Discover the top 5 leading wicket-takers in World Cup history, featuring bowlers who dominated the tournament with their exceptional skills. From record-breaking performances to match-winning spells, these players have left an indelible mark on the prestigious event, showcasing their mastery and consistency on cricket’s biggest stage.
1. Mitchell Starc: The Prolific Bowler
Mitchell Starc holds the record for the most wickets in World Cup history (ODI and T20), with 95 wickets—65 in ODIs and 30 in T20s. His success is a result of his exceptional bowling techniques, including his ability to bowl fast and deliver accurate yorkers. Starc’s mastery of swing bowling, combined with his adaptability, makes him a formidable opponent across formats. His consistency and composure under pressure have been crucial in his record-breaking performances.
2. Lasith Malinga: A Legend of the Game
Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga made a significant impact on World Cup cricket, taking 94 wickets (56 in ODIs and 38 in T20s) in 60 matches, with an impressive average of 21.74. Known for his unique round-arm action and deadly yorkers, Malinga became a match-winner for Sri Lanka. His ability to consistently perform in pressure situations, along with his pinpoint accuracy, left a lasting legacy. Malinga’s influence on future generations of bowlers remains immense.
3. Shakib Al Hasan: Bangladesh’s Bowling Maestro
Shakib Al Hasan, with 92 World Cup wickets, is one of Bangladesh’s most valuable players. Known for his all-rounder capabilities, Shakib has been a consistent wicket-taker in both ODIs and T20s. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball has been essential to Bangladesh’s success. From a promising young cricketer to a world-class player, Shakib’s journey in World Cup cricket has been inspiring.
4. Trent Boult: New Zealand’s Ace Pacer
Trent Boult has been a standout performer for New Zealand in World Cups, with 87 wickets—53 in ODIs and 34 in T20s. Known for his skill in swinging the ball at high speeds, Boult has been crucial to New Zealand’s success, particularly in the 2015 and 2019 World Cups. His performances played a key role in New Zealand reaching the finals in those tournaments. Boult’s consistency and ability to take wickets make him one of modern cricket’s best pacers.
5. Muttiah Muralitharan: The Spin Wizard
Muttiah Muralitharan, known as the Spin Wizard, is considered one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history. With 79 wickets in ODI World Cups and 11 in T20 World Cups, Muralitharan was a key figure for Sri Lanka. His remarkable ability to spin the ball and his consistent performances, including his crucial spells in the 1996 World Cup, cemented his legacy as a dominant force in World Cup cricket.
| Player | Team | Matches | Wickets | Average | ODI/T20I |
| Mitchell Starc | Australia | 52* | 95 | 21.11 | 65/30 |
| Lasith Malinga | Sri Lanka | 60 | 94 | 21.74 | 56/38 |
| Shakib Al Hasan | Bangladesh | 77* | 92 | 26.96 | 43/49 |
| Trent Boult | New Zealand | 47 | 87 | 20.44 | 53/34 |
| Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | 49 | 79 | 19.54 | 68/11 |