World Cup 2023: Most Wickets in ODI World Cup History

The 16th edition of the much-awaited ODI World Cup is set to take place on October 5. The tournament will be entirely hosted by India for the first time. The sub-continental pitches mostly favour the batters; however, the pitches also help the spinners get extra turn. But there is hardly any help for the pacers to get the swing.

There was a time when batters used to dominate the entire game but things have changed over the past few years. Similar to batters, bowlers have been an essential component of the game. Many bowlers have participated in and helped their respective nations to win the World Cup over the years.

Every bowler prepares himself to take crucial wickets in the major tournament like ODI World Cup. Former legendary Australian bowler Glenn McGrath performed exceptionally well in every tournament he participated in. McGrath played 39 matches in the ODI World Cup and picked up 71 wickets at an average of 18.19 which also included 2 fifers.

McGrath's best figures came against Namibia during the 2003 ODI World Cup where he picked 7 wickets and conceded only 15 runs. The second spot in the list is acquired by former Sri Lankan leg-spinner legend Muttiah Muralitharan who picked up 68 wickets in 40 matches he played in the World Cup.

Muralitharan couldn’t get any fifer but remained very economical with an impressive economy rate of 3.88. His best figures came against Ireland during the 2007 World where he picked up 4 wickets and conceded only 19 runs. Another former Sri Lanka legend Lasith Malinga, who was known for his unique bowling style comes in 4th place in the most wicket-taker in the ODI World Cup list.

Malinga has played 29 matches in the major world event and picked up 56 wickets at an average of 22.87. Australia’s Mitchell Starc surpassed Lasith Malinga as he has already taken 65 wickets in just 28 matches. Starc has now taken the third most wicket takers in ODI World cup.

Most wickets in Cricket World Cup:

*Last Updated on 19th November 2023