CRICKET
Top 5 wicket-takers in ODI World Cup history
The 13th 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 to extra turns. 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. On that note, let’s take a look at the top 5 highest wicket-takers of all time in the ODI World Cup.
5. Mitchell Starc
(Source – Twitter)
Australia’s veteran pacer Mitchell Starc has been the backbone of the Australian team over the past few years. He may not have performed well enough in the bilateral series but he becomes a different beast whenever he comes to play in a major world tournament. Starc is only bowler of the current generation who is in the top 5 list of highest wicket-takers list. Starc has taken 49 wickets in just 18 matches.
4. Wasim Akram
(Source – Twitter)
Former legendary Pakistan bowler Wasim Akram was known as the ‘Sultan of Swing’ because of his phenomenal bowling skills. Akram used to swing the ball both ways in any conditions. Akram represented Pakistan in 5 World Cups in which he played 38 matches and took 55 wickets.
3. Lasith Malinga
(Source – Twitter)
Sri Lanka’s one of the most successful pacers of all time Lasith Malinga was popular for his unique action. He was the only bowler who used to deliver a yorker in any stage of the match without any difficulty. Malinga played 29 matches in the World Cups and took 56 wickets.
2. Muttiah Muralitharan
(Source – Twitter)
Former legendary Sri Lanka spinner Muttiah Muralitharan has many records to his name in cricket. He played a key role in Sri Lanka’s magnificent victory in 1996 World Cup. Muralitharan has played 40 matches in the World Cups and has taken 68 wickets and is sitting on the no. 2 spot in the list.
1. Glenn McGrath
(Source – Twitter)
It won’t be wrong to say that the fans may not witness another fast bowler like Glenn McGrath. The former Australian great was one of the most phenomenal pacers of his time. McGrath appeared in 39 World Cup matches and took 71 wickets which makes him the highest wicket-taker of all time.