Wickets defined the course of the International League T20 (ILT20) 2025, as bowlers stepped up amid the chaos of power-hitting and fierce rivalries. While the UAE witnessed a flurry of boundaries and high-octane thrillers, it was the art of taking crucial wickets, breaking partnerships, stifling momentum in the death overs, and executing pinpoint strategies that truly turned the tide in key moments of the tournament.
While batters may have stolen the limelight with their towering sixes, these five bowlers carved their names into ILT20 folklore with their consistency, control, and ability to strike under pressure. Here’s a look at the Top 5 wicket-takers of ILT20 2025, the true unsung heroes of this thrilling season.
5. Adam Milne (Sharjah Warriors) – 14 Wickets
New Zealand speedster Adam Milne brought his trademark pace and sharpness to the ILT20, delivering for the Sharjah Warriors in crunch moments. Though he played more games than some of the others, his wickets came at key junctures, making a difference in low-scoring affairs. His best of 3/33 may not be the flashiest on paper, but his ability to hit hard lengths and keep batters honest was invaluable throughout the tournament.
Adam Milne – ILT20 2025 Stats
| Matches | Wickets | Overs | Best | Runs Conceded | Avg | Econ | SR | 4W | 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 14 | 43.4 | 3/33 | 262 | 25.00 | 8.02 | 18.7 | — | — |
4. Alzarri Joseph (MI Emirates) – 16 Wickets
Another Caribbean powerhouse, Alzarri Joseph, combined raw pace with aggression to deliver a stellar season for MI Emirates. Though he was slightly more expensive compared to others, his knack for delivering crucial wickets kept his side in the hunt time and again. Joseph’s pace rattled even the most seasoned batters, and his fiery 3/17 was one of the tournament’s most impactful spells. Alongside Farooqi, he formed a deadly new-ball partnership for MIE.
Alzarri Joseph – ILT20 2025 Stats
| Matches | Wickets | Overs | Best | Runs Conceded | Avg | Econ | SR | 4W | 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 16 | 38.2 | 3/17 | 230 | 21.06 | 8.79 | 14.3 | — | — |
3. Blessing Muzarabani (Gulf Giants) – 16 Wickets
Zimbabwean pacer Blessing Muzarabani made his towering presence felt for the Gulf Giants. With his ability to generate steep bounce and deliver yorkers at will, he emerged as a key weapon in GG’s bowling arsenal. What stood out about Muzarabani’s campaign was his control and economy, boasting the best economy rate among the top five. His spell of 3/25 was a masterclass in hitting the right lengths in the UAE conditions.
Blessing Muzarabani – ILT20 2025 Stats
| Matches | Wickets | Overs | Best | Runs Conceded | Avg | Econ | SR | 4W | 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 16 | 38.4 | 3/25 | 232 | 16.06 | 6.65 | 14.4 | — | — |
2. Jason Holder (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders) – 17 Wickets
The Caribbean stalwart Jason Holder proved once again why he’s one of the most versatile all-rounders in the game. With unerring accuracy and bounce from his high-arm action, Holder delivered breakthroughs when ADKR needed them the most. A calming influence in the heat of the desert battles, his best of 4/23 showcased his value in high-pressure scenarios. Whether bowling with the new ball or controlling the death overs, Holder was the Knight Riders’ go-to man.
Jason Holder – ILT20 2025 Stats
| Matches | Wickets | Overs | Best | Runs Conceded | Avg | Econ | SR | 4W | 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 17 | 38.5 | 4/23 | 233 | 17.88 | 7.83 | 13.6 | 1 | — |
1. Fazalhaq Farooqi (MI Emirates) – 21 Wickets
Fazalhaq Farooqi was nothing short of sensational for MI Emirates this season. Operating with a lethal combination of swing, seam, and deceptive change of pace, Farooqi tormented batters across all phases of the game, especially in the powerplay and at the death. His standout performance came with a 5/16, a spell that dismantled the opposition and solidified his reputation as a rising star in global T20 leagues. Farooqi’s ability to extract movement even on flat surfaces gave MIE the edge in many encounters.
Fazalhaq Farooqi – ILT20 2025 Stats
| Matches | Wickets | Overs | Best | Runs Conceded | Avg | Econ | SR | 4W | 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 21 | 41.3 | 5/16 | 249 | 14.95 | 7.57 | 11.9 | 1 | 1 |
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