The 50-over version of cricket’s World Cup represents its zenith. The best ODI teams get together for this prestigious tournament, which is played only once every four years, to compete for cricket’s highest honor. While hitters draw the most attention by scoring a ton of runs and compiling enormous totals, the bowlers frequently help their side win games. According to the icc world cup team latest news, bowlers have a power to completely alter the outcome of a game in just a few overs thanks to their talent, cunning, and wicket-taking abilities. In the lengthy history of the Cricket World Cup, which dates back to 1975, there have been numerous instances of outstanding bowling performances that completely changed the course of games. On cricket’s grandest stage, legendary bowlers have thrown their team match- and tournament-winning spells. In a history of the Cricket World Cup, the following ten bowlers have recorded the most wickets:
1. Glenn McGrath from Australia – 71 wickets
The metronomic Australian fast bowler sits at the top of the World Cup wickets chart with 71 scalps in 39 matches across 4 editions from 1996 to 2007. McGrath’s unerring accuracy, control over line and length, and ability to generate bounce even on unresponsive pitches made him a nightmare for opposition batters. His best figures of 7/15 came against minnows Namibia at the 2003 World Cup. McGrath’s sheer consistency was instrumental in Australia winning a hat-trick of World Cup titles.
2. Muttiah Muralitharan from Sri Lanka – 68 wickets
The spin wizard from Sri Lanka bamboozled countless batters with his prodigious turn and clever variations. Muralitharan claimed 68 wickets in 40 World Cup games between 1996 to 2011. He averaged a miserly 18.84 runs per wicket with an economy rate of 3.93. Muralitharan’s best bowling of 7/30 came against India in the 1999 World Cup. He was Sri Lanka’s trump card with the ball in the middle overs and often stemmed the flow of runs.
3. Wasim Akram from Pakistan – 55 wickets
The ‘Sultan of Swing’ makes this list thanks to his 55 wickets in 38 World Cup matches from 1987 to 1999. Akram possessed the ability to move the ball both ways at high speed that made him a dangerous proposition. His magical spell of 4/19 in the 1992 World Cup final won Pakistan the trophy against England. Wasim also captained Pakistan to the 1999 World Cup final and was their most penetrative bowler.
4. Chaminda Vaas from Sri Lanka – 49 wickets
Sri Lanka’s premier fast bowler Chaminda Vaas was known for his deceptive left-arm pace bowling. Vaas took 49 wickets in 31 World Cup games from 1996 to 2007. His best bowling figures were 4/15 against Bangladesh in the 2003 edition. Vaas formed a lethal partnership with Muralitharan to slice through batting orders. He was also very economical, going at just 4.18 runs per over across World Cups.
5. Shane Warne from Australia – 44 wickets
With his quick turns and dips, the captivating leg-spinner known as Warne dazzled the opposition’s hitters. Between 1992 and 2003, Warne grabbed 44 wickets in 33 World Cup games. He bowled well, taking 20 wickets, and his bowling helped Australia win the 1999 World Cup. In the 1996 semifinal match against the West Indies, Warne bowled his best spell, going 4/33. He served as Australia’s starting spinner and served as captain during the 1999 World Cup.
6. Zaheer Khan from India – 44 wickets
Although known for his lethal swing bowling with the new ball, Zaheer also used his clever change of pace to good effect in the middle overs. He picked up 44 wickets in 29 World Cup games from 2003 to 2011. Zaheer’s best spell was 4/42 against Kenya in the 2011 edition. He was instrumental in India’s famous World Cup win at home in 2011, providing them vital breakthroughs throughout the tournament.
7. Glenn McGrath from Australia – 36 wickets
McGrath’s third entry in this list highlights his incredible longevity and wicket-taking abilities on the biggest stage. The tireless pacer claimed 36 scalps in 21 World Cup games from 1996 to 2007. Even towards the end of his career, McGrath’s metronomic accuracy and stamina remained unmatched. His best performance was a 4/20 spell against the West Indies in the 2007 semi-final. McGrath is undoubtedly one of the greatest fast bowlers to have played the World Cup.
8. Lasith Malinga from Sri Lanka – 36 wickets
Malinga troubled the best batsmen with his unorthodox slinging action and toe-crushing yorkers. He claimed 36 wickets in 25 World Cup games between 2007 and 2015. Malinga’s best spell was the unforgettable 6/38 against Kenya during the 2011 World Cup. His death bowling skills were second to none as he mastered the blockhole deliveries. Malinga frequently delivered under pressure during big matches.
9. Shaun Pollock from South Africa – 35 wickets
The miserly South African medium pacer was extremely consistent across 3 World Cups from 1996 to 2003. Pollock took 35 wickets in 28 matches with his impeccable line and length. His economy rate of just 3.67 highlights his remarkable ability to stem the flow of runs. Pollock’s 4/19 spell against England in the 1999 World Cup led South Africa to a famous win. He was the Proteas’ go-to bowler whenever they needed a breakthrough.
10. Shane Bond from New Zealand – 34 wickets
The injury-prone Kiwi quick Shane Bond makes this list due to an excellent World Cup record. Bond claimed 34 wickets in just 16 matches from 2003 to 2007. His skiddy pace and ability to swing the new ball both ways made him a top-class bowler. Bond’s best bowling was 4/39 against Australia in the 2003 World Cup. He held New Zealand’s fragile bowling attack together on his broad shoulders across two World Cup campaigns.
Conclusion
Fast bowling stalwarts like McGrath, Akram and Malinga understandbly dominate this esteemed wicket-takers list. However, champion spinners Warne and Muralitharan also feature thanks to their phenomenal World Cup records. As per icc world cup ki latest news, these bowlers frequently delivered match-winning performances to carry their teams to glory. Their extraordinary bowling skills, coupled with an insatiable hunger for wickets, make them true
legends of the World Cup stage.
