Top 5 best bowling figures in ICC Cricket World Cup history

Former Australian bowler Glenn McGrath holds the record for best bowling figures in ICC Cricket World Cup.

While ICC Cricket World Cup has always been a field for fierce rivalries and high-scoring encounters, it’s the bowlers who often play the role of unsung heroes. In the middle of powerful strokes and huge sixes, some extraordinary bowling performances have stood out, leaving fans in awe of their abilities and skills. These are the moments when bowlers took centre stage, spinning and swinging their way to win matches for their respective teams.

From extraordinary spells to match-winning performances, these exceptional bowling figures not only reflect the bowler’s talent but also the strategic brilliance behind every delivery.

Here are the Top 5 best bowling figures in ICC Cricket World Cup history:

5. Mohammed Shami (India vs New Zealand) November 1975 ­– 7/57 from 9.5 overs (Wankhede, Mumbai):

In the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 semi-final clash between India and New Zealand at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai, Mohammed Shami picked 7 wickets conceding 57 runs. He became fifth bowler to pick 7 wickets in a World Cup match and registered the best bowling figures by an Indian in ODI and Cricket World Cup.

4. Winston Davis (West Indies vs Australia) June 1983 ­– 7/51 from 10.3 overs (Headingley, Leeds) :

The first bowler to take seven wickets in a single ICC Cricket World Cup innings was Winston Davis, who did so against Australia at Headingley on his competition debut in 1983.

The fast bowler was unable to retain that form, however, taking only one more wicket and was dropped for the semi-final and the final, where his side lost to India.

3. Tim Southee (New Zealand vs England) February 2015 – 7/33 from nine overs (Westpac Stadium, Wellington):

Swing bowling sensation Tim Southee played an integral role as co-hosts New Zealand made it to the 2015 final, with his best display coming against England in Wellington.

Southee’s 7/33 helped the Black Caps dismiss their opponents for 123, a total they needed just 12.2 overs to surpass.

2. Andy Bichel (Australia vs England) March 2003 – 7/20 from 10 overs (St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth) :

McGrath was not the only Australian seamer to take a seven-wicket haul in ICC Cricket World Cup 2003, with Andy Bichel doing likewise against England.

Bichel came into the squad following an injury to Jason Gillespie and seized his opportunity with a game-changing spell in Port Elizabeth, later adding an unbeaten 34 with the bat to help his side to a famous two-wicket win.

1. Glenn McGrath (Australia vs Namibia) February 2003 – 7/15 from seven overs (Senwes Park, Potchefstroom) :

Glen McGrath played a key role as Australia earned World Cup glory in 2003, taking the winning wicket of India’s Zaheer Khan in the final and further cementing himself as one of the game’s greatest ever fast bowlers.

Earlier in the same tournament, he set a so far unbroken record for the best bowling figures at the tournament, a staggering 7/15 against Namibia.

(All stats and numbers updated till 15th November, 2023)

(Courtesy of ICC)

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