Cricket World Cup History: Top 5 bowling figures in World Cup history

Where does the leading wicket-taker in WC history stand?
Where does the leading wicket-taker in WC history stand?

#2 Andy Bichel (Australia) - 7/20 vs England in 2003 ICC World Cup

Andy Bichel registered his best ODI bowling figures in the 2003 WC against England
Andy Bichel registered his best ODI bowling figures in the 2003 WC against England

Andy Bichel participated in just one World Cup for Australia but he ensured that it was a memorable one. In addition to picking up 16 wickets in 8 matches at an economy rate of 3.46, Bichel got out only once in 3 innings and scored a total of 117 runs.

In the match against England at Port Elizabeth, he picked up 7 wickets for just 20 runs in his quota of 10 overs. The 7-wicket haul ensured that England were restricted to 204 but Australia faltered during the chase before Bichel rescued his side along with Michael Bevan.

Bichel, who came into the middle when Australia were struggling at 135-8, went onto stitch an unbeaten 73-run partnership with Bevan and helped Australia to victory. "It was one of those perfect days," was the description that Bichel gave at the end of the match.


#1 Glenn McGrath (Australia) - 7/15 vs Namibia in 2003 ICC World Cup

McGrath played a key role in Australia's world dominance
McGrath played a key role in Australia's world dominance

Glenn McGrath, without a doubt, is one of the best bowlers in World Cup history. The Australian great has multiple World Cup records to his name.

McGrath, who is the leading wicket-taker in World Cup history with 71 wickets, has also recorded the best bowling figures in the prestigious tournament.

In Australia's 2003 World Cup fixture against Namibia, the Kangaroos posted a dominant total of 301 in 50 overs. In reply to Australia's might target, the Namibian team could only manage 45 runs, all thanks to McGrath record spell of 7 for 15.

As a result of McGrath's outstanding efforts with the ball, the Namibian team was bowled out in just 14 overs.

Also read: An unbeatable World Cup XI featuring one legend from each of the 11 Champion sides

While Winston Davis' record stood for nearly 20 years, Glenn McGrath's record has stood strong for 16 years and might even overhaul the 20-year span as the pitches turn more and more batting friendly.

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Edited by Debjyoti Samanta
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