No matter how good a batsman is, he can be dismissed by a superb wicket-taking delivery. The bowlers who know a thing or two about troubling the batters are certain to bowl such sorts of balls to unsettle them in the first place. By doing so, the batsmen would try to play risky shots and the chances of getting dismissed are also high.
Besides that, bowlers must be able to adapt to different playing conditions, including pitch and weather variations in order to remain effective in taking wickets. On top of that, bowling under pressure situations like the final overs of a close game requires mental toughness.
Bowlers need to stay focused and execute their skills under pressure and only then, there will be a chance of a crucial breakthrough, which opens up the chances of winning for the team. In this article, let’s now take a look at the four bowlers who took the most wickets in the last two ODI World Cups.
1. Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc has been a pivotal pace weapon for Australia for several years across all three formats. The left-arm pacer can consistently bowl at high speeds and often poses challenges for right-handers. Moreover, he is good at swinging and seaming the ball, particularly in conducive conditions. His potential to move the ball both ways can unsettle the batsmen and make them productive in different situations. He has taken the most wickets in the last two ODI World Cups, as he accounted for 43 dismissals at an average of 23.95.
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2. Jasprit Bumrah
India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has well and truly developed the ability to consistently bowl in the right channels, making it tough for the batsmen to settle. His accuracy in hitting the appropriate length and line, particularly in the death overs, helped him become a successful bowler. Notably, he has taken as many as 38 wickets to his credit in the last two World Cups at an average of 19.57.
3. Mohammad Shami
Mohammad Shami is known for his ability to bowl consistently at a brisk pace. Moreover, he generates good pace and has the skill to move the ball both ways, making him a productive fast bowler. Notably, has been a wicket-taking bowler for India, capable of breaking partnerships when it mattered the most. His ability to swing and seam the ball has made him effective in different conditions. He has also taken as many as 38 wickets in the last two World Cups at a sensational bowling average of 11.84.
4. Shaheen Shah Afridi
Shaheen Shah Afridi has been a potent pace weapon for Pakistan cricket team. It is worth noting that he can generate both conventional swing and seam movement. He can move the ball both ways in the air and off the pitch, making him a potential threat to the batters on any condition. He comes fourth on the list as he has taken as many as 34 wickets in the last two ODI World Cups at an average of 21.02.
Most Wickets in Last 2 Worldcups (AVG)
43 – Mitchell Starc (23.95)
38 – Jasprit Bumrah (19.57)
38 – Mohd Shami (11.84)
34 – Shaheen Afridi (21.02)
31 – Trent Boult (31.70)
31 – L Ferguson (22.90)#CWC23— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) November 20, 2023
