The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has witnessed some truly remarkable bowling performances over the years. From fierce pacers to crafty spinners, bowlers have consistently played a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of matches. In this list, we dive into the top wicket-takers of all time in the PSL, exploring their key performances, bowling averages, and the impact they have had on their teams. Each player has brought something unique to the league, making their mark in the Pakistan Super League.
PSL Most Wickets: All Time Leaders
| Rank | Bowler | Matches Played | Total Wickets | Bowling Average |
| 1 | Hasan Ali | 84 | 113 | 22.58 |
| 2 | Wahab Riaz | 88 | 113 | 22.68 |
| 3 | Shaheen Shah Afridi | 74 | 105 | 21.04 |
| 4 | Shadab Khan | 86 | 96 | 24.62 |
| 5 | Faheem Ashraf | 74 | 79 | 25.31 |
| 6 | Mohammad Amir | 77 | 75 | 28.68 |
| 7 | Mohammad Nawaz | 84 | 72 | 28.65 |
| 8 | Haris Rauf | 60 | 68 | 29.69 |
| 9 | Imad Wasim | 92 | 67 | 30.38 |
| 10 | Usama Mir | 45 | 60 | 21.81 |
Top 10 Bowlers with Most Wickets
Here’s a detailed analysis of the players’ performance in PSL:
1. Hasan Ali
- Matches Played: 84
- Total Wickets: 113
- Bowling Average: 22.58
Hasan Ali has played 84 matches, taking 113 wickets. His bowling average of 22.58 is impressive, showing his consistency and ability to take regular wickets. He has been one of the top performers in PSL, frequently breaking partnerships and maintaining pressure with every spell.
2. Wahab Riaz
- Matches Played: 88
- Total Wickets: 113
- Bowling Average: 22.68
Wahab Riaz has also taken 113 wickets in 88 matches with an almost identical bowling average of 22.68. He’s known for his pace and aggressive approach. Wahab can produce match-winning spells, especially in the later stages of the game, and remains a key bowler for his team.
3. Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Matches Played: 74
- Total Wickets: 105
- Bowling Average: 21.04
Shaheen Shah Afridi has taken 105 wickets in 74 matches, with a bowling average of 21.04. This is the best average among the top 3, reflecting his skill and effectiveness. Shaheen is particularly dangerous with the new ball and in the powerplay, regularly picking up key wickets early in the innings.
4. Shadab Khan
- Matches Played: 86
- Total Wickets: 96
- Bowling Average: 24.62
Shadab Khan has played 86 matches and taken 96 wickets. His bowling average of 24.62 is solid, especially for a spinner. Shadab provides key breakthroughs in the middle overs and is also a handy option in the death overs. His consistency makes him a key player in the team’s bowling attack.
5. Faheem Ashraf
- Matches Played: 74
- Total Wickets: 79
- Bowling Average: 25.31
Faheem Ashraf has taken 79 wickets in 74 matches. His bowling average of 25.31 is decent. Faheem is a versatile bowler, capable of providing breakthroughs in different stages of the game. Though his average is slightly higher, he still remains an important all-rounder in the PSL.
6. Mohammad Amir
- Matches Played: 77
- Total Wickets: 75
- Bowling Average: 28.68
Mohammad Amir has taken 75 wickets in 77 matches. His bowling average of 28.68 is a bit on the higher side compared to some of his peers. Despite this, Amir has the ability to take key wickets and is known for his control and ability to bowl under pressure.
7. Mohammad Nawaz
- Matches Played: 84
- Total Wickets: 72
- Bowling Average: 28.65
Mohammad Nawaz has taken 72 wickets in 84 matches, with a bowling average of 28.65. His bowling is effective, but his average indicates that he may struggle at times with consistency. Nawaz is an experienced bowler and can be relied upon to contain runs in the middle overs, though he might need to pick up more wickets regularly.
8. Haris Rauf
- Matches Played: 60
- Total Wickets: 68
- Bowling Average: 29.69
Haris Rauf has played 60 matches and taken 68 wickets. His bowling average of 29.69 is on the higher side, but his pace and ability to bowl yorkers make him a threat in the death overs. Rauf can often provide breakthroughs, though his consistency can sometimes be an issue.
9. Imad Wasim
- Matches Played: 92
- Total Wickets: 67
- Bowling Average: 30.38
Imad Wasim has taken 67 wickets in 92 matches, with a bowling average of 30.38. This is the highest average in the list, indicating that he may struggle to break partnerships as frequently as some of the other bowlers. Despite this, Imad is a clever bowler, who can control the game in the middle overs with his left-arm spin.
10. Usama Mir
- Matches Played: 45
- Total Wickets: 60
- Bowling Average: 21.81
Usama Mir has played 45 matches and taken 60 wickets. His bowling average of 21.81 is one of the best, showing that he is highly effective with the ball. Despite having fewer matches, his ability to pick up wickets at a lower cost makes him a key spinner in PSL.
Bowlers with the Most Wickets: Career Stats
These bowlers all bring different strengths, with some being more consistent and others showing potential for improvement.
Hasan Ali
Hasan has played 196 matches and taken 272 wickets. His bowling average is 21.05, which is very good, making him one of the top bowlers. He maintained an economy of 8.02 with 1 five wicket haul in the T20s.
Wahab Riaz
Wahab has played 348 matches and taken 413 wickets. His bowling average is 22.63, which shows he has been consistent over a long career. Riaz had an economy of 7.54 and three five wicket hauls in T20 cricket.
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Shaheen has played 212 matches and taken 296 wickets. His average of 21.19 is impressive, showing his skill in taking wickets at a steady rate. He got five 5-fer in T20s with a career economy rate of 7.96.
Shadab Khan
Shadab has played 312 matches and taken 333 wickets. With an average of 24.01, he is a reliable bowler, especially in limited overs cricket. Shadab’s ecomomy rate is 7.56 and he picked up one 5-fer in his career.
Faheem Ashraf
Faheem has played 212 matches and taken 204 wickets. His average is 27.04, which is slightly higher compared to others, but he still performs well. Faheem picked up two 5-fers and has a career economy rate of 8.26.
Mohammad Amir
Amir has played 319 matches and taken 368 wickets. His bowling average is 22.63, showing that he has been effective in both tests and limited-overs formats. Amir has a brilliant economy rate of 7.26. He picked up 2 five wicket hauls in his career.
Mohammad Nawaz
Nawaz has played 277 matches and taken 215 wickets. His bowling average of 28.66 is higher, but he is still a crucial player for his team. He picked one five wicket haul and has a career economy rate of 7.63.
Haris Rauf
Haris has played 224 matches and taken 295 wickets. His average of 22.41 show that he is quite effective in getting wickets regularly. He picked one five wicket haul in his career. His economy rate is a little high which is 8.26.
Imad Wasim
Imad has played 382 matches and taken 352 wickets. His average of 24.35 shows he is a dependable bowler, particularly in limited-overs formats. He has brilliant economy rate of 6.59 and picked up two 5-fer in his career.
Usama Mir
Usama has played 147 matches and taken 169 wickets. His average of 22.63 shows that he is a solid bowler, especially in his early career. The economy rate of Usama is 7.67. He picked up one haul of five wickets in his T20 career.
Comparison of Bowling Styles
In the PSL, the balance between pace and spin is critical. Pace bowlers dominate the early overs and death overs, while spinners control the middle overs and create breakthroughs.
Hasan Ali
Hasan is a pace bowler. His effectiveness comes from his ability to generate speed and bounce. He is particularly dangerous in the middle overs, using his variations to get wickets.
Wahab Riaz
Wahab is also a pace bowler. Known for his fiery spells, he relies on aggressive pace and aggressive bouncers. His effectiveness lies in his experience and ability to bowl under pressure.
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Shaheen is a left-arm fast bowler. He combines pace with swing, especially in the early overs. His ability to move the ball both ways makes him highly effective in all formats.
Shadab Khan
Shadab is a leg-spinner. He relies on variations like the googly and leg break. His spin gives him control in the middle overs and he is often used to break partnerships.
Faheem Ashraf
Faheem is a medium-fast bowler. He has a strong line and length, relying more on accuracy than pace. His effectiveness comes from his ability to use the conditions well.
Mohammad Amir
Amir is a left-arm fast bowler. He focuses on swing and seam movement, particularly in the early overs. His accuracy and ability to move the ball make him a lethal bowler in any format.
Mohammad Nawaz
Nawaz is an off-spinner. He depends on flight and turn to deceive batsmen. His accuracy makes him useful in controlling the middle overs and taking wickets with well-timed variations.
Haris Rauf
Haris is a pace bowler. His speed and ability to bowl yorkers and slower balls make him a versatile bowler. He is particularly effective in the death overs, where he mixes his pace and variations to outsmart batsmen.
Imad Wasim
Imad is a left-arm orthodox spinner. He bowls with tight lines and focuses on dot balls. His accuracy and ability to spin the ball make him very effective, especially in T20s.
Usama Mir
Usama is a leg-spinner. He relies on sharp turn and bounce to deceive batsmen. His variations, particularly the googly, are key to his success in getting wickets in the PSL.
PSL Most Wickets in a Single Season
| Rank | Player | Team | Season | Matches Played | Wickets |
| 1 | Hasan Ali | Peshawar Zalmi | 2019 | 13 | 25 |
| 2 | Usama Mir | Multan Sultans | 2024 | 12 | 24 |
| 3 | Abbas Afridi | Multan Sultans | 2023 | 11 | 23 |
| 4 | Ihsanullah | Multan Sultans | 2023 | 12 | 22 |
| 5 | Faheem Ashraf | Islamabad United | 2019 | 12 | 21 |
| 6 | Rashid Khan | Lahore Qalandars | 2023 | 11 | 20 |
| 7 | Shahnawaz Dahani | Multan Sultans | 2021 | 11 | 20 |
| 8 | Shaheen Shah Afridi | Lahore Qalandars | 2022 | 13 | 20 |
| 9 | Shadab Khan | Islamabad United | 2022 | 9 | 19 |
| 10 | Mohammad Ali | Multan Sultans | 2024 | 12 | 19 |
Season-by-Season Leaders
In the PSL, the combination of pace and spin is critical, with pace bowlers being most effective in the early overs and death overs, while spinners dominate the middle overs to break partnerships and control the game.
Hasan Ali (Peshawar Zalmi, 2019)
Hasan played 13 matches and took 25 wickets. His fast pace and aggressive approach made him a key wicket-taker. He was a standout bowler for Peshawar Zalmi, especially in crunch moments.
Usama Mir (Multan Sultans, 2024)
Usama played 12 matches and grabbed 24 wickets. As a leg-spinner, he brought sharp turn and bounce, which made him a real threat in the middle overs for Multan Sultans.
Abbas Afridi (Multan Sultans, 2023)
Abbas Afridi played 11 matches and picked up 23 wickets. He’s a pace bowler who’s known for his accuracy. His strong line and length helped him take wickets, particularly in the early and middle overs.
Ihsanullah (Multan Sultans, 2023)
Ihsanullah played 12 matches and took 22 wickets. He’s a quick bowler with pace that keeps the batsmen under pressure. His speed was key in helping him take wickets at crucial moments.
Faheem Ashraf (Islamabad United, 2019)
Faheem played 12 matches and took 21 wickets. A medium-fast bowler, he was known for his consistency and accuracy, especially during the middle overs.
Rashid Khan (Lahore Qalandars, 2023)
Rashid played 11 matches and bagged 20 wickets. A top-class leg-spinner, his variations and sharp googlies made him a constant threat in T20s. His spin was key for Lahore Qalandars in crucial phases.
Shahnawaz Dahani (Multan Sultans, 2021)
Dahani played 11 matches and took 20 wickets. His pace and attacking style helped him get key wickets in the early overs, often setting the tone for his team.
Shaheen Shah Afridi (Lahore Qalandars, 2022)
Shaheen played 13 matches and took 20 wickets. A left-arm pacer, he’s deadly with swing and pace, making him effective in powerplay overs and during tight situations.
Shadab Khan (Islamabad United, 2022)
Shadab played 9 matches and took 19 wickets. A reliable leg-spinner, he used his accuracy and sharp variations to break partnerships, particularly in the middle overs.
Mohammad Ali (Multan Sultans, 2024)
Mohammad Ali played 12 matches and took 19 wickets. His medium-fast bowling style was all about accuracy, helping him take wickets and keep the batsmen under pressure.
Analysis of Season Trends
Spin vs Pace: There seems to be a trend in recent seasons, especially 2023 and 2024, where spinners like Usama Mir and Rashid Khan have done very well. This could be due to pitches offering more turn, which benefits leg-spinners. In Pakistan, wrist spinners are taking more wickets as compared to UAE where finger spinners dominated the action.
Pace Bowler Dominance: In earlier seasons like 2019, pace bowlers like Hasan Ali and Faheem Ashraf dominated, because of reverse swing conditions that favored fast bowlers. The pitches offers some swing in the early overs which was crucial in taking wickets.
Pitch Conditions: Pitch conditions play a huge role in these trends. Pitches with extra bounce and pace help fast bowlers, while slower pitches with more turn seem to favor spinners. These conditions change each season and impact the overall success of bowlers. The UAE pitches has a mixup of both where both type of bowlers play well but spinners got more grip. On the other side, Pakistan has different styles of grounds where pitches are better for batters as compared to UAE.
Batting Styles: Aggressive batting strategies and big hitting have also shaped these trends. Fast bowlers may find success in high-pressure situations, while spinners can control the game during the middle overs and break key partnerships. Still, UAE has low scoring games but Pakistan pitches offer high scores.
PSL Best Bowling Performances
Most Wickets in a Single Innings by a Bowler
| Rank | Bowler | Team | Figures | Opponent | Venue | Season |
| 1 | Ravi Bopara | Karachi Kings | 6/16 | Lahore Qalandars | Sharjah | 2016 |
| 2 | Faheem Ashraf | Islamabad United | 6/19 | Lahore Qalandars | Karachi | 2019 |
| 3 | Umar Gul | Quetta Gladiators | 6/24 | Multan Sultans | Dubai | 2018 |
| 4 | Usama Mir | Multan Sultans | 6/40 | Quetta Gladiators | Lahore | 2024 |
| 5 | Shaheen Shah Afridi | Lahore Qalandars | 5/4 | Multan Sultans | Dubai | 2018 |
| 6 | Shahid Afridi | Peshawar Zalmi | 5/7 | Quetta Gladiators | Sharjah | 2016 |
| 7 | Mohammad Sami | Islamabad United | 5/8 | Karachi Kings | Dubai | 2016 |
| 8 | Ihsanullah | Multan Sultans | 5/12 | Quetta Gladiators | Multan | 2023 |
| 9 | Rashid Khan | Lahore Qalandars | 5/20 | Peshawar Zalmi | Abu Dhabi | 2021 |
| 10 | Naseem Shah | Quetta Gladiators | 5/20 | Karachi Kings | Karachi | 2022 |
Memorable Bowling Spells
Ravi Bopara (Karachi Kings, 2016) – 6/16
Opponent: Lahore Qalandars
Venue: Sharjah
Performance: Ravi Bopara’s 6/16 is a remarkable figure in PSL history. His ability to bowl with control in a high-pressure match was key. Sharjah’s pitch, known for its spin, likely played into Bopara’s strengths as an all-rounder, allowing him to take advantage of the conditions. His accurate line and length, combined with excellent variations, made him a standout bowler in this match.
2. Faheem Ashraf (Islamabad United, 2019) – 6/19
Opponent: Lahore Qalandars
Venue: Karachi
Performance: Faheem Ashraf’s 6/19 is a great display of his skill as a medium-fast bowler. Karachi’s pitch, which tends to be slower and helpful for spinners, didn’t seem to faze Ashraf. His variations and ability to keep the batsmen guessing led to a dominant bowling performance. Ashraf was able to exploit the pitch conditions, making him a key figure for Islamabad United in 2019.
3. Umar Gul (Quetta Gladiators, 2018) – 6/24
Opponent: Multan Sultans
Venue: Dubai
Performance: Umar Gul’s 6/24 in Dubai is one of his career-defining moments. His pace and swing on Dubai’s typically flat pitch were remarkable. Gul’s experience and ability to bowl yorkers in the death overs made him extremely effective. He managed to break key partnerships and provide a crucial breakthrough for Quetta Gladiators in 2018, showcasing his skill in high-pressure situations.
Player Profiles: PSL Wicket Taking Legends
These bowlers made a huge impact with key performances that shaped their team’s victories.
Ravi Bopara (Karachi Kings, 2016) – 6/16
Bopara took 6 wickets against Lahore Qalandars in Sharjah. His performance helped Karachi dominate, showing his skill in spin-friendly conditions.
Faheem Ashraf (Islamabad United, 2019) – 6/19
Faheem picked up 6 wickets against Lahore Qalandars in Karachi. His pace and accuracy played a key role in Islamabad’s big win.
Umar Gul (Quetta Gladiators, 2018) – 6/24
Gul’s 6 wickets against Multan Sultans in Dubai helped Quetta Gladiators control the game. His pace and death bowling were crucial.
Usama Mir (Multan Sultans, 2024) – 6/40
Usama’s 6-wicket haul against Quetta Gladiators in Lahore was a standout. It was a dominant performance that helped Multan secure a strong win.
Shaheen Shah Afridi (Lahore Qalandars, 2018) – 5/4
Shaheen took 5 wickets for just 4 runs against Multan Sultans in Dubai. His swing bowling was deadly, making him the key player.
Shahid Afridi (Peshawar Zalmi, 2016) – 5/7
Afridi’s 5 wickets against Quetta Gladiators in Sharjah were crucial. His spin and control helped Peshawar Zalmi win the match.
Mohammad Sami (Islamabad United, 2016) – 5/8
Sami took 5 wickets against Karachi Kings in Dubai. His seam bowling was key in limiting the opposition.
Ihsanullah (Multan Sultans, 2023) – 5/12
Ihsanullah’s 5 wickets against Quetta Gladiators in Multan were crucial. His pace helped break key partnerships.
Rashid Khan (Lahore Qalandars, 2021) – 5/20
Rashid took 5 wickets against Peshawar Zalmi in Abu Dhabi. His leg-spin was a game-changer for Lahore Qalandars.
Naseem Shah (Quetta Gladiators, 2022) – 5/20
Naseem Shah took 5 wickets against Karachi Kings in Karachi. His fast bowling was crucial in Quetta’s win.
Factors Contributing to Wickets in PSL
Pitch Conditions
Pitch conditions play a huge role in wicket-taking. Pitches help fast bowlers get more movement in the early overs, while pitches with turn benefit spinners in the middle overs. For example, dry, cracked pitches tend to favor spin, making it harder for batsmen to score. On the other hand, pitches with pace allow fast bowlers to attack the batsmen more effectively.
Bowling Variations
Bowling variations are key to taking wickets. Slower balls, yorkers, and spin can confuse batsmen and force them into making mistakes. For fast bowlers, mixing up deliveries with slower balls or bouncers can keep batsmen guessing. Spinners, on the other hand, use different types of deliveries like googlies, Carrom Balls, and leg breaks to outsmart the batsmen and break partnerships.
Fielding Support
Good fielding is crucial in helping bowlers take wickets. A sharp catch or a quick run-out can turn the game around. Fielders backing up the bowler and stopping boundaries create pressure, forcing the batsman to make errors. So, fielding support plays a big part in the overall wicket-taking effort.
Most Wickets in PSL: FAQs
1. Who has taken the most wickets in PSL history?
Hasan Ali has taken the most wickets in PSL history, having taken 113 wickets.
2. Which bowler has the best bowling average in PSL?
Shaheen Shah Afridi holds the best bowling average among the top wicket-takers, with an impressive average of 21.04.
3. What is the record for most wickets in a single PSL innings?
The record for the most wickets in a single PSL innings is held by Ravi Bopara, who took 6 wickets for just 16 runs against Lahore Qalandars in 2016.
4. Which bowling style has been most successful in PSL?
Pace bowlers have generally been the most successful in the PSL, with bowlers like Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz, and Shaheen Afridi dominating the wickets column. However, spinners like Rashid Khan and Usama Mir have also shown great effectiveness in recent seasons.