting with Joseph. They had a 102-run partnership for the first wicket, where Matthews completed her 14th T20I fifty in 37 balls. After scoring 50 off 38 balls, Matthews was dismissed. West Indies Women comfortably reached the target in 18 overs after losing only four wickets.  

Anneke Bosch (South Africa Women): 74 not out (vs Australia Women) in Semi-final

Well, you are beating the six-time champions and seven-time finalists in the semi-final, and there is no special performance; it only becomes odd. However, this strange thing is not the case for South Africa Women. 

Chasing down the 135-run target at Dubai, South Africa Women’s in-form opener Tazmin Brits was dismissed early for 15 runs. While the skipper and another opener Laura Wolvaardt required a good partner, the No. 3 batter Anneke Bosch played a stunning innings. Bosch was struggling in the entire tournament as she was failing to manage her strike rate of over 100, but the semifinal match was completely different for her. 

Bosch got a good start as she hit back-to-back two fours while facing the first 10 balls. While she strongly maintained her 100+ strike rate, her batting in the 12th and 13th overs just put the favourites Aussies in a hopeless situation. After hitting one four and one six to Georgia Wareham in the 12th over, she hit two fours to Ashleigh Gardner in the 13th over. 

While Wolvaardt was out after scoring 42 runs, Bosch ensured Proteas’ historic win against Australia Women by scoring 74 not out off 48 balls with the help of eight fours and one six. Without a doubt, it was one of the greatest batting performances in tournament history. 

Amelia Kerr (New Zealand Women): 43 and 3/24 (vs South Africa Women) in Final

New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr was unstoppable in the entire tournament, especially with the ball, where she took at least one wicket in every match. In fact, she picked up at least two wickets in the last five games. With 15 wickets (the most wickets in the tournament) and 135 runs (ninth most run-scorer), Kerr won the Player of the Tournament award. 

In this article, we are talking about her performance in the final, where she won the Player of the Match award for her brilliant all-round performances. After South Africa Women sent the White Ferns to bat first at Dubai, New Zealand Women scored 158/5 in 20 overs. 

Kerr came to bat in the second over and hit a four on the first ball. She then batted patiently till the 14th over, before which she hadn’t hit another boundary. In the 15th over, she hit a four to Nadine de Klerk. In the last five overs of the innings, before Kerr was dismissed in the 19th over, she scored 16 runs in 10 balls with two fours. Nonkululeko Mlaba dismissed Kerr for 43 runs off 38 balls. 

Later in the bowling, Kerr returned with the best bowling figures in the match with 4-0-24-3. She dismissed the in-form captain and set batter Loura Wolvaardt (33) and Anneke Bosch (9) in her second over. In her last over, Annerie Dercksen (10) was caught out at extra cover. South Africa Women only managed to score 126/9, as New Zealand Women won the match by 32 runs. 

New Zealand finally ended their 36-year-long wait for a Test victory in India after comfortably winning the Bengaluru Test by eight wickets on Sunday morning. 

After bundling out the hosts India for only 46 runs on the second day, New Zealand scored 402 runs in their first innings. 

Starting their second innings trailing by 356 runs, the top Indian batters fought brilliantly, but the lower-middle order collapse resulted in India’s all out for 462 runs. 

Chasing down the 107-run target in the fourth innings, although both the openers were dismissed cheaply, Will Young and Test match hero Rachin Ravindra comfortably guided the visitors to the target. New Zealand reached the target in the 28th over after losing only two wickets. 

India all out for 46 runs.

• India’s lowest completed total in a Test innings at home. The previous record was 75 all out against West Indies at Delhi in 1987. 
• India’s third-lowest completed total in a Test innings. India scored 36 all out in the 2020 Adelaide Test and 42 all out in the 1974 Lord’s Test. 
  

New Zealand all out for 402 runs.

• While it was New Zealand’s third Test win, their first innings total was their highest Test innings total in a winning cause in India. New Zealand’s previous record in this list was 319 during the first innings of the 1969 Nagpur Test.
• The 402 total was the sixth-highest total for New Zealand in Test innings in India.

At the end of the first innings battles, New Zealand earned a 356-run lead against India.

• It was the highest first innings lead for New Zealand in a Test match against India (considering both New Zealand batting first or second). Their previous record was 314 runs lead during the 2009 Napier Test. On the other hand, their previous highest first innings lead record in India was 209 runs during the 1965 Brabourne Test. 

• It was also the joint fourth-highest first innings lead for a team in a Test match against the hosts India. 

Highest first innings lead against India in India in Test cricket

(Note: * considering the lead at the end of both teams’ first innings)

India all out for 462 runs.

• It was the highest Test innings total for the hosts India in a losing cause. The previous record was 449 all out against Pakistan in the 2005 Bengaluru Test. 

• It was the fourth-highest Test innings total for India in a losing cause.

Highest Test innings totals for India in a losing cause

India scored 508 runs in this match.

• It was the fourth-highest Test match total for India in a losing cause against New Zealand.
  

India's highest Test match aggregated totals in a losing cause against New Zealand

India had a 416-run difference between their first (46) and second innings totals (462) of the match. 

• India recorded their third-largest difference between their two innings totals of a Test match.

India’s highest differences between the two totals in a Test match

(Note: Excluding declared lowest innings)

Hosts Pakistan suffered a horrible defeat against England in the Multan Test, which was played on a batting-friendly pitch. The cricket world is surprised by the ultimate result of the match, which the visitors England celebrated. 

After winning the toss in the three-match Test series opener, Pakistan scored 556 runs with the help of three centuries. Abdullah Shafique (102), Shan Masood (151), and Salman Agha (104*) scored centuries in that innings.

In reply, England scored the fourth-highest Test innings total of 823/7 (declare), majorly thanks to the record fourth-wicket partnership of 454 runs between Joe Root and Harry Brook. Root scored 262 runs, while Brook scored 317 runs. 

SEE ALSO: Harry Brook records second fastest triple century in Test

England won by an innings and 47 runs

Pakistan started their second innings by trailing 267 runs. The hosts were all out for only 220 runs, where Jack Leach (4/30) picked up four wickets. Among the Pakistan batters, only the lower-order batters Salman Agha (63) and Aamer Jamal (55*) reached the 30-run mark in the second innings.

England ultimately won the match by an innings and 47 runs and have taken the Test series lead by 1-0. 

Here are some shocking facts about the match. 

First time in Test cricket history

Pakistan became the first team to lose a Test match by an innings after scoring at least 500 runs in a Test innings. It also means that England became the first team to win a Test match by an innings after conceding 500 runs in an innings

Highest total in a losing cause

Pakistan's 556 all out became the joint fifth-highest total in a Test innings which ended in a losing cause. 

Highest totals in a losing cause

Highest aggregated total in a losing cause

Pakistan scored 556 and 220 runs in the Test match, which made their aggregated score of 776 runs in the Test match. Pakistan’s 776 runs became the joint seventh-highest aggregated Test score for a team that ended in a defeat.

Highest aggregated Test totals in a losing cause

Though the T20 format has seen a recent spike in the batter's performances, it has not always been one-sided. As they say, there are two sides to a coin; the bowlers are one of the prominent faces of the game, which enhances the thrill and intensity amongst cricket fanatics.

And this can be vividly seen in both the worlds of cricket, men & women. With the upcoming 2024 Women's T20 World Cup, here is the list of the top five wicket-takers of the tournament. 

1.Shabnim Ismail (South Africa): 43 Wickets

Shabnim Ismail tops the list for being the highest wicket-taker across all Women's T20 World Cup editions. Ismail is prominent for her quick and hostile pace, which gave nightmares to several women's cricket circle batters.

Before she announced her retirement in 2023, she was the pillar of South Africa's bowling department. In her tournament stint, she has taken 43 wickets in 32 matches at a commendable economy of 5.38, with her best bowling figure of 3/5. 

2. Anya Shrubsole (England): 41 Wickets

Anya Shrubsole is prominent for her pace and inswingers, which helped her scalp some wickets for her hat for the team. Her bowling at speeds of 70mph plus, combined with the ability to swing the ball both ways, proved supremely effective.

Unsurprisingly, she sealed the second spot for the most wickets a bowler took in the Women's T20 World Cup. In just 27 matches, she has scalped 41 wickets at a noteworthy 5.32 economy, with 3/6 being her best bowling figures.

3. Megan Schutt (Australia): 40 Wickets

Megan Schutt is well-known for her numerous strikeouts with inswinging pitches. She also made history in 2019 by becoming the first female bowler to record two international hat-tricks in both the Women's T20I and ODI formats.

Her records demonstrate the value she contributes to the ball, and Schutt will be seeking to make the most of her performance for the Australian team. In her 24-match tournament tenure, she has taken 40 wickets at an economy of six, with 4/18 being her best figures.

Also Read: 2024 Women's T20 World Cup: Top-5 players with the most runs in Women's T20 World Cup

4. Ellyse Perry (Australia): 40 Wickets

Ellyse Perry exemplifies consistency and quality in women's cricket. Perry is a senior all-rounder whose ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes her one of Australia's most dependable players. Her expertise in high-pressure circumstances is vital, and her presence brings serenity to the Australian team.

She has had an impact with the ball, including the willow, and is now the third equal best wicket-taker in the Women's T20 World Cup, behind Megan Schutt. In 42 matches, she has 40 wickets at an economy rate of 5.79, with 3/12 being her best figures. 

5. Stefanie Taylor (West Indies): 33 Wickets

Stefanie Taylor is among the finest all-rounders in the women's cricketing business. She can be a proper jack of all trades, from being a game-changer with the bat to deceiving the opponent batters with the ball. Also, she happens to be the only spinner who makes it to the list of top wicket-takers amongst all pacers.

For instance, she has been simultaneously ranked first in both batting and bowling lists. In her ongoing tournament stint of 33 matches, she has scalped 31 wickets at an economy of 5.95, with best figures of 4/12. 

The anticipated 2024 Women's T20 World Cup generates excitement among cricket fans. The short format is all about swashbuckling sixes and disintegrating wickets, which is what spectators love about the game. The T20 format is most commonly associated with hitters in swashbuckling form with the willow. The competition has witnessed spectacular batting performances, with cricketers scoring runs at will and breaking several records.

As a result, it is evident that T20 cricket is commonly regarded as a batter's game; nonetheless, a few individuals thrive and constantly score runs like machines. So, here are the top five run scorers from the ICC Women's T20 World Cup event.  

1.Suzie Bates (New Zealand): 1066 Runs

Suzie Bates, the former captain of the New Zealand women's cricket team, leads all cricketers in the Women's T20 World Cup in terms of runs scored. She is the first player in tournament history to break the 1,000-run mark, scoring 1,066 runs in 36 matches across eight seasons with a strike rate of 114.13 and 32.3 average.

Her record includes eight fifties, with her top score of 94 not out, demonstrating her exceptional batsmanship throughout crucial events. 

2. Meg Lanning (Australia): 992 Runs

Meg Lanning is a common name amongst female cricket fandom, thanks to her robust batting and assuring captaincy. Even in the shortest format of the game, she is one of the few batters to score a century across all the Women's T20 World Cup tournaments.

In 35 T20 World Cup appearances, she scored 992 runs at a strike rate of 112.72 and 39.68 on average. This record contains four fifties and one century, with her highest score of 126.

Also Read: ICC announces all-female match officials for Women's T20 World Cup 2024

3. Alyssa Healy (Australia): 941 Runs

Alyssa Healy, who would lead the Aussies squad for the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup, seals the third spot in the most runs scored across all T20 World Cup tournaments. She is a wholesome wicketkeeper batter who can create an impact ahead and behind the stumps.

Along with her keeping, she is also noted for her aggressive hitting. Healy scored 941 runs in 39 matches at a strike rate of 128.37 and 28.51 average, including seven fifties, the highest of which was 83.

4. Stefanie Taylor (West Indies): 926 Runs

Stefanie Taylor, the former Windies captain and flamboyant hitter, has been a vital member of the current West Indies team. Matthews, known for her aggressive and swashbuckling hitting style, has been a consistent contributor to the sport, whether for the National side or in franchise-based tournaments.

Also, she happens to be the fifth highest wickettaker in the Women's T20 World Cup. In 31 matches, Taylor has totalled 926 runs at a strike rate of 94.68 and 37.04 average, which includes six fifties, with her highest score being 59.

5. Charlotte Edwards (England): 768 Runs

Charlotte Edwards boasts a long 20-year international career, where she created a significant impact with the bat for the English side. Her long-experienced stint in the tournament has helped her team obtain some pivotal runs and seal a spot in the top run-getters of the Women's T20 World Cup.

In 24 matches, she amassed 768 runs with a strike rate of 103.92 and an average of 36.57. This includes five fifties with the highest score of 80.