The Hundred Men’s competition has rapidly evolved into one of the most thrilling cricket formats, captivating audiences with its fast-paced action and high-stakes drama. While batting spectacles often steal the spotlight, it’s the bowlers who have often turned games around with their impeccable performances. Over the years, several bowlers have etched their names in the tournament’s history, becoming the highest wicket-takers in their respective seasons. From Marchant de Lange’s sensational debut to Adam Zampa’s recent exploits, let’s delve into the most wicket-takers of The Hundred Men’s competition, season by season.
Most Wicket-Taker 2021: The Pioneers of Dominance
Marchant de Lange (Trent Rockets)
The inaugural season of The Hundred Men’s in 2021 set the stage for an exhilarating display of cricketing prowess. Among the bowlers, Marchant de Lange of Trent Rockets emerged as the standout performer, finishing as the leading wicket-taker. With his raw pace and ability to generate steep bounce, de Lange was a nightmare for the batsmen. He claimed 12 wickets off 119 balls in just 7 matches, at an economy rate of 7.91 with an average of 13.08, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure. His best performance came against Southern Brave in the 3rd match of the tournament, where he ripped through the batting order, claiming 5 wickets for just 20 runs. De Lange’s consistency and aggression made him a force to be reckoned with in the tournament’s debut season.
Despite his exceptional bowling skill, his team, the Trent Rockets, was eliminated from the event in the eliminator match.
Adam Milne (Birmingham Phoenix)
Adam Milne, representing Birmingham Phoenix, was another bowler who made headlines in 2021. The Kiwi pacer’s ability to bowl at express pace while maintaining remarkable accuracy earned him 12 wickets off 135 balls in 8 matches. Milne’s bowling average of 10.75 and economy rate of 5.73 were the best among bowlers with significant wicket tallies, reflecting his ability to control the game even in the most challenging situations. His standout performance came against Southern Brave in the 11th match, where he delivered a spell of 3/15. Milne’s lethal combination of pace and precision made him a pivotal player for Birmingham Phoenix, leading them to the finals.
Adil Rashid (Northern Superchargers)
Spin bowling maestro Adil Rashid showcased his magic in the 2021 season for Northern Superchargers. Rashid’s clever variations and ability to deceive the batsmen made him a top contender for the highest wicket-taker title. He finished the season with 12 wickets off 135 balls in 7 matches, including a brilliant spell of 3/13 against Oval Invincibles in the 13th match. Adil’s bowling average of 14.41 and economy rate of 7.68. His ability to strike in the middle overs proved crucial for his team, and his performance established him as one of the premier spinners in the tournament.
Rashid Khan (Trent Rockets)
Rashid Khan, the Afghan spin sensation, was another key player for Trent Rockets in the 2021 season. Renowned for his leg-spin and googly variations, Rashid Khan picked up 12 wickets off 170 balls in 9 matches. His best performance came against Manchester Originals in the 29th match, where he bagged 3/16, dismantling their middle order. Rashid’s bowling average of 19.25 and the economy rate of 8.15. His consistency and knack for picking up wickets at crucial junctures made him one of the most valuable players of the season.
Most Wicket-Taker 2022: The Rise of New Stars
Paul Walter (Manchester Originals)
The 2022 season of The Hundred Men’s saw the emergence of Paul Walter as the highest wicket-taker. Playing for Manchester Originals, Walter’s left-arm medium-fast deliveries posed significant challenges to the opposition. He claimed 14 wickets off 135 balls in 10 matches, with an impressive economy rate of 7.11 and a bowling average of 11.42. His standout performance came in a thrilling match against Southern Brave in the 18th game, where he took 3/20, leading his team to a crucial victory. Walter’s ability to swing the ball both ways and his disciplined line and length made him a vital cog in the Manchester Originals’ campaign and leading the team to the finals.
Tom Helm (Birmingham Phoenix)
Tom Helm, representing Birmingham Phoenix, was another bowler who left his mark on the 2022 season. Helm’s ability to bowl yorkers at will and his deceptive slower deliveries earned him 14 wickets off 142 balls in 8 matches. His bowling average of 14.07 and his economy rate of 8.32. Tom Helm’s best performance was a match-winning spell of 4/17 against London Spirit in the 30th match, where he single-handedly dismantled the opposition’s batting lineup. Helm’s consistency and ability to deliver in crunch situations made him a standout performer, helping Birmingham Phoenix reach the finals once again.
Jordan Thompson (London spirit)
Jordan Thompson’s all-round abilities shone brightly in the 2022 season for London spirit. As a seam-bowling all-rounder, Thompson’s knack for picking up crucial wickets at crucial times was unmatched. He finished the season with 14 wickets off 166 balls in 9 matches, including a brilliant spell of 4/21 against Manchester Originals in the 6th match. His bowling average of 18.07 and his economy rate of 9.14. Thompson’s ability to bowl in the powerplay and at the death overs made him an invaluable asset for Northern Superchargers and his team was eliminated from the event in the eliminator match.
Also Read: Top Run Scorers at The Hundred Men’s: Outstanding Performances of Every Season
Most Wicket-Taker 2023: The Power of Pace and Precision
Tymal Mills (Southern Brave)
The 2023 season of The Hundred Men’s was dominated by the left-arm pace of Tymal Mills. Representing Southern Brave, Mills was a force to be reckoned with, finishing as the highest wicket-taker with 16 wickets off 160 balls in 9 matches. His bowling average of 13.06 and his economy rate of 7.83. Mills’ best performance came against Welsh Fire in the 17th match, where he delivered a match-winning spell of 4/13. His lethal combination of pace, bounce, and yorkers made him the standout bowler of the season. Despite his exceptional bowling skills, Mills’ team was eliminated from the event in the eliminator match.
Most Wicket-Taker 2024: The Year of Spin and Speed
Adam Zampa (Oval Invincibles)
In the 2024 season, Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa emerged as the highest wicket-taker, once again showcasing the importance of spin in The Hundred Men’s competition. Zampa, playing for Oval Invincibles, claimed 19 wickets off 180 balls in 9 matches. His bowling average of 11.57 and his economy rate of 7.33. Zampa’s best performance came against London Spirit in the 26th match, where he took 4/17, spinning his team to victory. His ability to vary his pace and flight made him a constant threat, and his consistent performances played a crucial role in Oval Invincibles’ journey through the tournament win.
Tymal Mills (Southern Brave)
Tymal Mills continued his dominance in the 2024 season, finishing as the joint-highest wicket-taker alongside Adam Zampa. Mills’ relentless pace and ability to deliver in crunch situations earned him 19 wickets off 185 balls in 10 matches. His bowling average of 15.10 and his economy rate of 9.30. Mills’ standout performance came against Welsh Fire in the 17th match, where he bowled a match-winning spell of 4/16. His back-to-back successful seasons cemented his reputation as one of the most fearsome fast bowlers in The Hundred Men’s competition, and Mills’ consistency led the Southern Braves to the runners-up in the tournament.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Lethal Bowlers
The Hundred Men’s competition has witnessed some remarkable bowling performances since its inception, with bowlers like Marchant de Lange, Adam Milne, Adil Rashid, Rashid Khan, Paul Walter, Tom Helm, Jordan Thompson, Tymal Mills, and Adam Zampa leaving an indelible mark on the tournament. Each of these bowlers has showcased their unique skills and contributed significantly to their teams’ successes. As The Hundred continues to grow in popularity, fans can look forward to more breathtaking performances from the bowlers who have become the backbone of this thrilling competition. Whether it’s the raw pace of Tymal Mills or the crafty spin of Adam Zampa, the battle between bat and ball remains at the heart of The Hundred Men’s, and these bowlers have ensured that the contest is as exciting as ever.