Top 10 Rising Bowlers in Cricket Under Age 23

In the dynamic world of international cricket, where the spotlight often shines on seasoned stars, a new generation of rising bowlers in cricket is rewriting the script. These under-23 prodigies bring not just raw pace or turn but intelligence, fearlessness, and adaptability to the game. They thrive under pressure, have made stunning debuts, and consistently trouble some of the world’s best batters. From searing yorkers to unplayable googlies, the rise of these bowlers signals a fresh era.

As fans hunger for fresh talent, selectors and franchises across formats, from red-ball battles to white-ball firepower, are keeping a keen eye on these young sensations. In this article, we celebrate the Top 10 Rising Bowlers in Cricket Under Age 23, a generation of game-changers who are already delivering match-winning spells and showing signs of becoming future legends.

10. Dilshan Madushanka (Sri Lanka) – Left-Arm Lightning

Madushanka’s left-arm angle, pace, and natural swing have brought balance to Sri Lanka’s attack. His performances in the 2023 Asia Cup and ICC tournaments have made him one of the brightest rising bowlers in cricket from the island nation.

Statistics Table:

Format	Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy
ODI	21	36	5/35	25.10	5.50
T20I	11	14	4/26	22.40	7.25

9. Mayank Yadav (India) – The Indian Pace Rocket

A star born in IPL 2024, Mayank Yadav’s speeds regularly clocked above 150 km/h. His raw pace, controlled aggression, and consistency in line and length have already made him one of the most feared rising bowlers in cricket from India.

Statistics Table:

Format	Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy
IPL	8	14	3/14	15.71	6.90
T20 Domestic	12	20	4/17	18.20	7.10

8. Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Afghanistan) – Powerplay Wizard

Though already well-known, Mujeeb is still only 23. His carrom balls, arm speed, and economy make him one of the best rising bowlers in cricket, especially in the T20 format. He’s often used in the power play to stifle runs and pick up early wickets.

Statistics Table:

Format	Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy
ODI	70	101	5/50	26.00	4.25
T20I	43	56	5/20	19.80	6.25
BBL/IPL	40	47	3/12	22.60	6.75

7. Josh Tongue (England) – Strong and Steady Seamer

Though injuries have delayed his rise, Josh Tongue has impressed whenever he’s taken the field. With a strong action and good bounce, he’s a red-ball specialist who could soon become a regular in England’s Test plans.

Statistics Table:

Format	Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy
Test	2	10	5/66	23.00	2.90
First-Class	45	162	6/97	25.50	3.10

6. Naseem Shah (Pakistan) – Red Ball Warrior with White-Ball Maturity

Naseem Shah’s Test debut at 16 made headlines, but his evolution into an all-format bowler is even more impressive. His ability to bowl reverse swing, consistently hit 145+ km/h, and hold his nerve under pressure puts him among the elite rising bowlers in cricket today.

Statistics Table:

Format	Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy
Test	17	51	5/31	28.33	3.10
ODI	14	32	5/33	19.84	4.75
T20I	19	21	3/19	22.30	7.40

5. Arshdeep Singh (India) – Death Overs Maestro

Though already a regular in India’s white-ball setup, Arshdeep is still under 23 and continues to grow. With lethal yorkers and deceptive slower balls, he has earned a reputation as one of the most promising rising bowlers in cricket, especially in the death overs.

Statistics Table:

Format	Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy
ODI	11	16	4/31	22.80	5.75
T20I	40	61	4/37	18.60	8.20
IPL	42	57	5/32	21.77	8.10

4. Kwena Maphaka (South Africa) – U-19 Pace Sensation

The breakout star of the ICC U-19 World Cup 2024, Maphaka’s fiery pace and maturity stunned observers. His ability to swing the new ball and deliver deadly bouncers makes him a rare South African fast-bowling gem in the making.

Statistics Table:

Tournament	Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy
U-19 WC 2024	6	21	6/21	10.57	3.20
List A	4	8	4/28	18.25	4.50

3. Noor Ahmad (Afghanistan) – The Left-Arm Mystery Spinner

Part of the new Afghan spin revolution, Noor Ahmad has built his reputation as a global T20 freelancer. His unorthodox left-arm wrist spin and calm demeanour have already fetched him IPL and Big Bash contracts. He’s a weapon in the middle overs, choking runs and breaking partnerships.

Statistics Table:

Format	Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy
T20I	14	18	4/10	19.30	6.90
IPL	13	16	2/14	23.00	7.10
BBL	12	15	3/12	20.40	6.80

2. Matheesha Pathirana (Sri Lanka) – The Slinging Assassin

Nicknamed “Baby Malinga”, Matheesha Pathirana’s slingy action and pinpoint yorkers have made him a T20 sensation. Having already dominated IPL 2023 with Chennai Super Kings, he has shown exceptional control for his age and a knack for delivering in pressure situations.

Statistics Table:

Format	Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy
ODI	11	22	4/32	21.18	5.65
T20I	6	9	3/23	19.00	7.20
IPL	14	21	3/15	19.42	7.90

1. Rehan Ahmed (England) – The Spin Prodigy with a Golden Arm

Still a teenager, Rehan Ahmed (England) exploded onto the Test scene with a five-wicket haul on debut against Pakistan. His leg-spin is sharp, deceptive, and fearless, a rare quality in such a young spinner. Rehan is the youngest Englishman to take a five-for in Tests, and his calm head and variations suggest a long and impactful career ahead.

Statistics Table:

Format	Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy
Test	3	14	5/48	27.50	2.90
ODI	4	7	4/59	24.00	5.10
T20I	5	6	3/22	21.33	6.40

READ MORE:

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• Top 10 Most Expensive Final Overs in ODI History
• Top 10 Tests Where the Captain Took the New Ball Themselves