Most Wickets in World Cup | Top Wicket-takers in ODI WC

Most wickets in World Cup is a vital record to look for. GD McGrath holds the record for most wickets in ODI cricket World Cup with 71 wickets. 

The World Cup is a popular cricketing event, where the best players around the globe compete for the ultimate glory. While batting performances often steal the spotlight, the role of bowlers cannot be overlooked. Over the years, several bowlers have made their mark on the field by delivering outstanding bowling skills. They have showcased their talents and determination to win the match. Look at the most wicket-takers in ODI World Cup. 

Most Wickets in World Cup: List of the Top 5 Bowlers in ODI World Cup

Many bowlers have significantly contributed to their team’s success in the tournament. Their ability to perform on the big field showcased their bowling expertise and competency to achieve victory. 

Glenn McGrath and Muttiah Muralitharan need a special mention, as they are special for their respective nations and for cricket in general. 

Glenn McGrath from Australia is leading the scoreboard of most wicket-takers in the ODI World Cup. In his four World Cups, he took 71 wickets in 39 matches. McGrath’s consistent super hits and the proper movement off the pitch made him a formidable bowler for any batter. His performances in this big tournament were instrumental in Australia’s success.

Muttiah Muralitharan is the second most wicket-taker in the ODI World Cup. The Sri Lankan spinner was a master in all the World Cup matches. He played 40 matches and ended up staggering 68 wickets. His ability to spin the ball is to look for. Muralitharan’s record-breaking career speaks about his consistency and longevity in the game.

Look at the top 5 players who hold the record for most wickets in World Cup. 

Player

Mat

Inn

Wickets

AVG

SR

Best

4-WKTS

5-WKTS

G McGrath (AUS)

39

39

71

18.19

27.5

7/15

0

2

M Muralitharan (SL)

40

39

68

19.63

30.3

4/19

4

0

S Malinga (SL)

29

28

56

22.87

24.8

6/38

2

1

W Akram (PAK)

38

36

55

23.83

35.4

5/28

2

1

M Starc (AUS)

18

18

49

14.81

19.1

6/28

3

3

Most Wickets in World Cup Year Wise

Over the years, many bowlers have left their mark on the World Cup by taking the most wickets. Look at the bowlers who took the most wickets from 1996 to 2023. 

Most Wickets in 1996 ODI World Cup 

In the World Cup 1996, Anil Kumble had the most wickets. Take a look at his World Cup performance. 

Matches 

Innings

Wickets

Average

Strike-rate

Best bowling

Economy

5-Wickets

18

18

31

22.83

33.51

4/32

4.08

0

Most Wickets in World Cup 1999

Geoff Allott from Team New Zealand was the most wicket-taker in ODI World Cup 1999. He played 9 matches and took 20 wickets with an economy rate of 3.70. 

Matches 

Innings

Wickets

Average

Strike-rate

Best bowling

Economy

5-Wickets

9

9

20

16.25

26.30

4/37

3.70

0

Most Wickets in 2003 ODI World Cup

Chaminda Vaas, the left-arm spinner, took the most wickets in the 2003 World Cup. In his 31 matches in ODI, he took 49 wickets. Look at his performance in the 2003 World Cup. 

Matches 

Innings

Wickets

Average

Strike-rate

Best bowling

Economy

5-Wickets

31

31

49

21.22

32.04

6/25

3.97

1

Most Wickets in World Cup 2007

Glenn McGrath from Team Australia holds the record for most wickets in World Cup, and he is leading the charts for the most wickets in the ODI world cups. He played 39 matches and took 71 wickets with an economy rate of 3.96. 

Matches

Innings

Wickets

Average

Strike-rate

Best bowling

Economy

5-Wickets

39

39

71

18.19

27.53

7/15

3.96

2

Most Wickets in World Cup 2011

In the World Cup 2011, 2 players had the record for most wickets in the World Cup – Shahid Afridi and Zaheer Khan. Both of them got 21 wickets each. Look at their overall performance in all the world cups.

Zaheer Khan – 

Matches

Innings

Wickets

Average

Strike-rate

Best bowling

Economy

5-Wickets

23

23

44

20.22

27.11

4/42

4.47

0

Shahid Afridi – 

Matches

Innings

Wickets

Average

Strike-rate

Best bowling

Economy

5-Wickets

27

24

30

27.70

36.79

5/16

4.51

2

Most Wickets in World Cup 2015 & 2019

Mitchell Starc of Australia claimed the most wicket-takers in the World Cup 2015 and 2019. He ended up with 49 wickets in 18 matches with an average of 14.81. His performances were incredible in Australia’s success. Check out his performance in the World Cup. 

Matches

Innings

Wickets

Average

Strike-rate

Best bowling

Economy

5-Wickets

18

18

49

14.81

19.12

6/28

4.64

3

All these bowlers have set benchmarks in this big tournament. The 2023 World Cup will begin very soon. Stay tuned to Yolo247 to witness the most wickets in World Cup 2023. 

As the Cricket World Cup continues to grow, we can see more emerging bowlers breaking these records and adding their names to the most prestigious tournament.

Frequently Asked Questions

Glenn McGrath from Team Australia holds the record for Most Wickets in ODI cricket world cup. He played 39 matches and took 71 wickets.

Zaheer Khan from Team India holds the record for most wickets in World Cup.

Mitchell Starc got the most wickets in the 2019 Cricket World Cup.

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