Wickets defined the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, held in India, a tournament filled with extraordinary performances, nail-biting thrillers, and iconic moments that will be remembered for generations. While batting fireworks often steal the spotlight, it was the bowlers, through their timely breakthroughs and match-winning spells, who truly tilted the balance and kept their teams in contention throughout the competition.
The 2023 edition witnessed high-scoring encounters, yet a few bowlers rose above the challenge, adapting skill, precision, and strategy to dismantle formidable batting lineups. From fiery spells to magical deliveries that left top batters clueless, these bowlers were the real game-changers of the tournament.
Let’s dive deep into the Top 5 Leading Wicket-Takers of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, whose outstanding performances with the ball lit up the global stage.
1. Mohammed Shami (India) – 24 Wickets
Mohammed Shami’s World Cup 2023 journey was nothing short of legendary. Despite missing India’s first four matches, Shami came in like a storm and ended the tournament as the highest wicket-taker. His impact was immediate and monumental, taking five wickets in his first game against New Zealand, and then consistently dismantling batting orders.
The highlight of his campaign was an astonishing 7/57 against New Zealand in the semi-final, the best bowling figures ever by an Indian in World Cup history. His ability to swing the ball both ways at a threatening pace made him virtually unplayable, especially with the old ball.
Mohammed Shami – World Cup 2023 Stats
| Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Best Figures | 5-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 24 | 10.70 | 5.26 | 7/57 vs NZ | 3 |
2. Adam Zampa (Australia) – 23 Wickets
Australia’s trusted leg-spinner, Adam Zampa, was their backbone in the middle overs. He consistently provided crucial breakthroughs, often picking up wickets when the opposition looked settled. Zampa’s accuracy, clever changes of pace, and ability to trap batters with deceptive googlies made him a major threat.
He finished with 23 wickets in 11 matches, including four-wicket hauls against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka. Zampa was instrumental in choking run flow and breaking partnerships, making him a key figure in Australia’s title-winning campaign.
Adam Zampa – World Cup 2023 Stats
| Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Best Figures | 4-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 23 | 22.39 | 5.36 | 4/8 vs NED | 2 |
3. Dilshan Madushanka (Sri Lanka) – 21 Wickets
Sri Lanka may not have had a memorable tournament, but Dilshan Madushanka emerged as one of the breakout stars of the World Cup. The young left-arm pacer displayed remarkable consistency, raw pace, and the ability to extract movement under any condition.
He troubled even the best batters with his early swing and clever variations. Madushanka’s best came against India when he scalped 5/80, albeit in a losing cause. He finished third on the list with 21 wickets in 9 games, a remarkable feat for a player featuring in his first major ICC tournament.
Dilshan Madushanka – World Cup 2023 Stats
| Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Best Figures | 5-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 21 | 25.00 | 6.70 | 5/80 vs IND | 1 |
4. Jasprit Bumrah (India) – 20 Wickets
Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead, once again proved why he is among the finest bowlers in world cricket. With a smooth, rhythmic run-up and deadly accuracy, Bumrah thrived both with the new ball and in death overs.
His economy rate remained phenomenal throughout the tournament. He consistently broke crucial partnerships and was nearly unplayable in the power play. Bumrah’s best of 4/39 came in a crucial tie, and his versatility across formats once again made him India’s go-to man under pressure.
Jasprit Bumrah – World Cup 2023 Stats
| Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Best Figures | 4-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 20 | 18.65 | 4.06 | 4/39 vs ENG | 1 |
5. Gerald Coetzee (South Africa) – 20 Wickets
Young, fiery, and full of intent, Gerald Coetzee took the World Cup by storm. With Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen grabbing the limelight early on, Coetzee silently racked up wickets with his aggressive fast bowling and hit-the-deck style.
His best came with a 4/44 performance where he bowled with fiery intent and pace. At just 23, Coetzee showcased maturity beyond his years and ended as South Africa’s leading wicket-taker despite playing only 8 matches.
Gerald Coetzee – World Cup 2023 Stats
| Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Best Figures | 4-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 20 | 19.80 | 6.23 | 4/44 vs NZ | 1 |
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