Lasith Malinga became the leading wicket-taker in T20Is during the 1st match against New Zealand at Palleke International Cricket Stadium, Kandy on Sunday.
He made his T20I debut for Sri Lanka in 2006 against England at Southampton. His ability to bowl Yorkers at will makes him a lethal bowler. Under his captaincy, Sri Lanka won the ICC World T20 2014 played in Bangladesh.
Lasith Malinga has played so far 74 matches (74 innings) and taken so far 99 wickets with best figures of 5/31. He has taken 1 5 wicket haul and 4 wicket haul in international T20Is. With the ongoing match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, the Yorker specialists are just one short of picking 100 wickets in T20I cricket. Malinga got the early breakthrough dismissing Colin Munro with a beauty of Yorker. As the things looked dangerous for Sri Lanka, Malinga achieved the milestone getting the wicket of Colin de Grandhomme. He took 2 for 23 in 4 overs. Despite his efforts, Sri Lanka could not defend 175 runs.
Malinga has been the backbone of Sri Lankan bowling line up in limited-overs format. After he decided to retire from ODI cricket, he would be looking to end his international career with a trophy in World T20 2020 to be played in Australia. With the 2nd T20I to be played today, Malinga would be taking a wicket and complete 100 wickets in the T20I format.
Shahid Afridi took 98 wickets from 99 matches (97 innings) with three 4 wicket hauls. He was a part of the winning team which the World T20 in 2009 played in England.
His performances in T20I cricket for Sri Lanka has been remarkable. At the age of 36 years, Lasith Malinga produces brilliant Yorkers at will which is tough to face for any batsmen in the world.
Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib AL Hasan is currently at 3rd place with 88 wickets from 72 matches (71 innings). Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal complete the list of top 5 T20I leading wicket-takers.
