Taking a seven-wicket-haul in the World Cup is a dream for any bowler because it means eliminating 70% of the line-up. This gives the bowling team a great deal of confidence in taking the rest of the wickets as well. Bowling well and taking wickets in the big games should be the ultimate priority for the seamers or spinners.
The World Cup has seen several bowlers making a real case for themselves in highly competitive games. So far, in the history of World Cups, only five bowlers have taken a seven-wicket haul in ICC Cricket World Cups. Let’s more about the names of the five bowlers who took a 7-fer in ODI World Cups.
1. Winston Davis
Winston Davis etched his name into record books when he became the first bowler to take a seven-wicket haul in the history of the ODI World Cups. He played international cricket for the West Indies cricket team in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Notably, he achieved the feat in the 1983 edition of the ODI World Cup.
He took all those wickets against Australia in that edition, in which he stuck to his subtle bowling variations of line and lengths to register 7/51, which remains one of the best bowling performances in the history of the World Cup.
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2. Glenn McGrath
The Australian national cricket team immensely benefitted from the valuable services of Glenn McGrath during the heydays of his cricketing venture. He troubled the batters with the right line and length and took wickets when it mattered the most, which is why he has been the most dangerous bowling weapon.
He was the second bowler to take a seven-wicket haul in ODI World Cups and he achieved the feat against Namibia in the 2003 ODI World Cup, in which registered 7/15.
3. Andy Bichel
Andy Bichel was one of the most important bowlers in the history of Australian cricket. He registered 7/20 in his full quota of 10 overs against England in the Super Six stage. His imperious bowling spell paved the way for Australia to seal the deal in that game.
4. Tim Southee
Tim Southee has been one of the marquee fast bowlers in the history of New Zealand cricket. He has taken 700+ wickets in international cricket. Notably, he is known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and has been a consistent performer across all three formats of the game.
It is worth noting that Tim Southee was the fourth bowler to take a seven-wicket haul in the ODI World Cup. He achieved the landmark in the 2015 ODI World Cup match against England, in which registered 7/33. Southee was named the Man of the Match for his match-winning spell.
5. Mohammad Shami
India’s most experienced paceman Mohammad Shami is best known for his ability to generate pace and bounce, swing the ball, and account for key dismissals during the clutch situations of the game, a trait that has helped him become one of the best bowlers in India.
It is worth noting that he became the fifth bowler to take a seven-wicket haul in the ODI World Cup. He achieved the feat against the New Zealand cricket team in the semi-final of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. Shami registered 7/57 and was named the Man of the Match for his match-winning spell.
