The 50-over format’s zenith, the Cricket World Cup, is where legends are made. While hitters score a ton of runs, bowlers frequently use skill and cunning to win games. According to the icc world cup betting case latest news, the World Cup has been illuminated by several outstanding bowling performances over its twelve previous iterations. The bowlers who claimed the most victims at each Cricket World Cup are as follows:
1975 Cricket World Cup – Gary Gilmour (Australia) – 11 wickets
The inaugural World Cup saw Australia’s left-arm pacer Gary Gilmour finish as the leading wicket-taker. He claimed 11 wickets in just 2 matches at an average of 10.81. This included an extraordinary spell of 6/14 against England at Leeds that skittled them out for 93. Gilmour’s exploits paved the way for Australia’s first World Cup title.
1979 Cricket World Cup – Andy Roberts (West Indies) – 16 wickets
Veteran West Indian pace spearhead Andy Roberts topped the bowling charts in the 1979 edition. Roberts picked up 16 wickets in 7 matches at an average of 18.68 with his formidable pace and outswing. His best figures were 4/28 against Sri Lanka at Manchester. Roberts led a deadly Windies pace attack that went through the tournament undefeated.
1983 Cricket World Cup – Roger Binny (India) – 18 wickets
India’s seam bowling all-rounder Roger Binny was the leading wicket-taker when India won their first World Cup in 1983. Binny claimed 18 scalps in 8 matches at an average of 18.66. His crafty medium pace and ability to swing the ball proved to be a potent weapon for India. Binny also grabbed a five-wicket haul against Australia in their famous victory.
1987 Cricket World Cup – Craig McDermott (Australia) – 18 wickets
Young Aussie fast bowler Craig McDermott topped the wickets chart in the 1987 World Cup. He snared 18 victims in 8 matches at an average of 20.83. McDermott’s best bowling was 5/44 against Zimbabwe as he led Australia’s pace attack. He frequently gave them breakthroughs upfront though they lost the final to England.
1992 Cricket World Cup – Wasim Akram (Pakistan) – 18 wickets
Pakistan’s legendary left-arm pacer Wasim Akram produced a Player of the Tournament performance in 1992. Akram claimed 18 wickets in just 8 matches at an average of 19.27. His extraordinary bowling spell of 3/49 in the final against England won Pakistan the World Cup. Wasim also snatched crucial wickets throughout with his lethal swing bowling.
In 1996 Cricket World Cup – Anil Kumble (India) – 15 wickets
India’s champion leg-spinner Anil Kumble was a leading wicket-taker at the 1996 World Cup. He finished with 15 scalps in 7 matches at an average of 28.13. Kumble’s best figures were 3/28 against Sri Lanka. He gave batsmen nightmares with his usual guile, variations and accuracy. Kumble’s bowling was key to India reaching the semi-finals.
1999 Cricket World Cup- Geoff Allott (New Zealand) – 20 wickets
Kiwi left-arm seamer Geoff Allott topped the bowling charts in the 1999 World Cup in England. Allott claimed 20 wickets in 9 games at 19.85 apiece. His spell of 7/52 against Australia at Lord’s was a classic as he swung the ball prodigiously. Though New Zealand went downhill after that win, Allott bowled tirelessly and finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker.
2003 Cricket World Cup – Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka) – 23 wickets
Sri Lankan swing bowler Chaminda Vaas was the most successful bowler at the 2003 World Cup. Vaas grabbed 23 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 14.26. His incredible spell of 6/25 against Bangladesh was among the best ODI bowling performances. Vaas bowled with excellent control and got consistent movement to trouble batsmen.
2007 Cricket World Cup – Glenn McGrath (Australia) – 26 wickets
Veteran Aussie pacer Glenn McGrath showed his enduring bowling class at the 2007 World Cup. At 37, he claimed 26 wickets in 11 matches at an astonishing average of 13.73. McGrath’s best figures were 3/18 against South Africa as he maintained immaculate line and length. His consistency paved the way for Australia to grab their third straight World Cup.
2011 Cricket World Cup – Zaheer Khan (India) – 21 wickets
India’s lead pacer Zaheer Khan topped the wickets list when India won the 2011 World Cup at home. Zaheer picked up 21 wickets in just 9 matches at 18.76. His ability to swing the new ball and his clever variations in the death overs were invaluable for India. Zaheer’s 4/51 against Sri Lanka in the final highlighted his impact.
2015 Cricket World Cup – Mitchell Starc (Australia) – 22 wickets
Australian left-arm quick Mitchell Starc clinched 22 wickets in 8 matches in the 2015 edition. He averaged 10.18 and his searing yorkers in the death overs were unplayable. Starc also registered a tournament-best haul of 6/28 against New Zealand. Though he missed the final, Starc’s sizzling bowling was instrumental in Australia’s World Cup success.
2019 Cricket World Cup – Mitchell Starc (Australia) – 27 wickets
Mitchell Starc once again dominated the 2019 World Cup with a tournament-high 27 wickets in 10 matches at a stunning average of 18.59. The lethal quick registered two five-wicket hauls. In the semifinal and final, Starc snatched 10 wickets that paved the way for Australia retaining the trophy. His searing inswing yorkers and the clever variations overwhelmed all batsmen.
Conclusion
Fast bowling greats like a Starc, McGrath, Vaas, Akram and the others top the wickets charts in various World Cup editions thanks to their wicket-taking consistency. Leg-spin wizard Anil Kumble also features prominently while spinners seldom dominate the list. According to the latest icc world cup news headlines, going through World Cup history, it is clear that taking wickets regularly, especially with the new ball, is crucial to a team’s fortunes. These bowling stalwarts all delivered match-winning performances frequently to help their team lift the coveted trophy. Their skills and big-match temperament made them true legends of the World Cup stage.
