ICC Cricket World Cup: A look at highest wicket-takers in tournament's history
ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is just less than a month away, with fans all over the world anticipating some high-profile match-ups on the cricket field. Over this tournament's history, many bowlers have spun, swung and paced their way into the history books with their performances that won their team the coveted trophy and let them enjoy some individual glory among the greats on statistical charts.
Here is a look at the players with the highest wickets in the history of the tournament:
1).Glenn McGrath (Australia)
The legendary Aussie pacer is the highest wicket-taker in the tournament history. In 39 matches, he has taken 71 wickets at an average of 18.19 and an economy rate of 3.96.
His best bowling figures are 7/15 against Namibia in 2003. He finished as the leading wicket-taker in the 2007 World Cup, taking 26 wickets in 11 matches with the best bowling figures of 3/14 and an average of 13.73. He has won three successive World Cups with Australia.
2).Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka)
In 40 World Cup matches, this legendary spin wizard has taken 68 wickets at an average of 19.63, with the best bowling figures of 4/19 and an economy rate of 3.88.
He is the second-highest wicket-taker in tournament history. He won the 1996 WC with the Lankan Lions.
3).Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)
This pace legend brought his slingy bowling action to the highest level of the sport and dominated the World Cups, being a part of two runners-up teams in 2007 and 2011. In 29 matches and 28 innings, he has taken 56 wickets at an average of 22.87 and an economy rate of 5.51.
