The Top 10 Highest Wicket Takers in ICC World Cup History are the bowlers who have claimed the most number of wickets in the prestigious tournament. These bowlers have played key roles in helping their teams succeed on cricket’s biggest stage. Their consistency, skill, and match-winning spells have earned them a place among the greatest performers in World Cup history.
List of 10 Highest Wicket Takers in ICC World Cup History
10. Javagal Srinath
Javagal Srinath played in four ICC World Cups and became a key part of India’s pace bowling unit. He was known for his discipline and ability to deliver crucial wickets early in the innings. Though not the fastest bowler, Srinath’s bounce and precision made him effective across conditions. He is remembered as one of the Highest Wicket Takers in ICC World Cup, having picked up 44 wickets during his tournament career.
| Span | Matches | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992-2003 | 34 | 1224 | 44 |
9. Zaheer Khan
Zaheer Khan made a major impact in the 2003 and 2011 editions of the ICC World Cup. His ability to swing the ball and bowl in the death overs gave India an edge. Especially in 2011, he was India’s top wicket-taker and played a major role in the title win. With 44 wickets in just 23 matches, Zaheer rightly earns his spot in the Highest Wicket Takers in ICC World Cup.
| Span | Matches | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003-2011 | 23 | 890 | 44 |
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8. Chaminda Vaas
Chaminda Vaas made a name for himself with his ability to swing the ball both ways. Playing in multiple ICC World Cups, he often gave Sri Lanka early breakthroughs. His economy rate was also impressive, which helped his team apply pressure. With 49 wickets in 31 matches, Vaas is firmly among the Highest Wicket Takers in ICC World Cup.
| Span | Matches | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996-2007 | 31 | 1040 | 49 |
7. Trent Boult
Trent Boult has been exceptional for New Zealand in World Cups, especially in 2015 and 2019. His swinging deliveries with the new ball and precise death-over bowling made him a lethal weapon. He has managed to get 53 wickets in just 29 games, placing him well within the Highest Wicket Takers in ICC World Cup.
| Span | Matches | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-2023 | 29 | 1354 | 53 |
6. Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram was known for his deadly swing and variation. Representing Pakistan in multiple World Cups, Akram played a major role in the 1992 title win and the 1999 final run. He picked up 55 wickets in 38 matches, a testament to his greatness. His name shines brightly among the Highest Wicket Takers in ICC World Cup.
| Span | Matches | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987-2003 | 38 | 1311 | 55 |
5. Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami is one of the most efficient wicket-takers in modern World Cups. Despite playing fewer games, his strike rate and average are extraordinary. He has multiple five-wicket hauls and often picks wickets in crucial situations. Shami has taken 55 wickets in only 18 matches, which puts him solidly among the Highest Wicket Takers in ICC World Cup.
| Span | Matches | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-2023 | 18 | 744 | 55 |
4. Lasith Malinga
Lasith Malinga became famous for his slingy action and pinpoint yorkers. He played a key role for Sri Lanka in all World Cups from 2007 to 2019. Malinga’s ability to bowl under pressure and break partnerships made him a valuable asset. With 56 wickets in 29 games, he earns a respected spot among the Highest Wicket Takers in ICC World Cup
| Span | Matches | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007-2019 | 29 | 1281 | 56 |
3. Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc dominated in both the 2015 and 2019 World Cups with his pace and accuracy. He was a nightmare for batters with his yorkers and bouncers. Starc’s consistency in picking up wickets makes him one of the most feared bowlers. With 65 wickets in 28 matches, he is a leading name among the Highest Wicket Takers in ICC World Cup.
| Span | Matches | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-2023 | 28 | 1254 | 65 |
2. Muttiah Muralidaran
Muttiah Muralidaran used his spin wizardry to outfox batters for more than a decade. His performances in five World Cups were crucial to Sri Lanka’s bowling strength. Murali bowled with control and variety, picking up wickets in the middle overs regularly. With 68 wickets in 40 matches, he is the top spinner in the Highest Wicket Takers in ICC World Cup.
| Span | Matches | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996-2011 | 40 | 1335 | 68 |
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1. Glenn McGrath
Glenn McGrath leads the Highest Wicket Takers in ICC World Cup with a total of 71 wickets. His control, accuracy, and ability to deliver under pressure helped Australia win three World Cups in 1999, 2003, and 2007. McGrath’s best figures of 7/15 remain one of the best performances in World Cup history.
| Span | Matches | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996-2007 | 39 | 1292 | 71 |
The Top 10 Highest Wicket Takers in ICC World Cup History includes fast bowlers and spinners from different eras and countries. These bowlers stood out on the biggest stage of cricket by showing skill, consistency, and the ability to rise under pressure. Whether it’s McGrath’s control, Starc’s pace, or Murali’s spin, each player has left an unforgettable mark on World Cup cricket. Their records will inspire generations to come, and they continue to be benchmarks for excellence in bowling.