ODI World Cup: Top five innings and bowling figures in tournament history

Ten venues across India will provide the stage for existing records to potentially be broken – here is a look back at the top bowling figures going into ODI World Cup 2023.

Top 5 ODI World Cup bowling figures:

Glenn McGrath (Australia vs Namibia) February 2003 – 7/15 from seven overs (Senwes Park, Potchefstroom)

Glen McGrath played a key role as Australia earned World Cup glory in 2003, taking the winning wicket of India’s Zaheer Khan in the final and further cementing himself as one of the game’s greatest ever fast bowlers. Earlier in the same tournament, he set a so far unbroken record for the best bowling figures at the tournament, a staggering 7/15 against Namibia.

Andy Bichel (Australia vs England) March 2003 – 7/20 from 10 overs (St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth)

McGrath was not the only Australian seamer to take a seven-wicket haul in 2003, with Andy Bichel doing likewise against England. Bichel came into the squad following an injury to Jason Gillespie and seized his opportunity with a game-changing spell in Port Elizabeth, later adding an unbeaten 34 with the bat to help his side to a famous two-wicket win.

Tim Southee (New Zealand vs England) February 2015 – 7/33 from nine overs (Westpac Stadium, Wellington)

Swing bowling sensation Tim Southee played an integral role as co-hosts New Zealand made it to the 2015 final, with his best display coming against England in Wellington. Southee’s 7/33 helped the Black Caps dismiss their opponents for 123, a total they needed just 12.2 overs to surpass.

Winston Davis (West Indies vs Australia) June 1983 ­– 7/51 from 10.3 overs (Headingley, Leeds)

The first bowler to take seven wickets in a single ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup innings was Winston Davis, who did so against Australia at Headingley on his competition debut in 1983. The fast bowler was unable to retain that form, however, taking only one more wicket and was dropped for the semi-final and the final, where his side lost to India.

Gary Gilmour (Australia vs England) June 1975 ­– 6/14 from 12 overs (Headingley, Leeds)

Gary Gilmour made an instant impression in the inaugural ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, helping Australia bowl England out for just 93 in Leeds. His 6/14 all but secured Australia a place in the final, in which he took 5/48 against the West Indies but couldn’t quite help his side lift the trophy as they were beaten by 17 runs.