Top 10 highest wicket-takers in the history of ICC Cricket World Cup

10 bowlers who have been the highest wicket-takers in the history of ICC Cricket World Cup.

In the ICC Cricket World Cup, bowlers often turn into unsung heroes, gaining recognition for taking wickets. As we delve into the tournament’s history, we’ll discover the stories of standout bowlers who climbed to the top of the wicket-taking rankings, leaving a lasting impact on the tournament.

Whether it’s the unforgettable deliveries that knocked down the stumps or the smart moves of spinners working their magic, these bowlers not only displayed their skills but also played a crucial role in guiding their teams to victory. Now let’s dive into the list of the top 10 highest wicket-takers in the history of the ICC Cricket World Cup.

Here are the top 10 bowlers with most wickets in the history of ICC Cricket World Cup:

10. Javagal Srinath (India) – 44 wickets :

Javagal Srinath from India played in 34 matches during his ICC Cricket World Cup career from 1992 to 2003, taking a total of 44 wickets. His best bowling performance in a single match was 4/30. Srinath maintained an average of 27.81 for his wickets and had an economy rate of 4.32.

9. Zaheer Khan (India) – 44 wickets :

Zaheer Khan, representing India, took part in 23 matches during his ICC Cricket World Cup career from 2003 to 2011, securing a total of 44 wickets. His standout bowling performance in a single match was 4/42. Demonstrating remarkable consistency, Zaheer Khan maintained an impressive bowling average of 20.22. Furthermore, his economy rate of 4.47 showcased his ability to control the run rate while proving to be a formidable wicket-taker.

Zaheer Khan’s contributions were particularly noteworthy during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, where his performances played a pivotal role in India’s success.

8. Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka) – 49 wickets :

Chaminda Vaas from Sri Lanka participated in 31 matches during his ICC Cricket World Cup career from 1996 to 2007, where he impressively took a total of 49 wickets. His best bowling performance in a single match was a remarkable 6/25. Vaas maintained a low bowling average of 21.22, highlighting his effectiveness in taking wickets consistently throughout the tournaments. Additionally, his economy rate stood at 3.97, showcasing his ability to control the run flow while being a potent wicket-taker.

7. Trent Boult (New Zealand) – 53 wickets :

Trent Boult from New Zealand has participated in 29 matches during his ICC Cricket World Cup career from 2015 to 2023, achieving a total of 53 wickets. His best bowling performance in a single match was an impressive 5/27. Boult has maintained a bowling average of 25.54, showcasing his ability to take wickets consistently at a competitive level. Additionally, his economy rate stood at 4.92, demonstrating his capability to control the run rate.

6. Mohammed Shami (India) – 55 wickets :

Mohammed Shami from India has played in 17 matches during his ICC Cricket World Cup career from 2015 to 2023, achieving an impressive total of 55 wickets. His best bowling performance in a single match was a remarkable 7/57. Shami maintained an outstanding bowling average of 12.90, underscoring his effectiveness in consistently taking wickets at a remarkable rate. Additionally, his economy rate stood at 5.05, indicating his ability to control the run rate while being a prolific wicket-taker.

Notably, Mohammed Shami’s exceptional performances also include 4 four-wicket hauls and 4 five-wicket hauls, emphasizing his ability to make significant impacts in matches throughout the Cricket World Cup.

5. Wasim Akram (Pakistan) – 55 wickets :

Wasim Akram from Pakistan played in 38 matches during his World Cup career from 1987 to 2003, accumulating a total of 55 wickets. His best bowling performance in a single match was 5/28. Akram maintained a strong bowling average of 23.83, showcasing his consistency and effectiveness as a wicket-taker on the big stage. Additionally, his economy rate stood at 4.04, underscoring his ability to control the flow of runs while being a potent force with the ball.

4. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) – 56 wickets :

Lasith Malinga from Sri Lanka played in 29 matches during his World Cup career from 2007 to 2019, securing an impressive total of 56 wickets. His best bowling performance in a single match was an outstanding 6/38. Malinga maintained a commendable bowling average of 22.87, highlighting his consistent ability to take wickets at a high level. Additionally, his economy rate stood at 5.51, emphasizing his knack for controlling the run rate while being a prolific wicket-taker.

3. Mitchell Starc (Australia) – 65 wickets :

Mitchell Starc of Australia played in 27 matches during his World Cup career from 2015 to 2023, amassing an impressive total of 62 wickets. His best bowling performance in a single match was an outstanding 6/28. Starc maintained an excellent bowling average of 19.33, showcasing his consistency and effectiveness as a wicket-taker at the highest level. Additionally, his economy rate stood at 5.14, underscoring his ability to control the run rate.

2. Muttiah Muralidaran (Sri Lanka) – 68 wickets :

Muttiah Muralitharan from Sri Lanka participated in 40 matches during his World Cup career from 1996 to 2011, securing a total of 68 wickets. His best bowling performance in a single match was 4/19. Muralitharan maintained an impressive bowling average of 19.63, underscoring his consistent ability to take wickets at a high level. Additionally, his economy rate stood at 3.88.

1. Glenn McGrath (Australia) – 71 wickets :

Glenn McGrath of Australia participated in 39 matches during his World Cup career from 1996 to 2007, amassing an impressive total of 71 wickets. His best bowling performance in a single match was an exceptional 7/15, which he took against Namibia in 2003. McGrath maintained an outstanding bowling average of 18.19, highlighting his remarkable consistency and effectiveness as a wicket-taker at the highest level. He had an economy rate stood at 3.96.

(All stats updated till 16th November, 2023)

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