ICC Cricket World Cup Golden Ball Winners List (1975-2023)

Golden Ball Winner in ODI World Cup – The ODI World Cup started in 1975, and the first one was held in England. The West Indies were the winners in 1975 and 1979. Australia then became the most successful team, winning six World Cup titles. India also won twice, in 1983 and 2011.

After each good tournament, awards are given to the best performers. The bowler who takes the most wickets gets the Golden Ball award. If two bowlers have the same number of wickets, they both get the award. Check here for the list of the Cricket World Cup Golden Ball Winners.

Also read, Golden Bat Winner in ODI World Cup

ODI Cricket World Cup Golden Ball Winners

Golden Ball Winner in ODI World Cup

Australia has the most Golden Ball winners in ICC ODI World Cup history. Five Australian players—Gary Gilmour, Craig McDermott, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, and Mitchell Star have won the award a total of six times. Notably, Starc won it consecutively in the 2015 and 2019 World Cups.

Indian bowlers have won the Golden Ball twice: Anil Kumble in 1996 and Zaheer Khan in 2011.Mitchell Starc is the only player to win the Golden Ball more than once. Mitchell Starc also holds the record for the most wickets in a single World Cup, with 27 dismissals in the 2019 tournament, despite Australia being eliminated in the Semi-Finals. Here are the details on ODI Cricket World Cup Golden Ball Winners.

Mohammed Shami – World Cup 2023 Golden Ball Winner

In the 2023 Cricket World Cup, India’s Mohammed Shami won the Golden Ball award. He was the tournament’s top wicket-taker, claiming 24 wickets. Shami’s exceptional bowling performances were crucial in helping India reach the final, although they ultimately lost to Australia

Mitchell Starc – World Cup 2019 Golden Ball Winner

Mitchell Starc made history by becoming the first bowler to win the Golden Ball Award in back-to-back World Cup tournaments. Although Australia didn’t clinch the championship and lost in the semi-finals to England, Starc’s exceptional performance stood out.

He managed to take an impressive 27 wickets in only 10 matches, including two instances of taking five wickets in a single match. This outstanding achievement also marked the record for the highest number of wickets in a single World Cup edition.

Mitchell Starc, Trent Boult – World Cup 2015 Golden Ball Winner

In 2015, Australia secured their fifth championship on their home turf by defeating New Zealand in the final match. From each team, one bowler emerged as a standout with the highest number of wickets in the tournament.

Both Mitchell Starc and Trent Boult claimed 22 wickets each, earning them the prestigious Golden Ball Award. It’s worth noting that both of them are skilled left-arm pacers.

Zaheer Khan, Shahid Afridi – World Cup 2011 Golden Ball Winner

India won the ODI World Cup 2011, and Zaheer Khan played a crucial role in their success. India triumphed over their rival Pakistan in the semi-final match.

Zaheer Khan, along with Shahid Afridi, stood out as the top wicket-takers with 21 wickets each. Consequently, both of these bowlers were honored with the Golden Ball Award.

Glenn McGrath – World Cup 2007 Golden Ball Winner

Glenn McGrath has the highest number of wickets in the history of ODI World Cups. His standout performance was in 2007, where he earned the Golden Ball Award. During the semi-final match against South Africa, he achieved figures of 3/18 and was named the Man of the Match.

Throughout the tournament, he secured a total of 26 wickets in 11 matches, maintaining an impressive average of 13.73.

Chaminda Vaas – World Cup 2003 Golden Ball Winner

During the 2003 World Cup, Sri Lanka reached the semi-finals but faced defeat against Australia. Chaminda Vaas emerged as the leading wicket-taker in 2003 Cricket World Cup.

Across 10 matches, he secured an impressive total of 23 wickets with an average of 14.39. His performance included one five-wicket haul and another instance of taking four wickets in a match.

Geoff Allott, Shane Warne – 1999 Cricket World Cup Golden Ball Winner

In the 1999 World Cup, Geoff Allott from New Zealand and Shane Warne from Australia shared the Golden Ball award. Australia emerged as the champions of the tournament, but New Zealand faced a defeat in the semi-final against Pakistan.

During the 1999 World Cup final, Shane Warne showcased a remarkable performance by taking 4/33. Both Allott and Warne claimed 20 wickets each in the tournament, achieving two instances of taking four wickets in a match.

Anil Kumble – 1996 Cricket World Cup Golden Ball Winner

Due to a contentious event at Eden Gardens, India faced defeat in the semi-final against Sri Lanka. Subsequently, Sri Lanka emerged victorious in the 1996 World Cup. Interestingly, it was the first instance when both the leading run-scorer and the top wicket-taker were part of the same team.

Sachin Tendulkar earned the Golden Bat award, while Anil Kumble secured the Golden Ball award by taking 15 wickets across seven matches.

Wasim Akram – 1992 Cricket World Cup Golden Ball Winner

In 1992, under the leadership of Imran Khan, Pakistan won their first-ever World Cup trophy by defeating England in the final match. Wasim Akram outstanding performance earned him the Man of the Match award in the final, contributing significantly to his team’s championship win. Throughout the tournament, Wasim Akram secured 18 wickets in 10 innings with an average of 18.78 and a top performance of 4/32.

Craig McDermott – 1987 Cricket World Cup Golden Ball Winner

In 1987, Australia secured their inaugural ODI World Cup victory by defeating England in the final match held at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. A standout performer during the tournament was Craig McDermott, who emerged as the leading wicket-taker and was honored with the Golden Ball Award.

Across 8 matches, McDermott managed to take 18 wickets, maintaining an average of 18.94. His impressive performance included achieving a five-wicket haul and one instance of taking four wickets in a single match.

Roger Binny – 1983 Cricket World Cup Golden Ball Winner

India surprised everyone by ending West Indies’ winning streak in 1983 and clinching the World Cup. Roger Binny emerged as a key figure for India, leading in the wicket-taking category during the tournament.

Binny’s exceptional performance led to him securing 18 wickets across 8 innings with an average of 18.67. His standout moment included a notable achievement of 4/29 against Australia.

Mike Hendrick – 1979 Cricket World Cup Golden Ball Winner

West Indies won the World Cup 1979 by defeating England in the final match held at Lord’s. Mike Hendrick from England received the Golden Ball Award for his outstanding performance.

He managed to take 10 wickets in five matches, maintaining an average of 14.90. His most notable achievement was taking 4/15 against Pakistan.

Gary Gilmour, Bernard Julien – 1975 Cricket World Cup Golden Ball Winner

In the first-ever World Cup held in 1975 at Lord’s, Australia and the West Indies faced off in the final match. The West Indies emerged as the winners, with Australia securing the runner-up position. Gary Gilmour from Australia and Bernard Julien from the West Indies both stood out by taking 11 wickets each.

Gilmour’s impressive feat was achieved in just two games, while Julien played five matches. These remarkable performances led both bowlers to share the Golden Ball award.