Amid IPL 2026, ex-Rajasthan Royals spinner becomes 2nd highest wicket-taker in T20Is

Amid the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, there is only one T20I series involving full-member nations has taken place. On May 2, the third and final T20I of the series between Bangladesh and New Zealand was played. In a rain curtailed game, Bangladesh were bowled out for 102 and New Zealand won by six wickets as per DLS method. During Bangladesh’s collapse, leg-spinner Ish Sodhi scripted history. He became the second-highest wicket-taker in T20Is. 

Sodhi achieved the feat with Bangladesh middle-order batter Shamim Hossain's wicket. He went past former teammate Tim Southee who has retired from international cricket. Southee had 164 wickets from 126 T20Is at an average of 22.38, including two fifers. Sodhi now occupies the second place with 165 wickets from 142 T20Is at an average of 23.01, featuring four fours.

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Who has most wickets in T20Is?

Currently, Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan is at the summit with 193 wickets from 115 T20Is at an average of 13.73, including two five-wicket hauls, and nine four-fers.

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Among current players, Bangladesh's Mustafizur Rahman (158 wickets) and Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga (154 wickets) have more than 150 T20I wickets to their name and can catch up with Sodhi this year.

Kiwi bowlers prey on Bangladesh batters

In the third T20I, Sodhi conceded 22 runs from three overs and picked up one wicket. Josh Clarkson was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets. Nathan Smith and Ben Sears picked up two wickets each whereas debutant Jayden Lennox got one scalp. For Bangladesh, only three batters scored in double digits. Towhid Hridoy top-scored with a 24-ball 33.

Jacobs steal the show after Shoriful special

In the run chase, opener Katene Clarke, wicketkeeper-batter Dane Cleaver and stand-in skipper Nick Kelly departed after scoring just one run each. Shorfiul Islam wreaked havoc with three wickets for 19 runs. But, Bevon Jacobs ensured that BlackCaps get move with plenty of overs to spare. From 31 balls, he scored 62 runs. His unbeaten half-century was laced with five fours and three sixes. New Zealand won the game by six wickets in the 12th over.