World Cup 2023: Best bowling figures in ODI World Cup history

There is a popular saying in cricket that goes like this; batters win you matches, bowlers win you trophies. What this quote means is that while it is important to have good batters in the team, having good bowlers is even more important since they are the deciding factors in big tournaments.  

There have been some extraordinary performances in ODI World Cup history by bowlers who took the game by the scruff of the neck and single-handedly won the match for their team.  

One of the most memorable and outstanding bowling performances in the history of the ICC Cricket World Cup came in the 2003 edition of the tournament. The performance was delivered by Australian pacers Glenn McGrath and Andy Bichel, who showcased their exceptional skills and dominance on the field. 

In a group stage match against Namibia on February 27, 2003, in Potchefstroom, Glenn McGrath and Andy Bichel combined to create havoc and dismantle the Namibian batting line-up. McGrath's figures of 7 wickets for 15 runs from 7 overs were nothing short of remarkable. He bowled with precision and accuracy, extracting movement off the pitch and making it extremely difficult for the Namibian batsmen to negotiate his deliveries. McGrath's extraordinary economy rate of 2.14 reflected his discipline and ability to maintain pressure on the opposition. 

Not to be outdone, Andy Bichel delivered a scintillating performance in the very next match against England on March 2, 2003, in Gqeberha. Bichel's figures of 7 wickets for 20 runs from 10 overs were equally impressive. He generated significant swing and seam movement, causing havoc among the English batting order. Bichel's miserly economy rate of 2.00 demonstrated his ability to consistently hit the right lengths and make the batsmen uncomfortable. 

As the ODI World Cup 2023 in India inches closer day by day, cricket fans expect similar kinds of bowling performance from their bowlers. The mega tournament is scheduled to begin on October 5th with a matchup of New Zealand and England.  

Best bowling figures in Cricket World Cup:

*Last Updated on 19th Nov, 2023