3 Bowlers with most wickets in their debut T20I series

In the history of international cricket, there have been several bowlers who have made a mark in their careers with remarkable performances. While some players take some time to find their feet in international cricket, others make an immediate impact.

There have been a few bowlers who’ve got their careers off to a terrific start in T20Is, a format where they’re treated with utter disdain by batters. Here are the top three players who registered the most wickets in their debut series in T20Is (among full members):

1. Shadab Khan

Shadab Khan had a brilliant arrival in international cricket during Pakistan’s T20I series against West Indies in March-April 2017. He claimed 10 wickets in four matches, finishing with figures of 3/7, 4/14, 1/38 and 2/16. His wickets came at an excellent average of 7.50 and a miserly economy rate of 4.73.

Shadab was named Player of the Series for his stellar performances, etching his name in the history books.

2. Elias Sunny

Bangladesh's Elias Sunny was another spinner who made an immediate impact on his T20I debut. Sunny took eight wickets in three matches during Bangladesh's 2012 series against Ireland in Belfast. He began with a brilliant five-wicket haul, taking 5/13 on his debut, winning the Player of the Match award in his team’s 71-run victory. He further picked up 2/18 and 1/23 in the following two matches, finishing with eight wickets from three matches.

3. Usman Qadir

Usman Qadir made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe in November 2020 and immediately made his presence felt. The leg-spinner claimed eight wickets across three matches, taking 1/24 (3 overs) in his first appearance before returning figures of 3/23 and 4/13 in the next two games. Courtesy of his performances, Pakistan won all three matches to complete a 3-0 series whitewash.

Qadir's four-wicket haul in the final T20I earned him the Player of the Match award, and he was also named Player of the Series.