Arshdeep Singh becomes the first Indian bowler to take 150 T20I wickets during the fourth match against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland.
India’s left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh scripted history on Friday by becoming the first Indian bowler to claim 150 wickets in T20 International cricket. He achieved the milestone during the fourth T20I against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland, dismissing New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner in the 19th over.
Arshdeep became the ninth bowler overall to reach the 150-wicket mark in the format. He also joined New Zealand’s Tim Southee and Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman as the only fast bowlers to have taken at least 150 T20I wickets. Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan leads the all-time list with 200 wickets.
Arshdeep sets multiple records
With 40 wickets in 2026, Arshdeep also set a new record for the most T20I wickets in a calendar year by a bowler representing a Full Member nation. He surpassed Ireland’s Josh Little, who took 39 wickets in 2022. Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga claimed 38 wickets in 2024, while India’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar took 37 in 2022. The Indian pacer reached 150 T20I wickets in 2,143 deliveries, making him the third-fastest bowler to achieve the milestone in terms of balls bowled. Only Hasaranga, with 2,035 deliveries, and Rashid Khan, with 2,098, reached the landmark faster. Arshdeep completed the match with figures of 1 for 38 from four overs.
Glenn Phillips powers New Zealand to big total
While Arshdeep reached a personal milestone, New Zealand dominated the innings through a spectacular batting display. Glenn Phillips smashed 107 runs off 49 deliveries, including 10 sixes, while Michael Bracewell contributed 65 off 25 balls. Their aggressive batting helped New Zealand post 259 for seven, setting India a target of 260. India's chase fell short as New Zealand secured an 87-run victory. India finished at 172 for nine in 20 overs. Despite the defeat, India retained a 3-1 lead in the five-match series, having already won the first three matches.
