5 bowlers with highest wickets in T20I first overs

5 Bowlers with Highest Wickets in T20I First Overs

This article reviews five bowlers who have taken the most wickets in the opening overs of T20 International cricket matches.

Shaheen Afridi's Impact on Pakistan

Shaheen Afridi once again demonstrated his prowess with the new ball for Pakistan, dismantling South Africa's top-order in Lahore. The fast bowler took two vital wickets early, helping Pakistan gain the upper hand in a crucial series decider.

Angelo Mathews' New Ball Mastery

Angelo Mathews claimed 14 wickets in first overs, accounting for nearly one-third of his total T20I wickets. The Sri Lankan right-arm medium pacer made an instant impact in June 2009 during the second semifinal of the T20 World Cup. Shortly after his format debut, he dismissed Xavier Marshall, Lendl Simmons, and Dwayne Bravo—all for ducks in the first over—paving the way for Sri Lanka's finals appearance.

Mathews achieved these 14 wickets over 39 innings with an economy rate of 5.62.

Tim Southee's Consistency with the New Ball

Tim Southee, T20I cricket's most successful fast bowler with 164 wickets, is also highly effective in the game's first overs. He is known as one of the leading new-ball wicket-takers in T20I history.

Most wickets in first overs of T20Is [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x, AFP, @parasVK/x]

These bowlers have shaped first over strategies, solidifying their reputations as game-changers at the start of T20 innings.

Author’s summary: These five bowlers stand out as the most effective wicket-takers in T20I first overs, showcasing skill that often sets their teams ahead early on.

OneCricket — 2025-11-02