Kaleem Sana, the left-arm medium pacer, is Canada’s all-time leading wicket-taker in international cricket, with 105 wickets. His teammate Saad Bin Zafar closely follows him with 103 wickets.
With Canada playing in ODIs and T20Is, bowlers have more chances to show their skills. Consistent performers have moved up the ranks, leading the wickets chart and making their mark on Canadian cricket.
This blog looks at the top 10 highest wicket-takers for Canada in ODIs and T20Is combined.
Most Wickets for Canada – Top 10 (ODIs + T20Is)
Take a look at the top 10 bowlers with the most wickets for Canada in international cricket.
| Player | Span | Matches | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaleem Sana | 2022-2025 | 68 | 105 |
| Saad Bin Zafar | 2019-2025 | 95 | 103 |
| D Heyliger | 2019-2025 | 79 | 91 |
| HS Baidwan | 2008-2014 | 49 | 71 |
| Harsh Thaker | 2019-2025 | 77 | 63 |
| H Osinde | 2006-2013 | 53 | 55 |
| S Dhaniram | 2006-2010 | 55 | 47 |
| U Bhatti | 2006-2010 | 43 | 41 |
| Rizwan Cheema | 2008-2019 | 57 | 41 |
| JM Davidson | 2003-2011 | 37 | 40 |
1. Kaleen Sana (105 wickets)
| Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | BBI | Fifer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68 | 105 | 17.04 | 5.04 | 4/17 | – |
Kaleem Sana is Canada’s top wicket-taker, with 105 wickets in 68 matches across ODIs and T20Is. His left-arm medium pace and skill to bowl in important moments have made him a constant challenge for opposing batters.
Sana’s ability to break partnerships and control the scoring has been vital to Canada’s success in limited-overs cricket. His performances have secured his role as an essential bowler and a dependable match-winner for the national team.
2. Saad Bin Zafar (103 wickets)
| Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | BBI | Fifer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95 | 103 | 23.56 | 5.05 | 3/8 | – |
Saad Bin Zafar has been a key player in Canada’s bowling lineup. He has taken 103 wickets in 95 matches across ODIs and T20Is, averaging 23.56 with an economy rate of 5.05. His best bowling figures in an innings are 3/8, showing his talent for making important breakthroughs.
Additionally, Zafar is Canada’s top wicket-taker in T20Is, with 72 wickets. This highlights his consistency and skill in this fast-paced format. His varying styles and experience make him an important bowler who can change the outcome of close matches in Canada’s favor.
3. Dilon Heyliger (91 wickets)
| Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | BBI | Fifer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79 | 91 | 23.03 | 6.16 | 5/16 | 2 |
Dilon Heyliger is a key right-arm fast-medium bowler for Canada, known for his ability to hit the stumps and bowl disciplined lengths. His skill in extracting movement and maintaining pressure makes him a reliable wicket-taker in both ODIs and T20Is.
Heyliger has claimed 91 wickets in 79 matches, including two five-wicket hauls. His knack for breaking partnerships and delivering in crucial moments has made him one of Canada’s most impactful and consistent bowlers in modern limited-overs cricket.
4. Harvir Baidwan (71 wickets)
| Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | BBI | Fifer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49 | 71 | 24.77 | 5.63 | 4/19 | – |
Harvir Baidwan is a skilled right-arm medium-fast bowler and a useful lower-order batsman for Canada. He is known for bowling tight lines and swinging the ball well. His variety of deliveries makes him a reliable choice in both ODIs and T20Is, especially in tough situations.
Baidwan has taken 71 wickets in 49 matches. His bowling average is 24.77, and he has an economy rate of 5.63, with a best performance of 4/19. His consistent play with both bat and ball has made him a valuable all-rounder for Canada.
5. Harsh Thaker (63 wickets)
| Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | BBI | Fifer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 77 | 68 | 25.28 | 5.05 | 4/20 | – |
Harsh Thaker is a crucial all-rounder for Canada, contributing both with right-arm off-break bowling and useful middle-order batting. His ability to bowl tightly in the middle overs and pick key wickets makes him a reliable option in ODIs and T20Is, while his batting adds depth to the lineup.
Thaker has taken 63 wickets in 77 matches at an average of 25.28 and an economy of 5.05, with a best of 4/20. His all-round skills have made him a consistent and valuable performer for Canada.
6. Henry Osinde (55 wickets)
| Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | BBI | Fifer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53 | 55 | 29.80 | 5.17 | 4/26 | – |
Henry Osinde was an important right-arm medium-fast bowler for Canada. He was known for his precise lines and ability to bowl long spells that were effective. His skill in hitting the stumps and applying pressure made him a trustworthy front-line bowler, especially in ODIs where steady bowling often works best.
Osinde is Canada’s leading wicket-taker in ODIs, with 55 wickets in 53 matches. This record shows his consistency and impact at the highest level. His best performance of 4/26 highlights his talent for making breakthroughs and supporting Canada’s bowling unit in key matches.
7. Sunil Dhaniram (47 wickets)
| Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | BBI | Fifer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 | 47 | 30.46 | 4.35 | 5/32 | 1 |
Sunil Dhaniram was a respected slow left-arm orthodox bowler and all-rounder for Canada, known for his ability to control the middle overs and create opportunities with clever variations. His disciplined style made him an asset in both ODIs and T20Is, and he also contributed valuable runs lower down the order.
Dhaniram took 47 wickets in 55 matches, including a notable five-wicket haul (5/32) in an ODI. His experience, leadership, and knack for key breakthroughs made him one of Canada’s most impactful bowlers of his time.
8. Umar Bhatti (41 wickets)
| Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | BBI | Fifer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43 | 41 | 31.63 | 4.40 | 4/45 | – |
Umar Bhatti was a former left-arm medium-pace bowler for Canada. He was known for his role in the bowling attack during the late 2000s and early 2010s. He consistently bowled disciplined lines and lengths. His angle and movement troubled batters in both ODIs and T20Is, helping Canada apply pressure in the middle overs.
Bhatti took 41 wickets in 43 matches across formats, with his best figures being 4/45. His reliable bowling performances and experience made him a valued member of Canada’s bowling unit during his international career.
9. Rizwan Cheema (41 wickets)
| Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | BBI | Fifer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 57 | 41 | 36.02 | 5.43 | 3/25 | – |
Rizwan Cheema was a hard-hitting all-rounder and part-time medium-fast bowler for Canada, known for his aggressive approach with both bat and ball. While primarily remembered for his batting exploits, Cheema contributed crucial wickets with clever variations and consistent medium-pace deliveries, often breaking partnerships in tight situations.
Cheema took 41 wickets in 57 matches, with best figures of 3/25. His ability to provide breakthroughs and add depth to Canada’s bowling made him a valuable all-round contributor in limited-overs cricket.
10. John Davidson (40 wickets)
| Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | BBI | Fifer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37 | 40 | 28.95 | 4.50 | 3/15 | – |
John Davison was one of Canada’s most iconic cricketers, known as a hard-hitting right-handed all-rounder and a right-arm off-break bowler. He brought experience and leadership to the Canadian side, often contributing crucial breakthroughs with his bowling while also being capable with the bat in limited-overs cricket.
Davison claimed 40 wickets in 37 matches, bowling with control and tactical variations. His ability to contain runs and pick key wickets made him a valuable bowler, complementing his reputation as a match-impact player for Canada.
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Conclusion: Kaleem Sana is Canada’s all-time leading wicket-taker!
Canada has produced some exceptional bowlers who have made a significant impact in international cricket. Kaleem Sana, the nation’s all-time leading wicket-taker, tops the list with 105 wickets. He is joined by talented bowlers like Saad Bin Zafar and Dilon Heyliger, who consistently perform well in important situations.
The blend of pace, spin, and all-round skills among the top 10 bowlers shows Canada’s strong bowling talent. Each player contributed unique strengths, whether it was controlling the middle overs, breaking partnerships, or clinching matches with crucial strikes.
Kaleem Sana shines as Canada’s all-time leading wicket-taker, representing consistency, skill, and match-winning talent. His record secures his status as a vital figure in Canadian cricket history.
