Cricket World Cup History: Top 5 players with the most ‘Man of the Match’ awards

The first ever Cricket World Cup was played in 1975, four years after the introduction of the ODI format in 1971. Eleven editions of the World Cup have taken place since and the twelfth season will begin from 30th May in England & Wales.

The World Cup is the most prestigious and prominent tournament in the World Cricket and every player wishes to make a significant contribution for his team especially in the big event. It is never easy to perform in a big tournament like the World Cup and to win matches for your team on a multiple occasion is an extraordinary achievement.

A player's performance which has the greatest impact on that particular match is presented by 'Man of the Match' award. Let's have a look at the top five players with most 'Man of the Match' awards in the World Cup. However, 6 players have won the 'Man of the Match' award on 5 occasions. So, we have given priority to the players who have appeared in the fewer number of matches.

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#1 Mark Waugh (5 MoM in 22 matches)

Mark Waugh was one of Australia's finest ODI batsmen ever

Not many players have a better record in the World Cup than the rest of their careers, but Australian legend Mark Waugh is an exception. The right-handed batsman who made his World Cup debut in 1992 won 5 'Man of the Match' awards in the World Cup cricket.

He was presented with his first 'Man of the Match' award for his explosive knock of 66 runs off 39 balls against Zimbabwe in the 1992 edition. The 1996 tournament was the best season for the Australian among all three World Cups he played in. Averaging more than 80 with the bat, the elegant batsman scored 484 runs and also picked up 5 wickets in the subcontinent edition.

He bagged three 'Man of the Match' awards for the three centuries he scored against Kenya, India and New Zealand in that World Cup. Howbeit, his team Australia lost against Sri Lanka in the Finals.

In his last World Cup, he earned his fifth 'Man of the Match' against Scotland. Chasing a low target of 182 runs, the right-handed batsman scored 67 runs and took his team home. To put the icing on the cake, Australia won the tournament held in England as they defeated Pakistan in the finals.

#4 Graham Gooch (5 MoM in 21 matches)

Graham Gooch was an exceptional captain for England

Very much like above mentioned Mark Waugh, England's former captain Graham Gooch too had a better record in World Cups than his overall ODI career.

However, Gooch didn't lead England in a World Cup but he was one of their main batsmen in these tournaments. Though Gooch played in three World Cups - 1979, 1987 and 1992, he earned all the five MoM awards in 1979 and 1987. He didn't play the 1983 edition as he was banned for three years after he led England in the controversial rebel tour to South Africa.

In a 1979 World Cup match, Australia was bundled for only 159 runs against England at Lords. Gooch received his first MoM award in that game for his steady knock of 53 runs off 96 balls. The elegant batsman got his second MoM award for his quick knock of 71 runs off 81 balls against New Zealand in the same tournament.

After missing the 1983 World Cup, Graham Gooch made an astonishing return to the England side for the 1987 tournament. He won three MoM awards in three consecutive games (against West Indies, Sri Lanka and India) in the subcontinent in 1987. His only century in his World Cup career came against India in the Semi-Final of the 1987 edition.

#3 Lance Klusener (5 MoM in 14 matches)

Lance Klusener was a match winner for the Proteas

Lance Klusener was one of the most important ODI players for South Africa in the late 90s. The South African all-rounder won five 'Man of the Match' awards in just 14 matches in the World Cup.

Klusener was a kind of player who had a great impact on the game due to his all-around abilities. His quick knocks in the death overs and fierce spells with the white cherry changed the complexion of the match.

Lance Klusener who had a never-give-up attitude won 4 MoM awards in England in 1999 for his consistent performances. Klusener's first match-winning performance (52 runs and 3 wickets) came against Sir Lanka in the seventh edition of the World Cup. The All-rounder was awarded two other MoM awards against England and Pakistan in the same tournament.

The left-handed batsman played good knocks of 48 and 46 runs against England and Pakistan respectively and also struck once in each game. The right-arm pacer bagged two MoM awards against Kenya for his lethal bowling spells, one in 1999 and the other in the 2003 World Cup.

#2 Glenn McGrath (6 MoM in 39 matches)

Glenn McGrath has the highest World Cup wickets to his name

The only bowler on this list is truly an all-time great. Glenn McGrath had a fantastic record with the ball in the World Cup, picking up 71 wickets at an incredible average of 18.20 and an economy of less than 4 in the four World Cups he played. The ace pacer was one of the main reasons behind Australia's three consecutive World Cup triumphs.

McGrath made his World Cup debut in 1996 but earned his first MoM award for bagging a fifer against the West Indies in 1999. In 2003, McGrath picked up 7 wickets for just 15 runs against Namibia and received his only MoM award of that World Cup.

The Australian speedster had a dream run in the Carribean four years later as he picked up 26 wickets in 11 matches at an exceptional average of less than 24. He bagged three MoM awards against Bangladesh, Ireland and South Africa. McGrath was also 'Player of the Tournament' in the World Cup 2007 for his consistent breathtaking bowling spells.

#1 Sachin Tendulkar (9 MoM in 45 matches)

Sachin Tendulkar has the most runs in World Cup matches

The most successful individual in the World Cup, Sachin Tendulkar is at the top of this list. Besides being the top scorer, he also has the record for the most 'Man of the Matches' in the World Cup.

Sachin Tendulkar who appeared in 6 World Cups has 9 MoM awards against his name. The 'Master Blaster' bagged his first MoM for scoring 54 runs and picking 1 wicket award against his favourite World Cup opposition Pakistan. He was presented by two more MoM awards for his fine knocks of 98 and 85 runs respectively in 2003 and 2011 (Semi-Final) against the same opposition.

The all-time great had scored six centuries in the World Cups but he received MoM awards only for his three centuries against Kenya (twice) and Namibia. In WC 1996, chasing a low target of 174 against West Indies, the 'Little Master' played a knock of 70 runs and was once again declared the MoM. Sachin also got two MoM awards for his elegant knocks of 81 runs twice against Zimbabwe, one in 1992 and the other in 2003.