The Big Bash League (BBL) has produced some of the finest fast bowlers and spinners in T20 cricket. Over the years, bowlers have played a huge role in shaping matches, defending totals, and creating unforgettable moments.
From consistent wicket-takers across multiple seasons to bowlers who dominated a single BBL edition, this article covers everything you need to know about the Top 20 highest wicket takers in BBL history and the most wickets taken in one BBL season.
Top 20 Highest Wicket Takers in BBL History (All-Time)
These bowlers have delivered year after year, proving their value across multiple franchises and seasons.
All-Time Leading Wicket Takers in BBL
| Rank | Player | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean Abbott | 124 | 175 | 5/16 | 20.16 | 8.46 |
| 2 | Andrew Tye | 117 | 161 | 5/23 | 20.52 | 7.96 |
| 3 | Ben Dwarshuis | 117 | 148 | 5/21 | 22.49 | 8.12 |
| 4 | Kane Richardson | 116 | 141 | 4/22 | 22.98 | 7.83 |
| 5 | Jason Behrendorff | 106 | 140 | 4/22 | 19.31 | 7.02 |
| 6 | Adam Zampa | 117 | 132 | 5/17 | 23.77 | 7.29 |
| 7 | Daniel Sams | 90 | 116 | 5/30 | 21.59 | 8.52 |
| 8 | Michael Neser | 103 | 115 | 4/25 | 24.39 | 8.41 |
| 9 | Cameron Boyce | 104 | 113 | 5/21 | 24.32 | 7.52 |
| 10 | Peter Siddle | 93 | 111 | 5/16 | 21.64 | 7.60 |
| 11 | Ben Laughlin | 96 | 111 | 4/26 | 24.26 | 8.08 |
| 12 | Mark Steketee | 78 | 104 | 5/17 | 23.04 | 8.94 |
| 13 | Riley Meredith | 78 | 103 | 4/21 | 22.52 | 8.15 |
| 14 | Jhye Richardson | 75 | 102 | 4/9 | 20.84 | 7.76 |
| 15 | Steve O’Keefe | 103 | 99 | 4/10 | 22.84 | 6.65 |
| 16 | Rashid Khan | 69 | 98 | 6/17 | 17.51 | 6.44 |
| 17 | Nathan Coulter-Nile | 77 | 95 | 4/10 | 21.75 | 7.46 |
| 18 | Daniel Christian | 140 | 94 | 5/14 | 27.37 | 8.26 |
| 19 | Fawad Ahmed | 99 | 90 | 4/14 | 28.38 | 7.14 |
| 20 | Nathan Ellis | 71 | 86 | 4/27 | 24.90 | 8.19 |
Like to know? Top 8 Most Successful Captains in BBL History
Most Wickets in a Single BBL Season (One Edition Records)
Some bowlers have produced historic single-season performances, completely dominating an edition of the Big Bash League.
Top Wicket Takers in One BBL Season
| Rank | Player | Season | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Sams | 2019/20 | 17 | 30 | 4/34 |
| 1 | Peter Siddle | 2021/22 | 17 | 30 | 5/23 |
| 3 | Sean Abbott | 2022/23 | 15 | 29 | 3/9 |
| 3 | Jhye Richardson | 2020/21 | 17 | 29 | 4/24 |
| 5 | Michael Neser | 2022/23 | 16 | 26 | 4/25 |
| 5 | Andrew Tye | 2022/23 | 16 | 26 | 3/27 |
| 7 | Hayden Kerr | 2021/22 | 16 | 25 | 4/32 |
| 7 | Andrew Tye | 2021/22 | 16 | 25 | 3/15 |
| 9 | Ben Dwarshuis | 2020/21 | 13 | 24 | 4/13 |
| 9 | Kane Richardson | 2018/19 | 14 | 24 | 3/22 |
| 11 | Mark Steketee | 2020/21 | 16 | 24 | 4/33 |
| 12 | Tom Rogers | 2022/23 | 15 | 23 | 5/16 |
| 13 | Chris Morris | 2019/20 | 15 | 22 | 3/27 |
| 13 | Tom Curran | 2019/20 | 14 | 22 | 4/22 |
| 15 | Haris Rauf | 2019/20 | 10 | 20 | 5/27 |
| 15 | Rashid Khan | 2017/18 | 11 | 20 | 6/17 |
Key Observations from BBL Bowling Records
- Sean Abbott is the most consistent wicket-taker in BBL history.
- Daniel Sams and Peter Siddle jointly hold the record for most wickets in one season (30).
- Rashid Khan owns the best bowling figures (6/17) in BBL season history.
- Fast bowlers dominate the charts, but spinners like Zampa, Rashid Khan, and O’Keefe have made massive impacts.
- Economy rates under 7.0 in T20 cricket highlight elite control.
Why Bowlers Matter So Much in the Big Bash League
Unlike many T20 leagues that heavily favor batting, the BBL often features:
- Bouncy pitches
- Large boundaries
- Swing-friendly conditions
This makes wicket-taking bowlers invaluable and explains why defensive specialists thrive.
Conclusion
The Big Bash League has consistently rewarded bowlers who combine pace, accuracy, and smart variations. From all-time legends like Sean Abbott and Andrew Tye to season-dominators like Daniel Sams, these bowlers have shaped BBL history.
As the league continues to grow, breaking into these Top 20 wicket-taking lists remains one of the toughest achievements in T20 cricket.
