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.