The Cricket World Cup, held every four years, is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world of cricket. While the batsmen often hog the limelight for their swashbuckling centuries and blistering boundaries, the bowlers play an equally vital role in determining the outcome of matches.
Over the years, we have witnessed some exceptional bowling performances that have left an indelible mark on the history of the World Cup. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the bowlers who have left their mark by claiming the most wickets in Cricket World Cup history:-
Shaun Pollock (South Africa)
Shaun Pollock, the former South African all-rounder, was a vital cog in the Proteas’ World Cup campaigns from 1996 to 2007. In 31 World Cup matches, Pollock took 31 wickets, combining accuracy with subtle variations in pace. Pollock’s outstanding economy rate and ability to strike early in the innings made him a significant asset for his team. His best World Cup performance came in 2003, where he claimed 12 wickets while maintaining an exceptional economy rate of 3.67.
Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka)
Another Sri Lankan bowler on this list is the skillful left-arm seamer, Chaminda Vaas. He represented Sri Lanka in four World Cups (1996-2007) and managed to capture 49 wickets in 31 matches. Vaas was known for his ability to swing the ball both ways at a brisk pace, making him a handful for batsmen in all conditions. His best World Cup performance came in the 2003 edition, where he claimed 23 wickets at an impressive average of 14.65.
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