Legendary bowlers have had an enduring impression on the history of the ICC Cricket World Cup, the peak of one-day international (ODI) cricket. These bowlers, from the accuracy of Glenn McGrath’s line and length to the magic of Muthiah Muralidaran’s spin, have captivated cricket fans all across the world with their feats of wicket-taking.
The top ten wicket-takers in ICC Cricket World Cup history are honored in this investigation; each player’s incredible total reflects a symphony of talent, cunning, and pure willpower.
Most wicket takers in ICC World Cup of all time
1. Glenn McGrath (Australia)
Glenn McGrath, an Australian speedster who terrorised batters during the World Cup for more than ten years, occupies the top position in this exclusive club. His incredible 71 wickets in 39 games between 1996 and 2007 are proof of his unshakeable accuracy and capacity to create movement on any field. For all fast bowlers, McGrath’s best stats of 7/15 continue to serve as the standard. His unwavering consistency and standout performances in critical games were crucial to Australia’s World Cup victories.
2. Muthiah Muralidaran ( Sri Lanka)
The second-place finisher on this list is Muthiah Muralidaran, a master of Sri Lankan spin who took 68 wickets in 39 games from 1996 to 2011. He received praise from all over the world for his exceptional capacity to confuse batsmen with his spin and variations. The greatest stats (4/19) by Muralidaran demonstrate his mastery of the spin bowling technique. As a result of his crucial role in Sri Lanka’s World Cup campaigns, he became a legend of ODI spin bowling.
3.Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)
Third-place finisher Lasith Malinga, known for his lethal Yorkers and sling-arm motion, has taken 56 wickets in 28 games between 2007 and 2019. Malinga can destroy batting lineups, as seen by his best stats of 6/38. His unconventional manner and razor-sharp focus made him a terror of batsmen.
4.Wasim Akram (Pakistan)
The Sultan of Swing, Wasim Akram, is in fourth place with 55 wickets in 36 games from 1987 to 2003. He was a powerful force in World Cup history because of his command of swing and seam movement. Akram’s best statistics of 5/28 are evidence of his propensity for turning in game-winning performances. He established himself as one of the best fast bowlers of all time thanks to his left-arm magic during Pakistan’s World Cup triumphs.
5.Mitchell Starc (Australia)
With only 18 games played between 2015 and 2019, Australian speed phenom Mitchell Starc ranks seventh with 49 wickets. He has become a fearsome force in recent World Cups thanks to his extraordinary capacity for creating pace and movement. Starc’s greatest statistics of 6/28 highlight his propensity for destroying opposing hitting lineups. His performances helped Australia win the 2015 World Cup, solidifying his position as one of the best fast bowlers of his time.
6.Chaminda Vaas (SL),
The master of Sri Lankan swing, Chaminda Vaas, shares sixth place with 49 wickets in 31 games between 1996 and 2007. He became a treasured asset for Sri Lanka because of his capacity to extract movement and swing the ball both ways in seaming conditions. Vaas’s top stats of 6/25 demonstrate his capacity for casting spells that end games. He made a significant impact to Sri Lanka’s remarkable World Cup journey.
7.Zaheer Khan (IND)
India’s top left-arm paceman, Zaheer Khan, holds onto the seventh spot with 44 wickets in 23 games between 2003 and 2011. He was a powerful force in cricket during the World Cup thanks to his ability to extract bounce and swing. Zaheer’s most impressive stats of 4/42 highlight how successful he is as a strike bowler. He continues to be a beloved figure in Indian cricket history as a result of his contributions to India’s 2011 World Cup victory.
8.Javagal Srinath (IND)
Along with Zaheer Khan, Javagal Srinath is a legendary Indian speed bowler who amassed 44 wickets in 33 games between 1992 and 2003. He was India’s most valuable bowler because of his ability to produce bounce and deliver at a quick tempo regularly. Srinath’s best stats of 4/30 demonstrate his quick bowling control and accuracy. Respect in the cricketing community came about as a result of his contributions, which were crucial to India’s success in several World Cup iterations.
9.Imran Tahir (SA)
The sensational leg-spinner from South Africa, Imran Tahir, is tenth with 40 wickets in 21 games between 2011 and 2019. He was a vital asset for South Africa because of his capacity to deliver pivotal breakthroughs and spin the ball with precision. Tahir’s best stats of 5/45 show that he has the ability to win games with his spin. His exploits gave South Africa’s bowling attack more variety throughout World Cup matches.
10. Trent Boult (New Zealand)
The left-arm bowler from New Zealand, Trent Boult, rounds out the top 10 with 39 wickets in 19 games between 2015 and 2019. He is a formidable wicket-taker thanks to his capacity to swing the new ball and extract movement under ideal circumstances. Boult’s greatest numbers from 5/27 demonstrate his talent for destroying top orders from rival teams. His contributions were essential in helping New Zealand get to the World Cup final in 2015, solidifying his position as the best fast bowler in ODI cricket.