Which cricketers have played the most World Cup matches? How many World Cups did Sachin Tendulkar Play in?
Here is a quick answer: Sachin Tendulkar played 45 World Cup matches, but he is actually the second for the most World Cup matches. Ricky Ponting at 46 has played the most ODI WC matches.
Here are all the details. Keep reading.
Key Takeaways – Most World Cup Matches
Ricky Ponting (46), Sachin Tendulkar (45), Mahela Jayawardene (40), Muttiah Muralitharan (40), and Glenn McGrath (39) have played the most World Cup matches.
The Top 20 cricketers in this list consist of: 1 South African, 2 Indians, 3 Australians, 2 from West Indies, 3 Pakistanis, 4 from New Zealand, and 5 Sri Lankan.
13 of the players with the longest World Cup careers were proper batters (or keepers), 2 bowlers, and 5 all-rounders.
*Note: Shakib Al Hasan & Mushfiqur Rahim currently have played 29 World Cup matches. They have a chance to go to the Top 5-6 in this list if they play all World Cup 2023 matches (Sadly, Tamim Iqbal ends his World Cup career at 29 matches after he was controversially left out of the World Cup).
31 Matches: Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Adam Gilchrist, Chaminda Vaas
30 Matches: Mohammad Azharuddin, Andy Flower, Arjuna Ranatunga
29 Matches: MS Dhoni, Ijaz Ahmed, Lasith Malinga, Eoin Morgan, Mushfiqur Rahm, Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal
Final Thoughts
Longevity is the key to several positive outcomes in life.
These players have stayed at the top of the game for more than a decade. WE can just sit back and appreciate their contributions to their teams, the Cricket World Cup, and the sport of cricket in general.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Most World Cup Matches Played by Cricketers
Which cricketers have played the most Cricket World Cup matches?
Ricky Ponting (46), Sachin Tendulkar (45), Mahela Jayawardene (40< Muttiah Muralitharan (39), and Glenn McGrath (39) have played the most World Cup matches.
How many World Cup matches has Virat Kohli played?
Virat Kohli has played 26 World Cup matches so far.
Other 2023 Cricket World Cup Content
If you liked reading facts about the World Cup, consider checking these articles out:
Who has taken the most wickets in a single ODI World Cup?
Let’s get to the facts right away!
Key Takeaways
Mitchell Starc (27) and Glenn McGrath (26) have taken the most wickets in a single ODI Cricket World Cup in 2019 & 2007 respectively.
Among the Top 17 most wicket takers in one CWC (Cricket World Cup), Mitchell Starc had an insane 2015 World Cup – 10.18 average, 17.40 strike rate, and 3.50 economy – the best stats in all departments.
Shahid Afridi in 2011 took 5 wickets twice & 4 wickets twice as well, the most for any bowler. On the flip side, Glenn McGrath took 4-wickets or above zero times in his astonishing run to 26 wickets in 2007.
Australians have featured as the top wicket-taker in an ODI World Cup on six out of the 12 occasions. Glenn McGrath & Mitchell Starc both appear twice.
Player
Wickets
World Cup
Mitchell Starc
27
2019 CWC
Glenn McGrath
26
2007 CWC
Chaminda Vaas
23
2003 CWC
Muttiah Muralitharan
23
2007 CWC
Shaun Tait
23
2007 CWC
Mitchell Starc
22
2015 CWC
Trent Boult
22
2015 CWC
Brett Lee
22
2003 CWC
Shahid Afridi
21
2011 CWC
Glenn McGrath
21
2003 CWC
Evolution of the Most Wickets in a Single World Cup (1975-2023)
1975: Gary Gilmour (Australia) – 11
1979: Mike Hendrick (England) – 10
1983: Roger Binny (India) – 18
1987: Craig McDermott (Australia) – 18
1992: Wasim Akram (Pakistan) – 18
1996: Anil Kumble (India) – 15
1999: Geoff Allott (New Zealand), Shane Warne (Australia) – 20
2015: Mitchell Starc (Australia), Trent Boult (New Zealand) – 22
2019: Mitchell Starc (Australia) – 27
List of Top 17 Wicket Takers in a Single ODI World Cup
We filtered with a cut-off of 20 wickets in a single world cup. 17 bowlers have taken 20 or more wickets in a cricket world cup. Here is the complete list.
1. Mitchell Starc (Australia) – 27 Wickets, 2019 ODI World Cup
Who has taken the greatest number of wickets in the Cricket World Cup (ODI)? Here’s a quick preview: Glenn McGrath has taken the most ODI World Cup wickets (71). Both McGrath & Mitchell Starc have dominated World Cup bowling from every measure.
The World Cup is closer than it appears. Less than 30 days to go for the 2023 Cricket World Cup now, can you believe it?
So, let’s dive right in and find out all about the greatest World Cup wicket-takers.
ODI Cricket World Cup Wicket Takers – By the Numbers
The top 5 wicket takers in the ODI Cricket World Cup (CWC) are Glenn McGrath (71), Muttiah Muralitharan (68), Lasith Malinga (56), Wasim Akram (55), and Mitchell Starc (49).
From the Top 20 wicket-takers in the ODI CWC, nations most represented are as follows: Australia (5), New Zealand (4), Sri Lanka, Pakistan (3), South Africa, India (2), and Bangladesh (1). Surprisingly, the West Indies do not make the Top 30 in this list.
Mitchell Starc has the best average (14.81), bowling strike rate (19.12), and most occurrences of 4 wickets or more (6: 3 – 4-fers, 3 – 5-fers). On the other end of the spectrum, Shakib Al Hasan has the worst average (35.94) and strike rates (42.14).
The best figures from this group of 20 are Glenn McGrath (7/15), Tim Southee (7/33), Chaminda Vaas (6/25), Mitchell Starc (6/28), and Lasith Malinga (6/38). Note that Shane Bond also has World Cup figures of 6/23, but his overall wicket tally of 30 ranks him at #26 in this list.
Mitchell Starc (49), Trent Boult (39), Tim Southee (34), and Shakib Al Hasan (34) are the only active players still in this list who are expected to play in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
The ODI Cricket World Cup: Who Has Taken the Most Number of Wickets?
Honorable Mentions: Shane Warne – 32, Chris Harris – 32, Mohammad Shami – 31, Anil Kumble – 31, Shaun Pollock – 31, Shane Bond – 30, Ian Botham – 30, Shoaib Akhtar – 30, and Shahid Afridi – 30.
Final Thoughts
Although these players have taken the greatest number of wickets in the Cricket World Cup, but more than the numbers, they have given us plenty of memories to remember them by.
Think Wahab Riaz vs Watson, Chaminda Vaas’s hat-trick, Boult vs Starc at Eden Park, Wasim Akram in the final, that Shane Bond spell, Imran Tahir’s celebrations, and much more.
I will leave you with this question for the 2023 ODI World Cup is, “Can Mitchell Starc break the World Cup record for the most wickets?”Comment below!
The top 5 wicket takers in the ODI Cricket World Cup (CWC) are Glenn McGrath (71), Muttiah Muralitharan (68), Lasith Malinga (56), Wasim Akram (55), and Mitchell Starc (49).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Most Number of Wickets in the Cricket World Cup
Who has taken the most wickets in World Cup?
Glenn McGrath (71), Muttiah Muralitharan (68), Lasith Malinga (56), Wasim Akram (55), and Mitchell Starc (49) have taken the most number of wickets in the Cricket World Cup.
How many World Cup wickets does Mitchell Starc have?
Mitchell Starc has taken 49 ODI World Cup wickets from just 18 matches. He boasts an absurd bowling average of 14.18 & strike rate of 19.12. He has taken 4-wickets thrice and 5-wickets thrice as well.
Can Mitchell Starc break the World Cup record for the most wickets?
Yes he can. If he is fit and plays in all the games on India’s pitches, then he can take 23 wickets to break Glenn McGrath’s record of 71 wickets. In case Australia reaches the final, he may have as many as 11 matches to break the World record (otherwise, he can play a maximum of 9 matches in the group stage).
Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Shane Warne (792), Jimmy Anderson* (688), Anil Kumble (619), Stuart Broad* (600), Glenn Mcgrath (563), and Courtney Walsh (519) have taken the most wickets in Test cricket.
Today, we go in-depth and discuss the stats and characteristics of the highest wicket-takers in Test cricket. Here is the comprehensive list of the Top 26 cricketers with the most wickets in Test cricket.
26 bowlers have taken 350 or more wickets in Test cricket. From this, 17 bowlers have taken 400+ wickets, while only 7 have scaled the 500+ mountain.
18 fast bowlers, six off-spinners, and two leg-spinners make up the list of 26 highest wicket-takers in Test history. 23 of them are right-arm bowlers while three are left-arm bowlers.
Australia and India (4)have produced the most bowlers with 350+ Test wickets, while Sri Lanka, South Africa, West Indies, England, and New Zealand (3) are tied for second place.
Jimmy Anderson (688), Stuart Broad (589), Nathan Lyon (496), and Ravichandran Ashwin (474) are the only active cricketers on this list.
*still playing
Test Cricket Bowling Records: Top 25 Highest Wicket-Takers in Test Cricket History
Test cricket is one of the oldest and most revered forms of the game.
Through its long and storied history, some truly great bowlers have emerged, with many of them going on to become the greatest wicket-takers in Test cricket history. In this article, we’ll look at a list of the highest wicket-takers in Test cricket history, and what makes them among the best bowlers that ever played the game.
Let’s take a look.
1. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) – 800 Test Wickets
Years Played: 1992-2010
Test Matches Played: 133
Average: 22.72, Strike Rate: 55.04
5-fer/10-fer: 67/22
Muttiah Muralitharan, a Sri Lanka offspinner, is the leading wicket-taker in Test cricket. He achieved these feats throughout his career between 1992 and 2010 — his bowling average was a spectacular 22.72. With an unusual action, fear in his eyes, and skill on display, Murali regularly blew the opposition away.
James Anderson is probably the golden standard of swing bowling in Test cricket. He started playing bowling in 2003 and is still going strong. His longevity is one to admire, and his consistency one to emulate. We can just hope this journey continues for a few more Tests.
Anil Kumble was known for his accurate leg-spin skills. Fortitude and desire were the main elements in Kumble’s game. ‘Jumbo’ as he was referred to, was a mainstay for Indian cricket for more than a decade. He will always be remembered for the 10-fer vs Pakistan at the Feroz Shah Kotla.
Since starting his Test match career in 2007, England’s Stuart Broad has been regarded as a favorite by many.With Jimmy Anderson, Broad formed a formidable partnership for years to come. When he is in form, Broad’s spells are a joy to witness.
Australian quick bowler Glenn McGrath has become a cult figure with his length and his line. An iconic cricketer, he created a destructive combination with Shane Warne during Australia’s golden generation.
7. Courtney Walsh (West Indies) – 519 Test Wickets
Years Played: 1984-2001
Test Matches Played: 132
Average: 24.44, Strike Rate: 57.84
5-fer/10-fer: 22/3
Courtney Walsh, a West Indian Indian fast bowler, is well known for his longevity, speed, and precision. His fast-bowling relationship with Curtly Ambrose was an aggressive and intimidating experience.
In 2011 Nathan Lyon made his first appearance as Australia’s leading spin bowler. Lyon is known for his enduring tenacity and has been one of the iconic off-spinners of his generation.
9. Ravichandran Ashwin (India) – 474* Test Wickets
Years Played: 2011-
Test Matches Played: 92*
Average: 23.93, Strike Rate: 51.84
5-fer/10-fer: 32/7
Ravichandran Ashwin is the most successful spin-bowling all-rounder India has ever produced. His range of spinning deliveries has consistently earned him wickets and is one of the great thinkers of the game. In addition to his impressive bowling stats, Ashwin also boasts 5 Test centuries.
Dale Steyn was one of the most feared fast bowlers in Test cricket for over a decade, and his stats prove it. With an impressive strike rate of 42.38, Steyn consistently took wickets throughout his career to become South Africa’s most successful bowler since Allan Donald and Shaun Pollock. His ability to swing the ball both ways made him as dangerous as any bowler in the world.
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11. Kapil Dev (India) – 434 Test Wickets
Years Played: 1978–1994
Test Matches Played: 131
Average: 29.64, Strike Rate: 63.91
5-fer/10-fer: 23/2
Kapil Dev is considered by many to be India’s greatest-ever cricketer. Although not a traditionally fast bowler like Dale Steyn or Malcolm Marshall, Kapil had a great ability to extract bounce from any pitch and was capable of bowling long spells of accuracy with great success – something that often goes unrecognized.
Rangana Herath is one of the most successful spin bowlers to ever play Test cricket and was a mainstay in the Sri Lankan team since his debut in 1999. His ability to extract turn from even the driest of pitches made him one of the toughest bowlers to face, as did his commitment to bowling accurate line and length for long periods of time. In addition, Herath was also capable of picking up wickets in quick succession, making him a dangerous bowler in the fourth innings.
13. Sir Richard Hadlee (New Zealand) – 431 Test Wickets
Years Played: 1973–1990
Test Matches Played: 86
Average: 22.29, Strike Rate: 50.85
5-fer/10-fer: 36/9
Sir Richard Hadlee is one of the greatest all-rounders to grace the cricket field and was a regular in the New Zealand Test team from 1973 until 1990. A genuine fast bowler with great swing and accuracy, Sir Richard picked up 431 wickets over his career at an outstanding average of 22 – making him one of the most successful bowlers in Test cricket history.
14. Shaun Pollock (South Africa) – 421 Test Wickets
Years Played: 1995–2008
Test Matches Played: 108
Average: 23.11, Strike Rate: 57.84
5-fer/10-fer: 16/1
In spite of his relative lack of pace, Pollock was able to compensate with impeccable accuracy and line & length, and the result was 421 Test wickets at an impressive average of 23. His ability to swing the ball both ways, combined with his knack for picking up wickets in clusters, saw him play a crucial role in South Africa’s rise as a cricketing superpower.
Harbhajan Singh is one of India’s most famous spinners and was central to India’s famous series win over Australia on home soil in 2001. With 417 Test wickets under his belt and an economy rate of just under three runs per over, Harbhajan consistently proved himself to be a valuable asset for the Indian team. His ability to take wickets in clusters, combined with his sharp off-breaks and top spinners, made him one of the most successful spinners in Indian Test cricket history.
Wasim Akram is widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers ever to have graced a cricket field and it is no surprise that he is also amongst the highest wicket-takers in Test cricket history with 414 scalps throughout his illustrious career. His ability to swing the ball both ways, combined with his nagging accuracy and excellent control made him a nightmare for batsmen all over the world. He is certainly a legend of the game.
18. Makhaya Ntini (South Africa) – 390 Test Wickets
Years Played: 1998–2009
Test Matches Played: 101
Average: 28.82, Strike Rate: 53.42
5-fer/10-fer: 18/4
Makhaya Ntini was one of South Africa’s most successful bowlers in Test cricket and a mainstay in the Proteas team since his debut in 1998. With Pollock, Kallis, Donald, and later Steyn, Morkel, Rabada, Ngidi, & Nortje, his influence on South Africa’s pace bowling cannot be understated.
Sir Ian Botham is undoubtedly one of the greatest all-rounders ever to play cricket. Along with Kapil Dev, Imran Khan, & Sir Richard Hadlee, these four formed the golden generation of all-rounders.
Apart from Malcolm Marshall & Dale Steyn, Waqar Younis is the other fast bowler with a bowling strike rate in the low forties. With the ability to break stumps at will and bowl deadly yorkers, he formed the perfect foil with Wasim Akram.
Tim Southee is one of New Zealand’s most successful bowlers in Test cricket and has been a mainstay in the Black Caps team since his debut in 2008. He is best known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, combined with his accurate line & length and good control. After 2014, it was the partnership of Southee-Boult that would plant the seeds for the 2021 World Test Championship victory.
Imran Khan is one of the greatest icons of Pakistan cricket. He holds the distinction of leading a nation to a World Cup victory…as well as leading a nation as a Prime Minister.
24. Daniel Vettori (New Zealand) – 362 Test Wickets
Years Played: 1997–2014
Test Matches Played: 113
Average: 34.36, Strike Rate: 79.59
5-fer/10-fer: 20/3
Daniel Vettori was New Zealand’s sole spin sensation in a land of fast bowlers, swing kings, and dibbly-dobbler specialists. Although his strike rate is a bit on the high side, it was the economy of 2.59 that helped the Kiwis to maintain control.
The final bowler on the 350+ Test wicket list is none other than Chaminda Vaas. Central to Sri Lanka’s rise into the upper echelons of Test cricket, Vaas became their most successful fast bowler.
The list of the highest wicket-takers in Test cricket history is a testament to the skill, determination, and excellence that each of these great players has shown throughout their careers.
Each bowler has left an indelible mark on the game, making them all true legends of the sport.
These bowlers have set a high standard for future generations to strive for and will undoubtedly be remembered as some of the greatest Test cricketers ever.
Who is your all-time favorite bowler in Test cricket?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has taken the most wickets in Test cricket?
Muttiah Muralitharan has taken the most wickets in Test cricket (800).
Can Jimmy Anderson take 700 Test wickets?
Yes, Jimmy Anderson is currently on 685 wickets and will play the 5-match Ashes series against England at home. He may not play all the matches but should still get to the coveted 700-wicket mark.
Who has 4000 runs and 400 wickets in Test matches?
Kapil Dev is the only Indian player with 4000 Test runs and 400 Test wickets in Test history.
How many cricketers have taken 300 wickets or more in Test cricket?
37 bowlers have taken 300 or more wickets in Test cricket. From this, 26 have gone on to take 350 wickets, 17 have taken 400 wickets, and only 7 bowlers have taken 500+ Test wickets.
Who is the leading wicket-taker in Test for England?
Jimmy Anderson is the leader wicket-taker for England in Test cricket with 685 wickets to his name.
