Highest Wicket Taker in World Cup - Top 10 Master of the Wicket
by B Kishwar
Updated Nov 16, 2023
Top 10 Highest Wicket Taker in World Cup
1
Glenn McGrath (AUS)
71
2
Muthiah Muralidaran (SL)
68
3
Mitchell Starc (AUS)
61
4
Lasith Malinga (SL)
56
5
Wasim Akram (PAK)
55
6
Mohammed Shami (IND)
54
7
Trent Boult (NZ)
53
8
Chaminda Vaas (SL)
49
9
Zaheer Khan (IND)
44
10
Javagal Srinath (IND)
44
S.No.
Highest Wicket Taker in World Cup
Wickets
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Highest Wicket Taker in ICC Cricket World Cup
The title of the highest wicket-taker in the ICC Cricket World Cup is a prestigious accolade that recognizes the bowler who has demonstrated exceptional skill, consistency, and impact in the premier one-day international cricket tournament. Over the years, legendary names like Glenn McGrath, Muthiah Muralidaran, and Mitchell Starc have etched their mark in cricket history by claiming the most wickets in various World Cup editions. This honor not only reflects their individual prowess but also underscores their pivotal role in shaping their team's success on the global stage. The pursuit of this record continues to captivate cricket enthusiasts, adding an extra layer of excitement to each World Cup edition as bowlers strive to leave an indelible mark in the tournament's rich legacy.
1. Glenn McGrath (AUS)
Glenn McGrath, a legendary Australian fast bowler, stands as the highest wicket-taker in the history of the ICC Cricket World Cup. Renowned for his remarkable accuracy, McGrath played a pivotal role in Australia's dominance during the late 1990s and early 2000s. His exceptional performances in the World Cup were instrumental in Australia securing consecutive victories in 1999, 2003, and 2007. Known for his relentless line and length, McGrath's economy, speed, and ability to extract bounce made him a formidable force.
His incredible record of 71 wickets in 39 innings is a testament to his consistency and longevity on cricket's grandest stage. McGrath's impact transcends statistics; he symbolizes an era of Australian cricket dominance and remains an enduring figure in the sport's history.
2. Muthiah Muralidaran (SL)
Muthiah Muralidaran, hailing from Sri Lanka, is widely regarded as one of the greatest spin bowlers in the history of cricket. His crafty spin action and ability to deceive batsmen made him a key player for Sri Lanka in various international tournaments, including the Cricket World Cup. Muralidaran's noteworthy contribution came in the 1996 World Cup, where he played a crucial role in Sri Lanka's historic triumph.
With 68 wickets in 30 innings, Muralidaran's World Cup journey was marked by his consistent wicket-taking ability. Beyond his statistical achievements, Muralidaran's unorthodox style and knack for taking crucial wickets, especially in pressure situations, solidify his legacy as one of the game's all-time greats. His impact extends beyond Sri Lanka, influencing the art of spin bowling on the global stage.
3. Mitchell Starc (AUS)
Mitchell Starc, hailing from Australia, has emerged as one of the most formidable fast bowlers in contemporary cricket. Born on January 30, 1990, in Baulkham Hills, New South Wales, Starc made his mark in the cricketing world with his express pace, ability to swing the ball both ways, and deadly yorkers. He played a pivotal role in Australia's triumph in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, finishing as the tournament's highest wicket-taker and earning the prestigious Player of the Tournament award.
Starc's lethal left-arm deliveries often pose a significant challenge for batsmen, and his remarkable consistency in taking wickets has solidified his reputation as a leading force in the Australian bowling lineup. With a keen eye for crucial breakthroughs and a knack for producing remarkable spells, Mitchell Starc continues to be a key asset for Australia in the quest for World Cup glory.
4. Lasith Malinga (SL)
Lasith Malinga, the iconic Sri Lankan fast bowler, is renowned for his unorthodox yet highly effective bowling style. Born on August 28, 1983, in Galle, Malinga earned the moniker "Slinga Malinga" for his distinctive round-arm action, and he remains one of the most celebrated limited-overs bowlers in cricket history. His ability to deliver lethal yorkers at will and consistently trouble even the most accomplished batsmen has set him apart.
Malinga's World Cup journey includes memorable performances, notably his four-wicket haul in four consecutive balls against South Africa in the 2007 edition. Over the years, he became Sri Lanka's highest wicket-taker in World Cup history, and his tally of 56 wickets in 28 innings underscores his impact on the global stage. Malinga's legacy extends beyond statistics, as he is celebrated for his crucial contributions to Sri Lankan cricket, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of the ICC Cricket World Cup.
5. Wasim Akram (PAK)
Wasim Akram, widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of cricket, is a Pakistani cricketing legend. Born on June 3, 1966, in Lahore, Pakistan, Akram's illustrious career spanned over a decade, during which he played a key role in Pakistan's success in the 1992 ICC Cricket World Cup, guiding the team to a historic triumph. Akram's left-arm swing and seam bowling made him a nightmare for batsmen, and his ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs in crunch situations earned him the title of "Sultan of Swing."
With 55 wickets in 36 innings, including a best bowling figure of 5/28, Akram remains Pakistan's highest wicket-taker in World Cup history. His impact on the sport transcends statistics, as he inspired a generation of fast bowlers and left an enduring legacy as one of the most charismatic and skillful players to grace the cricketing arena.
6. Mohammed Shami (IND)
Mohammed Shami, the skilled Indian fast bowler, has been a vital asset to the Indian cricket team in the ICC Cricket World Cup. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and deliver crucial breakthroughs, Shami has left an indelible mark on the tournament. His remarkable feat of taking 54 wickets in 17 innings showcases not only his wicket-taking ability but also his consistency in delivering impactful performances.
One of the highlights of Shami's World Cup journey is his exceptional seven-wicket haul, an achievement that underscores his match-winning capabilities. With a career spanning from 2015 to 2023 in the World Cup, Shami's contributions have played a crucial role in India's bowling success on the global stage.
7. Trent Boult (NZ)
Trent Boult, the formidable fast bowler from New Zealand, has been a standout performer in the ICC Cricket World Cup, earning a reputation for his lethal left-arm swing bowling. With 53 wickets in 29 innings, Boult has been a consistent wicket-taker for the Kiwis, playing a pivotal role in their campaigns.
His exceptional five-wicket hauls, combined with an impressive best figure of 5/27, highlight his ability to dismantle opposition batting line-ups. Known for generating pace and movement through the air, Boult's impact extends beyond statistics, contributing significantly to New Zealand's formidable bowling attacks. His World Cup journey from 2015 to 2023 exemplifies his resilience and effectiveness in the limited-overs format, making him a key player to watch for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
8. Chaminda Vaas (SL)
Chaminda Vaas, the legendary Sri Lankan fast bowler, has left an enduring legacy as one of the top wicket-takers in the ICC Cricket World Cup. With 49 wickets in 31 innings, Vaas showcased his mastery in swing and seam bowling, troubling batsmen consistently throughout his World Cup career from 1996 to 2007. His remarkable best figure of 6/25 attests to his ability to deliver breakthroughs in crucial moments.
Vaas played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka's success in the 1996 World Cup, contributing significantly to their historic triumph. Known for his disciplined line and length, Vaas remains an iconic figure in Sri Lankan cricket, and his performances in the Cricket World Cup stand as a testament to his skill and impact as a premier fast bowler on the world stage.
9. Zaheer Khan (IND)
Zaheer Khan, an iconic Indian fast bowler, left an indelible mark on the ICC Cricket World Cup with his formidable pace and swing bowling skills. Born on October 7, 1978, in Shrirampur, Maharashtra, Zaheer made his World Cup debut in 2003 and went on to become one of India's leading wicket-takers in the tournament's history.
Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and deliver crucial breakthroughs, Zaheer played a pivotal role in India's successful campaign in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, where the team clinched the title under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. Zaheer Khan's World Cup journey includes 23 matches in which he scalped 44 wickets, with a best figure of 4/42. His remarkable contributions solidified his reputation as one of India's finest pace bowlers on the world stage.
10. Javagal Srinath (IND)
Javagal Srinath, a pace sensation from India, showcased his bowling prowess in multiple editions of the ICC Cricket World Cup during the 1990s and early 2000s. Born on August 31, 1969, in Mysuru, Karnataka, Srinath was known for his express pace and ability to generate bounce, troubling batsmen across the globe. His World Cup journey spanned from 1992 to 2003, and in 33 matches, Srinath claimed a total of 44 wickets, with a best bowling figure of 4/30.
A crucial cog in the Indian bowling attack, Srinath played a key role in guiding India to the final of the 2003 World Cup, where they finished as runners-up. His resilience, accuracy, and knack for taking wickets in crucial situations established him as one of India's premier fast bowlers in World Cup history, leaving an enduring legacy in the annals of cricket.
What is the Bowling Achievement of the Highest Wicket Taker in World Cup History?
The bowling achievement of the highest wicket-taker in ICC Cricket World Cup history is a testament to the individual's exceptional skill, consistency, and impact on the global cricket stage. This prestigious title is currently held by Glenn McGrath from Australia. McGrath, one of the most revered fast bowlers in the history of the game, achieved the remarkable feat of taking 71 wickets in World Cup matches during his illustrious career.
McGrath's bowling achievement is particularly significant due to its impact on Australia's dominance in the tournament. His ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs and maintain an outstanding level of accuracy and control made him an indispensable asset for the Australian team. Notably, McGrath played a pivotal role in Australia's consecutive World Cup victories in 1999, 2003, and 2007, contributing significantly to the team's success.
The consistency and excellence displayed by McGrath are reflected in his best bowling figures of 7/15 in a single World Cup innings, showcasing his capability to dismantle opposition batting line-ups with clinical precision. This record, set during the 2003 World Cup, remains an iconic moment in cricket history and underlines McGrath's mastery of the art of fast bowling on the grandest stage. Overall, the bowling achievement of the highest wicket-taker in World Cup history encapsulates not only individual brilliance but also the crucial role played in elevating their team to the pinnacle of success in international cricket.
Highest Wicket Taker in ICC Cricket World Cup - FAQs
Zaheer Khan holds the distinction of being the highest-wicket taker for India in the ICC Cricket World Cup, with a total of 44 wickets in 23 matches.
Zaheer Khan made his ICC Cricket World Cup debut in the year 2003.
Javagal Srinath claimed a total of 44 wickets in his ICC Cricket World Cup career.
Zaheer Khan's best bowling figure in the ICC Cricket World Cup is 4/42.
MS Dhoni captained the Indian cricket team to victory in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, with Zaheer Khan playing a pivotal role in the team's success as a key bowler.