Arshdeep Singh Surpasses Tim Southee To Become Pacer With Most Wickets in Second Innings of T20Is
Arshdeep Singh, India's dynamic left-arm pacer, aged 27, has etched his name in T20 International history by surpassing New Zealand veteran Tim Southee to become the leading fast bowler with 84 wickets in the second innings of matches.
Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh has once again etched his name in the annals of T20 International cricket, establishing a new record for the most wickets taken by a fast bowler in the second innings of matches. The 27-year-old sensation has now accumulated an impressive 84 wickets during the chasing phase of T20Is, outpacing New Zealand's seasoned campaigner, Tim Southee. Brain Fade Moment! Tilak Varma Gets Run Out While Casually Walking Between Wickets in IND vs WI 3rd T20I 2026.
Arshdeep Singh Wins Player of the match Award
Big wickets ☝️
Crucial win 🥳
Arshdeep Singh's 3️⃣-fer earns him the Player of the Match award 🔝
WATCH his spell ▶️ https://t.co/Vyhwl0S7vq
#TeamIndia | #INDvWI | @mflone_ | @arshdeepsinghh https://t.co/9iGiAj7Ln4
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 11, 2026
This significant achievement, widely reported on October 12, 2026, highlights Arshdeep's growing influence and consistency with the white ball, particularly when bowling under pressure. His ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs and contain opposition batters during the second half of a T20 contest has been a hallmark of his young career.
Arshdeep Singh Meteoric Rise
Since his T20I debut against England on July 7, 2022, Arshdeep Singh has emerged as a cornerstone of India's fast-bowling attack. Known for his accurate yorkers and variations in pace, the left-armer quickly adapted to the demands of international cricket. He was an integral part of the Indian squads that clinched the ICC T20 World Cup titles in both 2024 and 2026, further underscoring his value to the team. His exceptional performances also earned him the prestigious ICC Men's T20I Cricketer of the Year award for 2024.
Arshdeep reached another significant milestone in September 2025, becoming the fastest Indian pacer to claim 100 T20 International wickets, achieving the feat in just his 64th match.
Comparing the Pacers
While specific second innings figures for Tim Southee are not readily available, the reporting confirms Arshdeep's new leadership in this specialized category. Southee, a legendary figure in New Zealand cricket, has had an illustrious career, accumulating 164 T20I wickets from 126 matches. The 37-year-old pacer, who debuted in T20Is in February 2008, became the first bowler to reach 150 T20I wickets in January 2024. What Will India’s Pace Attack Look Like at 2027 ODI World Cup? Will Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar Return?
The record now stands as a testament to Arshdeep Singh's strategic bowling in critical junctures of T20 matches, often delivering when the stakes are highest. His consistent wicket-taking ability during run-chases highlights his temperament and skill, making him an invaluable asset for Team India.
Key Pacer Stats (T20Is)
| Player | Total Wickets | Matches | Debut Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arshdeep Singh | 100+ (in 64 matches) | 64 (for 100 wkts) | 2022 |
| Tim Southee | 164 | 126 | 2008 |
This milestone not only celebrates Arshdeep Singh's individual brilliance but also marks a significant moment in Indian cricket, as one of its young fast bowlers continues to rewrite record books. The left-arm pacer, aged 27, has consistently showcased his prowess, earning accolades and cementing his place among the top T20I bowlers in the world.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 12, 2026 12:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).