Top 10 bowlers with most wickets in a single edition of ICC Cricket World Cup

Bowlers who have taken the most wickets in a single edition of ICC Cricket World Cup.

The ICC Cricket World Cup has seen some amazing individual performances over the years. Bowlers, with their exceptional skills and consistency, have made a lasting impact on the tournament. One crucial measure of a bowler's influence is the total number of wickets they take in a single World Cup edition. This list not only showcases the bowlers' ability to disrupt opposition batting line-ups but also emphasizes their vital role in shaping the tournament's course.

Now let's delve into the list of the top 10 bowlers with the most wickets in a single edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup.

10. Adam Zampa (Australia) - 22 wickets (ICC Cricket World Cup 2023) :

Adam Zampa from Australia showcased a stellar performance in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 held in India. Across nine matches, he proved to be a formidable force, claiming an impressive tally of 22 wickets, with his best figures being 4/8. Zampa's bowling average stood at 18.90, indicating his consistent ability to dismiss batsmen efficiently. With an economy rate of 5.26, he demonstrated his wicket-taking abilities.

Zampa's impactful contributions played a crucial role in Australia's campaign during the tournament, making him a stand-out performer in the bowling department.

9. Brett Lee (Australia) - 22 wickets (ICC Cricket World Cup 2003) :

Brett Lee, representing Australia, left an significant mark in the ICC Cricket World Cup held across Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe in 2003. Lee's exceptional performance in the tournament included 10 matches in which he claimed an impressive 22 wickets. His best figures of 5/42 showcased his ability to break through opposition batting line-ups effectively. With an outstanding bowling average of 17.90, Lee demonstrated his consistency and potency as a strike bowler.

He had an impressive economy rate of 4.73, indicating his capability to restrict runs while taking wickets. Lee's pivotal role in the 2003 World Cup played a crucial part in Australia's success in the tournament, solidifying his reputation as one of the premier fast bowlers of his era.

8. Trent Boult (New Zealand) - 22 wickets (ICC Cricket World Cup 2015) :

Trent Boult, donning New Zealand jersey, delivered a standout performance in the ICC Cricket World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand in 2015. Across nine matches, Boult showcased his bowling skills by securing an impressive tally of 22 wickets. His best figures of 5/27 highlighted his ability to dismantle opposing batting line-ups effectively, giving crucial breakthroughs for his team.

Boult had an average of 16.86, indicating his consistent success in dismissing batsmen. Additionally, his economy rate of 4.36 showcased not only his wicket-taking ability but also his control over conceding runs. Boult's impactful contributions played a pivotal role in New Zealand's journey in the 2015 World Cup.

7. Mitchell Starc (Australia) - 22 wickets (ICC Cricket World Cup 2015) :

Mitchell Starc, representing Australia, delivered a spectacular performance in Australia's tournament winning campaign the ICC Cricket World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand in 2015. Across eight matches, Starc showcased his bowling abilities by amassing an outstanding tally of 22 wickets. His best bowling figures were 6/28.

Starc's dominance was further underscored by his remarkable bowling average of 10.18, emphasizing his consistency in taking wickets while maintaining a tight grip on runs. With an impressive economy rate of 3.50, he showcased not only his ability to strike but also his control over conceding runs.

6. Shaun Tait (Australia) - 23 wickets (ICC Cricket World Cup 2007) :

Shaun Tait, donning Australian colors, delivered an impressive bowling performance in the ICC Cricket World Cup held in West Indies in 2007. Across 11 matches, Tait displayed his exceptional bowling performances by accumulating 23 wickets. His best bowling figures of 4/39 showcased his ability to make significant breakthroughs.

Tait's consistency in taking wickets was evident in his bowling average of 20.30, reflecting his impact as a key wicket-taker for Australian side during the tournament. Additionally, with an economy rate of 5.52, he balanced wicket-taking with maintaining control over the run rate.

5. Muttiah Muralidaran (Sri Lanka) - 23 wickets (ICC Cricket World Cup 2007) :

Muttiah Muralitharan, a spin maestro from Sri Lanka, left an indelible mark at the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup held in West Indies. Across 10 matches, Muralitharan showcased his spinning wizardry by amassing a remarkable total of 23 wickets. His best bowling figures of 4/19 highlighted his ability to outfox batsmen and control the game with his spin variations.

Muralitharan's consistency in taking wickets was reflected in his impressive bowling average of 15.26, underscoring his effectiveness as a premier spin bowler in the tournament. Additionally, with an economy rate of 4.14, he displayed not only his wicket-taking skills but also his ability to maintain a tight grip on the run rate.

4. Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka) - 23 wickets (ICC Cricket World Cup 2003) :

Chaminda Vaas, who spearheaded Sri Lankan bowling attack in the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup across Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, delivered a remarkable performance. In 10 matches, Vaas demonstrated his bowling abilities, accumulating an impressive total of 23 wickets. His best bowling figures were 6/25.

Vaas' consistency in taking wickets was reflected in his outstanding bowling average of 14.39, showcasing his reliability as a premier fast bowler for Sri Lanka. Additionally, with an economical bowling rate of 3.76, he not only showcased his wicket-taking ability but also his adeptness in maintaining control over the run rate.

3. Mohammed Shami (India) - 23 wickets (ICC Cricket World Cup 2023) :

In the ICC Cricket World Cup held in India in 2023, Mohammed Shami, representing India, delivered a spectacular bowling performance. Despite featuring in only six matches, Shami showcased his exceptional skills by claiming an impressive tally of 23 wickets. His best bowling figures of 7/57 against New Zealand in the semi-finalx demonstrated his ability to dismantle opposition batting line-ups with precision and effectiveness.

Shami's remarkable consistency in taking wickets was reflected in his outstanding bowling average of 9.13, emphasizing his reliability as a potent strike bowler. Additionally, with an economy rate of 5.01, he showcased not only his wicket-taking skills but also his ability to control the run rate.

2. Glenn McGrath (Australia) - 26 wickets (ICC Cricket World Cup 2007) :

Glenn McGrath, the legendary Australian fast bowler, left an enduring impact at the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup held in West Indies. Across 11 matches, McGrath displayed his bowling mastery by amassing an exceptional total of 26 wickets. Despite his best figures being 3/14, McGrath's ability to consistently take wickets was highlighted by an impressive bowling average of 13.73.

McGrath's economical bowling was evident in his economy rate of 4.41, indicating not only his wicket-taking mastery but also his control over conceding runs.

1. Mitchell Starc (Australia) - 27 wickets (ICC Cricket World Cup 2019) :

Mitchell Starc, donning Australian jersey, delivered a phenomenal bowling display in the ICC Cricket World Cup hosted in England in 2019. Across 10 matches, Starc showcased his exceptional skills, amassing a remarkable total of 27 wickets. His best bowling figures of 5/26 highlighted his ability to consistently trouble opposition batsmen with precision and effectiveness.

Starc's impressive consistency in taking wickets was reflected in his bowling average of 18.59, showcasing his reliability as a premier fast bowler. Additionally, with an economy rate of 5.43, he not only demonstrated his wicket-taking capability but also maintained control over the run rate.

(All stats updated till 15th November, 2023)