ICC Cricket World Cup has been a big platform for cricketing legends to make their mark, and although batsmen hog the spotlight, bowlers have also had equally vital roles to play in determining the fate of matches and tournaments. Through the years, there have been bowlers who have made their mark in history by repeatedly tearing apart batting lineups. Let’s see the top 10 highest wicket-takers in ODI World Cup history, the real game-changers who have performed under pressure and won games for their teams in tight situations.
Speed, swing, spin, or accuracy, these bowlers have done it all and excelled on the largest cricketing stage. Find out who is the record holder of the most World Cup wickets and what they did to make the tournament’s history.
1. Glen McGrath (Australia) – 71 Wickets
The undisputed champion with regards to ICC World Cup most wickets, Glenn McGrath leads the way with 71 wickets in four World Cups (1996–2007). With his exquisite line and length, McGrath was the fulcrum of the Australian bowling attack during their period of dominance in the late ’90s and the early 2000s.
- World Cups Played: 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007
- Best Bowling Figures: 7/15 vs Namibia (2003)
- Bowling Average: 18.19
2. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) – 68 Wickets
Sri Lankan wizard of spin Muttiah Muralitharan is at number two in the list of most wicket-takers in World Cups. With his unorthodox off-spinner and variations, Murali plagued batters for more than a decade.
- World Cups Played: 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011
- Best Bowling Figures: 4/11
- Bowling Average: 19.63
3. Mitchell Starc (Australia) – 65 Wickets
The contemporary express pacer, Mitchell Starc, has risen rapidly through the ranks to become one of the most feared bowlers in World Cup cricket. With 65 wickets in three editions (2015–2023), he has the best strike rate among the leading bowlers.
- World Cups Played: 2015, 2019, 2023
- Best Bowling Figures: 6/28 vs New Zealand (2015)
- Bowling Average: 18.91
4. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) – 56 Wickets
With his unique slinging motion and killer yorkers, Lasith Malinga emerged as a household name in World Cup cricket. A match-winner for Sri Lanka, Malinga was famous for his capacity to deliver in death overs.
- World Cups Played: 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019
- Best Bowling Figures: 6/38
- Bowling Average: 22.87
5. Wasim Akram (Pakistan) – 55 Wickets
Wasim Akram was a great artist with the ball and a pioneer of reverse swing. He produced memorable performances under duress, helping Pakistan win their first World Cup in 1992.
- World Cups Played: 1987, 1992, 1996, 1999, 2003
- Best Bowling Figures: 5/28
- Bowling Average: 23.83
6. Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka) – 49 Wickets
Chaminda Vaas was a reliable player for Sri Lanka who was renowned for his swing and control, particularly with the new ball. His ability to take early wickets helped his team win a number of games.
- World Cups Played: 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007
- Best Bowling Figures: 6/25
- Bowling Average: 21.22
7. Zaheer Khan (India) – 44 Wickets
Zaheer Khan was India’s pace leader in the World Cups in 2003 and 2011, and he was always reliable, particularly under pressure. He was one of the most successful Indian pacers in World Cup history thanks to his combination of speed and swing.
- World Cups Played: 2003, 2007, 2011
- Best Bowling Figures: 4/42
- Bowling Average: 20.22
8. Trent Boult (New Zealand) – 41 Wickets
In the previous tournaments, Trent Boult has been New Zealand’s go-to striker. He is a continual threat with the new ball because of his ability to swing it quickly in both directions.
- World Cups Played: 2015, 2019, 2023
- Best Bowling Figures: 5/27
- Bowling Average: 21.39
9. Imran Tahir (South Africa) – 40 Wickets
With his leg-spin, Imran Tahir, one of South Africa’s best spinners in contemporary cricket, made an impression and gave the bowling attack vigour and aggression.
- World Cups Played: 2015, 2019, 2023
- Best Bowling Figures: 5/27
- Bowling Average: 21.39
10. Javagal Nath (India) – 44 Wickets
With 44 wickets in four editions, Javagal Srinath, the pace legend of India from the 1990s and early 2000s, completes our list.
- World Cups Played: 1992, 1996, 1999, 2003
- Best Bowling Figures: 4/30
- Bowling Average: 27.81
Conclusion
These bowlers, from Starc’s blistering pace to Muralitharan’s enchanted spin, have shaped World Cup history. They stand out for their capacity to execute on the largest stage, frequently under extreme circumstances. With their efforts, each of these athletes has created a legacy and given fans experiences they will never forget.
This list features the best of the best, whether you’re searching for the World Cup’s highest wicket total or wondering who has taken the most wickets overall. It will be fascinating to watch which up-and-coming players challenge these icons and change the course of the ICC Cricket World Cup most wickets leaderboard as the competition progresses.
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