Former Australia pacer Glenn McGrath holds the record for the best bowling figures in World Cup history. McGrath took 7 wickets and conceded just 15 runs in the 2003 ODI World Cup against Namibia at Potchefstroom on 27 Feb 2003. 

The 2023 Cricket World Cup is scheduled in India from 5 Oct to 19 Nov 2023. The first match is between England and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Since the inaugural season of the World Cup, there have been some mind-blowing bowling figures and performances over the 12 editions.

Best Bowling Figures in 2023 ODI World Cup

India's Mohammad Shami has the best bowling figures in 2023 ODI World Cup. Shami took 7/57 in his 9.5 overs against New Zealand in the semifinal of the Cricket World Cup 2023. This is the 5th best bowling figures in Cricket World Cup history.

Here’s are the top 5 best bowling figures in the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Top 10 Best Bowling Figures in ODI World Cup History 2023

As the 13th edition of the Cricket World Cup is underway, let us look at the top bowling performances that have entered the record books in 50-overs World Cup history.

1) Glenn McGrath: 7/15 (Australia vs Namibia, Potchefstroom 2003)

Glenn McGrath has the best bowling figures in the ODI World Cup. Batting first, Australia posted 301/6 in 50 overs before McGrath picked up seven wickets and for just 15 runs from seven overs in the second innings. Namibia were bowled out for just 45. McGrath is also the leading wicket-taker in the Cricket World Cup with 71 wickets.

Also read: Most Wickets in ODI Cricket History 

2) Andy Bichel: 7/20 (Australia vs New Zealand, Gqeberha 2003)

Another Australian pacer, Andy Bichel, is second on the list of best figures in the World Cup. Bowling first against rivals England, Bichel produced a pace bowling masterclass to restrict England to 204/8. He took seven wickets for just 20 runs from his 10 overs. He also scored an unbeaten 34 runs to take Australia to a thrilling two-wicket win.

3) Tim Southee: 7/33 (New Zealand vs England, Wellington 2015)

On 20 February 2015, New Zealand’s Tim Southee registered the third-best bowling figures in World Cup history. Bowling first in swinging conditions at Wellington, Southee’s inspired bowling of 7/33 helped the Kiwis dismiss England for 123 in 33.2 overs. New Zealand successfully chased the total in just 12.2 overs with 8 wickets in hand.

4) Winston Davis: 7/51 (West Indies vs Australia, Leeds 1983)

West Indies pacer holds the fourth-best bowling figures in ODI World Cup history. He was the first bowler to take a 7-wicket haul in the Cricket World Cup. Defending a total of 253 runs, Davis ripped through the middle-order of Australia and finished with figures of 7/51 in 10.3 overs. West Indies won the match by 101 runs.

Also read:  Most Runs in ODI Cricket History 2023 

5) Mohammad Shami: 7/57 (India vs New Zealand, Mumbai 2023)

Mohammad Shami is the first Indian to feature in World Cup history's top 5 bowling figures. In the semi-final of the 2023 World Cup in Mumbai, Shami took 7 wickets for just 57 runs to dismissed New Zealand. India won the match by 70 runs and qualified for the final. This is the best bowling figures by an Indian bowler in ODI World Cup, surpassing Ashish Nehra's 6/23 against England in 2003.  

Best Bowling Figures in ODI World Cup 2023: Best Bowling in Each Edition

FAQs

What are the best bowling figures in ODI World Cup history?

Australia’s Glenn McGrath 7 for 15 are the best bowling figures in the ODI World Cup history. His spell came in the group match of the 2003 World Cup against Namibia. Australia won the match by 256 runs.

Who has the best bowling figures in the 2023 World Cup?

Mohammad Shami's 7 for 57 against New Zealand is the best bowling figures of the 2023 World Cup. Defending 398 runs, Shaheen’s brilliant spell helped India win by a margin of 70 runs.

Who has the best bowling figures for India in the ODI World Cup?

Mohammad Shami's 7 for 57 against New Zealand at Mumbai, 2023 is the best bowling figures for India in the ODI World Cup. Defending 398 runs, Shami’s spell helped India win by 70 runs.

Who are the bowlers with 5 wickets in a World Cup match?

Overall, bowlers have taken 5 wickets or more 71 times in the history of the ODI World Cup. Mohamamd Shami is the only bowlers to take four 5-wicket hauls in World Cups.

Who is the best bowler in World Cup history?

Australian pacer Glenn McGrath is the best bowler in World Cup history. He has taken the most wickets in the World Cup, 71 wickets in 39 matches. He has 2 five-wicket hauls and 3 World Cup titles.