Holder’s Historic 100: Why Jason Holder, Not Bravo or Narine, Made T20I History First

Not Bravo or Narine: Jason Holder becomes the first ever to…

The cricket world was left in awe on a Saturday in February 2026. At Eden Gardens, Kolkata, amidst the electric atmosphere of the T20 World Cup, a new legend was born. While many expected veterans like Dwayne Bravo or the enigmatic Sunil Narine to be the first to cross the elusive 100-wicket mark in T20 Internationals for the West Indies, it was the towering all-rounder Jason Holder who seized the moment.

During the West Indies’ opening match against Scotland, Holder dismissed Richie Berrington, a moment that wasn’t just another wicket—it was his 100th T20I scalp, making him the first bowler from his nation to achieve this remarkable feat [[6]]. This historic milestone wasn’t just a personal triumph; it was a testament to his relentless consistency, leadership, and evolution as a white-ball cricketer.

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The Moment of Truth: Jason Holder 100 T20I Wickets

The landmark came in the 13.2 over of Scotland’s chase. With the West Indies having posted a formidable 182/5 thanks to Shimron Hetmyer’s explosive 64, Holder was entrusted with a crucial spell [[7]]. His height, bounce, and pinpoint yorkers have been his trademark, and on this day, they delivered history. When Berrington holed out, the Caribbean contingent erupted. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated joy—a culmination of over a decade of international service [[4]].

This achievement places Holder in an elite global club, but more importantly, it cements his legacy as one of the most complete cricketers of his generation. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball has been invaluable to the West Indies across formats.

Why Not Bravo or Narine? The Surprising Reality

For years, the race to 100 T20I wickets for the West Indies was assumed to be a two-horse race between the record-holding Dwayne Bravo and the mystery-spinner Sunil Narine. Bravo, with his clever variations and death-over mastery, retired with 91 wickets from 91 matches [[26]]. Narine, despite his immense impact, played fewer games (51) and finished with 52 wickets [[27]].

The reality is that Holder’s longevity and consistent selection in the T20I side gave him the edge. While Bravo’s career spanned different eras and Narine faced suspensions and a shift in his bowling action, Holder remained a mainstay. Before this match, the next closest active West Indian bowler was Akeal Hosein, sitting on 86 wickets—a significant gap that highlights just how far ahead Holder has pulled [[20]].

West Indies’ Path to Victory: More Than Just a Milestone

The match itself was a showcase of West Indies’ renewed dominance in the shortest format. Their victory over Scotland by 35 runs was comprehensive and multi-faceted [[12]].

  • Batting Fireworks: Shimron Hetmyer’s 64 off just 44 balls provided the perfect platform, demonstrating the explosive power that makes the Windies so dangerous.
  • Bowling Brilliance: While Holder’s milestone grabbed the headlines, Romario Shepherd stole the show with a sensational five-wicket haul that included a hat-trick—the first of the tournament [[13]]. His figures of 5/21 were instrumental in dismantling the Scottish batting order.

This commanding performance sent a clear message to the rest of the teams in Group C: the West Indies are serious contenders for the T20 World Cup 2026 title. [INTERNAL_LINK:t20-world-cup-2026-west-indies-chances]

Holder’s T20I Journey: From Captain to Record-Breaker

Jason Holder’s journey to this milestone has been one of steady growth and adaptation. He made his T20I debut way back in 2014, but it was his role as captain across formats that truly shaped his game. Known for his calm demeanor and tactical acumen, he led the West Indies with distinction.

His success isn’t limited to international cricket. In the 2025 calendar year alone, Holder took a record-breaking 97 wickets across all T20 leagues worldwide, surpassing even Rashid Khan’s previous record [[5], [28]]. This incredible workload and performance in high-pressure franchise leagues have clearly honed his skills for the international stage.

His skill set—generating steep bounce, nailing yorkers at will, and possessing the strength to clear the boundary—makes him the prototype of the modern all-rounder. His achievement is a masterclass in longevity and the ability to evolve one’s game over time.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in West Indies Cricket

Jason Holder’s historic 100 T20I wickets is more than just a number; it’s a symbol of resilience, consistency, and excellence. By becoming the first West Indian to reach this landmark, he has not only surpassed his illustrious predecessors but has also set a new benchmark for future generations. As the West Indies campaign in the T20 World Cup 2026 continues, Holder’s leadership and experience will be their bedrock. One thing is certain: the era of Jason Holder is being written in the annals of cricket history, one wicket at a time.

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