Christchurch, October 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India’s left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh achieved a major milestone during the second T20 International against New Zealand at Hagley Oval on Saturday, becoming India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is in a calendar year.
Arshdeep claimed 2-33 in the match to take his tally to 38 wickets in 2026, surpassing Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s previous Indian record of 37 wickets, which the veteran pacer registered in 2022.
Arshdeep dismissed Tim Seifert early in the innings before removing Glenn Phillips later, securing the record and underlining his impressive form in the shortest format.
The left-arm seamer reached the milestone in just 26 innings, while Bhuvneshwar had taken 31 innings to claim his 37 wickets in 2022.
Arshdeep now ranks third among bowlers representing full-member nations for the most T20I wickets in a calendar year. Ireland’s Josh Little tops the list with 39 wickets in 2022, followed by Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga, who took 38 wickets in 2024.
Most T20I Wickets in a Calendar Year by Players from Full-Member Nations:
- 39 wickets: Josh Little (Ireland), 2022
- 38 wickets: Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka), 2024
- 38 wickets: Arshdeep Singh (India), 2026
- 37 wickets: Bhuvneshwar Kumar (India), 2022
Arshdeep’s early breakthrough helped India restrict New Zealand to 43/3 at the end of the powerplay, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Prince Yadav also picking up wickets.
The Indian pacer later dismissed Phillips, who had played a counterattacking knock of 70 off 43 balls. Phillips and Bevon Jacobs, who scored 58 off 46 deliveries, revived the New Zealand innings with a 116-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
New Zealand had been struggling at 41/3 after 5.2 overs before the pair’s recovery helped the hosts finish at 180/5 in their allotted 20 overs. The second T20I was played at the same venue and on the same pitch as the high-scoring opening match.
FOLLOW NOW
