Bowlers With Most Wickets in ODI World Cup History – Highest Wicket Takers in ICC Cricket World Cup

Bowlers With Most Wickets in ODI World Cup History – The Cricket World Cup is the pinnacle of the sport of cricket, where bowlers and batsmen work in tandem to achieve success. While batsmen often steal the spotlight, bowlers have played an equally important role in the ICC Cricket World Cup history. Many legendary bowlers have showcased their skills in the World Cup over the years, with some of them even dominating the competition. Take a look at the Highest Wicket Takers in ICC Cricket World Cup.

Also Read: Most Sixes In ODI World Cup History

Bowlers With Most Wickets in ODI World Cup History

Player	Country	Span	Innings	Wickets
Glenn McGrath	Australia	1996-2007	39	71
Muttiah Muralitharan	Sri Lanka	1996-2011	39	68
Mitchell Starc	Australia	2015-2023	28	65
Lasith Malinga	Sri Lanka	2007-2019	28	56
Wasim Akram	Pakistan	1987-2003	36	55
Mohammed Shami	India	2015-2023	18	55
Trent Boult	New Zealand	2015-2023	29	53
Chaminda Vaas	Sri Lanka	1996-2007	31	49
Zaheer Khan	India	2003-2011	23	44
Javagal Srinath	India	1992-2003	33	44
Imran Tahir	South Africa	2011-2019	21	40

Most Wickets In The World Cup By a Bowler

Glenn McGrath, a former Australian cricket legend, holds the record for the most wickets taken in World Cup history with 71 wickets. McGrath participated in three world cups from 1996-2007. He is regarded as one of the best fast bowlers to have ever played the game due to his excellent line, length, and swing. McGrath was a bowler who excelled in all pitch conditions. He is also the highest wicket-taker for Australia in all formats of the game, with a total of 949 wickets.

Glenn McGrath Wickets in Cricket World Cup

Glenn McGrath holds the record for being the most successful bowler in the history of ODI World Cups. The former Australian pacer has won the World Cup three times and picked up the most wickets in ODI World Cup history.

Between his debut at the tournament in 1996 and his final appearance in 2007, McGrath claimed a total of 71 wickets in 39 matches. He picked up six wickets in the 1996 World Cup, and his figures only got better in the following editions. At the 1999 World Cup, he picked up 18 wickets, followed by 21 wickets in the 2003 World Cup. In his final World Cup in 2007, he took a record 26 wickets.

Matches	Innings	Wickets	Average	Strike-rate	Best bowling	Economy	5-Wickets
39	39	71	18.19	27.5	7/15	3.96	2

Also Read: Most Runs in Asia Cup (ODI & T20)

Muttiah Muralitharan Wickets in Cricket World Cup

Muttiah Muralitharan, a renowned spin bowler, is considered one of the greatest spin bowlers of all time. It is no surprise that he holds the second position on the list of highest wicket-takers in the World Cup. Muralitharan has played in five World Cups for Sri Lanka, spanning from 1996 to 2011. He also boasts the best economy rate (3.88) among the top wicket-takers in the tournament.

In his debut World Cup, he claimed 7 wickets while maintaining an impressive economy rate. In 1999, he was only able to pick up 6 wickets, but he bounced back in the 2003 World Cup where he took 17 wickets, becoming the second-highest wicket-taker for Sri Lanka. In the 2007 World Cup, he claimed 23 wickets and was the second-highest wicket-taker in Cricket World Cup 2007. In his final World Cup appearance in 2011, he took a total of 15 wickets and was the leading wicket-taker for Sri Lanka.

Matches	Wickets	Best bowling	Economy
40	68	4/19	3.88

Lasith Malinga Wickets in World Cup

Lasith Malinga currently stands third in the list of highest wicket-takers in World Cup history. Malinga has represented Sri Lanka in four World Cups, namely in 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019.

Malinga has achieved the milestone of becoming the fastest to take 50 wickets in World Cup history, surpassing the records of legendary bowlers Glenn McGrath and Muttiah Muralitharan, achieving this feat in only 30 matches. He claimed his best figures of 6/38 against Kenya during the 2011 World Cup. In the 2019 World Cup, Malinga played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s victory against the hosts and favorites England, taking 4/43 to turn the game in his team’s favor.

Matches	Wickets	Best bowling
28	56	6/38

Also Read: Most Wickets in Asia Cup History

Wasim Akram Wickets in World Cup

Wasim Akram, one of the greatest bowlers in Pakistan’s cricket history, holds the fourth spot on the list of the highest wicket-takers in the World Cup. He played five World Cups for his country from 1987 to 2003. Akram was the Man of the Match in the final of the 1992 World Cup and his brilliant performances throughout the tournament helped Pakistan lift the trophy for the first time.

Akram took 18 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 18.78 in the 1992 World Cup. He bowled exceptionally well throughout the tournament but his magical spell came in the final against England, where he took three wickets and turned the game in favor of Pakistan.

Matches	Wickets	Best bowling
38	55	5/28

Wasim Akram Wickets in World Cup Stats (1987 – 2003)

Edition	Matches	Wickets	Average	Economy Rate
1987	7	7	42.14	4.65
1992	10	18	18.77	3.76
1996	5	3	45.00	4.05
1999	10	15	22.80	3.77
2003	6	12	16.75	4.23

Also Read: Most Successful Captain in Asia Cup History

Most Wickets In World Cup 2023

The upcoming 2023 Cricket World Cup promises to be an exciting tournament for cricket fans around the world. As always, the bowlers will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the matches. It will be interesting to see which bowlers rise to the occasion and make a mark in the history of the World Cup by becoming the highest wicket-taker in the 2023 Cricket World Cup.

Most Wickets In World Cup 2019

Mitchell Starc was the leading wicket-taker in the 2019 Cricket World Cup, claiming 27 wickets in 10 matches for Australia. This was the second consecutive World Cup in which he finished as the highest wicket-taker, and his 27 wickets in the 2019 tournament set a new record for the most wickets taken by any bowler in a single World Cup. Starc’s consistent performance with the ball was a key factor in Australia’s journey to the semi-finals of the tournament.

Matches	Innings	Wickets	Average	Strike-rate	Best bowling	Economy	5-Wickets
10	10	27	18.59	20.5	5/26	5.43	2

Most Wickets In World Cup 2015

In the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc shone brightly by picking up the most wickets in the 2015 World Cup with 22 scalps to his name. Known for his searing pace and deadly swing, Starc played a pivotal role in Australia’s successful campaign, helping them lift the trophy for the fifth time in their history.

Matches	Innings	Wickets	Average	Strike-rate	Best bowling	Economy	5-Wickets
8	8	22	10.18	17.4	6/28	3.50	1

Most Wickets In World Cup 2011

In the 2011 Cricket World Cup, Pakistani leg-spinner Shahid Afridi and Indian pace bowler Zaheer Khan emerged as the joint highest wicket-takers in World Cup 2011, both taking 21 wickets. Zaheer Khan’s exceptional bowling throughout the tournament played a crucial role in India’s victory, as they lifted the trophy for the first time since 1983. On the other hand, Afridi bowled with an impressive average of 12.85, the best in the tournament.

Shahid Afridi Wickets Stats in World Cup 2011

Matches	Innings	Wickets	Average	Strike-rate	Best bowling	Economy	5-Wickets
8	8	21	12.85	21.2	5/16	3.62	2

Zaheer Khan Wickets Stats in World Cup 2011

Matches	Innings	Wickets	Average	Strike-rate	Best bowling	Economy	5-Wickets
9	9	21	18.76	23.2	3/20	4.83	0

Most Wickets In World Cup 2007

Australian legend Glenn McGrath, widely regarded as the greatest fast bowler of all time, holds the record for most wickets in the 2007 WC. Playing in a total of 11 matches, McGrath claimed an impressive 26 wickets in the tournament. His exceptional bowling played a crucial role in Australia’s successful campaign and their eventual victory in the 2007 World Cup. Additionally, McGrath is also the highest wicket-taker in the history of the World Cup, having claimed a total of 71 wickets in three World Cup campaigns.

Matches	Innings	Wickets	Average	Strike-rate	Best bowling	Economy	5-Wickets
11	11	26	13.73	18.6	3/14	4.41	0

Also Read: Asia Cup Winners List, History, Runner-up

Most Wickets In World Cup 2003

Former Sri Lankan pacer Chaminda Vaas was the highest wicket-taker in the 2003 World Cup. He picked up a total of 23 wickets in 10 matches, including two four-wicket hauls. Vaas was known for his lethal left-arm swing bowling, which made him a tough competitor for any batsman. In addition to his success in the World Cup, Vaas is also the second-highest wicket-taker for Sri Lanka in ODIs.

Matches	Innings	Wickets	Average	Strike-rate	Best bowling	Economy	5-Wickets
10	30	23	14.39	22.9	6/25	3.76	1

Most Wickets In World Cup 1999

Geoff Allott, the left-arm fast bowler from New Zealand, took the most number of wickets in the 1999 World Cup. He was remarkable throughout the tournament and claimed 20 wickets in just 9 matches at an impressive bowling average of 16.25.

Matches	Innings	Wickets	Average	Strike-rate	Best bowling	Economy	5-Wickets
9	9	20	16.25	26.3	4/37	3.70	0

Most Wickets In World Cup 1996

Indian spinner Anil Kumble emerged as the highest wicket-taker in the 1996 World Cup, claiming a total of 15 wickets in the tournament. Kumble’s mastery over the art of leg spin was unmatched, and his deceptive bowling style left many batsmen flummoxed. Known for his accuracy and consistency, Kumble was a key player in India’s campaign in the 1996 World Cup.

Matches	Innings	Wickets	Average	Strike-rate	Best bowling	Economy	5-Wickets
7	7	15	18.73	27.8	3/28	4.03	0

Most Wickets In World Cup In One Match

Glenn McGrath and Tim Southee hold the record for the most number of wickets taken in a single match in World Cup history. McGrath achieved this feat in the 2003 WC against Namibia, where he took 7 wickets for just 15 runs. On the other hand, Southee achieved the same feat in the 2015 WC against England, taking 7 wickets for 33 runs. Both performances were exceptional and contributed to their team’s victory in those matches.

Most Wickets In World Cup For India

Zaheer Khan, the former Indian pace bowler, holds the record for taking the most wickets for India in the World Cup. He represented India in three World Cups from 2003 to 2011. Throughout his career, he was considered the spearhead of the Indian bowling attack. Known for his accuracy, Zaheer was a master of line, length, and swing, making him a formidable opponent for any batsman.

Most Wickets In World Cup For Pakistan

In terms of the most wickets taken by a Pakistani bowler in the World Cup, the record is held by Wasim Akram. The legendary left-arm fast bowler played in five World Cups for Pakistan (1987-2003) and took a total of 55 wickets in 38 matches.

Akram was a key member of the Pakistani team that won the 1992 World Cup, and his contributions throughout the tournament were instrumental in their success. He also holds the record for the most number of wickets taken by a bowler in the final of the World Cup, having taken three wickets in the 1992 final against England.

Most Wickets In World Cup For Australia

Australian legend Glenn McGrath holds the record for the Most Wickets In World Cup For Australia. McGrath played in three World Cups (1996-2007) and picked up 71 wickets in 39 matches. He was a crucial part of the Australian team that won three consecutive World Cups (1999, 2003, and 2007). Other notable Australian bowlers with the most wickets in World Cup history include Brett Lee (35 wickets), Mitchell Starc (49 wickets), and Shane Warne (32 wickets).

Most Wickets In World Cup For England

One of the legendary fast bowlers of England, James Anderson, holds the record for taking the most wickets in the World Cup for England. Anderson has played in three World Cups for England in 2003, 2007, and 2015. He has taken a total of 22 wickets in 20 matches he played in World Cup history. With his impressive swing and seam bowling, Anderson has proved himself to be a lethal weapon for England. He is also the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket for England.

Most Wickets In World Cup For Bangladesh

Bangladeshi left-arm spinner, Abdur Razzak, holds the record for the most number of wickets by a Bangladeshi bowler in the World Cup. Razzak has played in two World Cups (2007 and 2011) and has taken 14 wickets in total. His best performance came in the 2007 World Cup where he picked up 10 wickets in 8 matches.

Most Wickets In World Cup For New Zealand

Former New Zealand cricketer Daniel Vettori has taken the most number of wickets for New Zealand in the World Cup. He played in 5 World Cups (1999-2011) and was a vital member of the team. Vettori was a left-arm spinner known for his variations and accuracy. He picked up 36 wickets in his World Cup career.

Most Wickets In World Cup For Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan holds the record for the most wickets in the World Cup for Sri Lanka. He played in five World Cups (1996-2011) and took a total of 68 wickets in 40 matches. Muralitharan was a master of spin and his ability to turn the ball both ways made him a nightmare for batsmen. He played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s victory in the 1996 World Cup, taking 13 wickets in the tournament.