The old adage in cricket goes that batters win you games, but bowlers win you tournaments. At the T20 World Cup 2026, where margins are fine and conditions can change quickly, wicket-taking ability and control often prove decisive. Across Europe’s competing nations, several bowlers arrive with strong recent records and experience in varied conditions. These are five European bowlers to watch as the tournament unfolds.

Matthew Humphreys

Matthew Humphreys’ rise over the past 12 months has been rapid and decisive. The young left-arm orthodox spinner is Ireland’s highest wicket-taker across formats since the start of 2025, picking up 33 wickets, underlining his growing importance to the attack.

Comfortable bowling long spells and attacking through the middle overs, Humphreys’ accuracy and control make him particularly effective in sub-continental conditions, where turn and discipline are rewarded. With conditions in the World Cup expected to suit his style, Humphreys is set to play a crucial role for Ireland.

Mark Adair

Mark Adair enters the tournament as one of the most prolific wicket-takers in T20I history. With 139 wickets to his name (as of 2 February), Adair sits joint eighth on the all-time list and has firmly established himself as Ireland’s most successful bowler in the format.

Equally effective with the new ball and at the death, Adair’s ability to generate movement and extract bounce makes him a constant threat. As Ireland head into a demanding stretch of cricket in Sri Lanka, Adair will be keen to further extend his record on the global stage.

Roelof van der Merwe

Roelof van der Merwe has repeatedly shown an ability to bowl the Netherlands out of trouble, thriving when control and experience are required most. With 60 T20I wickets, he sits as the second-highest wicket-taker overall for the Netherlands, and no Dutch bowler has dismissed more batters through spin. His impact was underlined by a Player of the Match performance against Italy at the European Regional Qualifier, his most recent appearance for the national side.

Van der Merwe’s absence was keenly felt during the tour of Bangladesh, where the Dutch lost three-match series 2-0 with one game being rained out. His return comes at an opportune time with the Netherlands set to play predominantly in sub-continental conditions, with IPL experience at Royal Challengers Bangalore under his belt, his familiarity with Indian surfaces is a clear outlier including his 28 T20 wickets in India, a rare tally for a European bowler. That experience, combined with his ability to control tempo and apply pressure, makes van der Merwe a key weapon in conditions that favour his craft.

Mark Watt

Mark Watt remains the heartbeat of Scotland’s bowling attack. The left-arm spinner is Scotland’s leading T20I wicket-taker with 89 wickets, and boasts the best economy rate (6.92) among all bowlers with 30 or more wickets in the format.

What sets Watt apart is his adaptability away from home, 68 of his 89 T20I wickets have come at away (home of the opposition) or neutral venues. A veteran who has bowled in India during the 2016 T20 World Cup, Watt brings experience, control and calmness that will be vital following Scotland’s late inclusion in the tournament.

Paul van Meekeren

Paul van Meekeren has been a long-standing pillar of the Netherlands’ bowling unit. He is the country’s leading T20I wicket-taker with 84 wickets, consistently delivering breakthroughs across powerplay and middle overs.

Van Meekeren’s previous experience at the 2016 T20 World Cup in India adds further value, particularly in conditions that demand accuracy and smart variations. His ability to adapt his lengths and pace makes him a key weapon for the Dutch attack.