Colombo’s cricket stadium witnessed a historic moment on Sunday as Wanindu Hasaranga turned the tide for Sri Lanka against Ireland in the T20 World Cup 2026. The leg-spinner’s figures of 3/25 proved decisive, clinching the match and simultaneously rewriting T20 World Cup bowling records. By dismissing his third batsman, Hasaranga surpassed Shahid Afridi’s 39 wickets, reaching 40 in only 20 appearances.
Afridi, once a feared all-rounder for Pakistan, now sits third, his 34-match haul overshadowed by Hasaranga’s efficiency. Leading the charts is Shakib Al Hasan, whose 50 wickets came over 41 innings in 43 games, a testament to his longevity since the tournament’s inception.
Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan follows with 38 scalps in 24 matches, hot on the heels and eyeing the top spot. Rounding out the top five is Lasith Malinga, whose 38 wickets in 31 games included iconic yorkers that won Sri Lanka their sole title. Adam Zampa’s 36 wickets place him sixth, keeping the competition fierce.
With the World Cup just underway since March 7, the race for supremacy intensifies. Hasaranga’s form suggests he could soon target Shakib, blending skill with ambition in what promises to be an unforgettable chapter in T20 history.