New Delhi: There is a saying in cricket that goes like this, “Batsmen win you games, bowlers win you tournaments,” and it has been proven correct time after time, as the bowlers have proved their worth by providing crucial support to their team’s triumphs.
ICC World Cup 2023, is now only one match away from its final conclusion, when the hosts India will take on the five-time champions, Australia, in the finals at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.
The #CWC23 bandwagon reaches it’s final spot as #TeamIndia‘s quest to attain the ultimate glory is one hurdle away in 5-time champions, mighty Australia! 💪🏻
Tune-in to the Finals #INDvAUS
SUN, NOV 19th, 12:00 PM Onwards | Star Sports Network #CWCFinalOnStarSports pic.twitter.com/2cdXSEV1t8— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 17, 2023
Interestingly, there have been a number of match-defining spells bowled at this year’s edition of the World Cup and on most of these occasions, they have resulted in a win.
There are bowlers who fought alone without, their teammates backing them up, and there are bowlers who changed the course of their team with their bowling, and then there are some who made an already dangerous-looking bowling unit even more dangerous.
Today, we will take a look at the top bowlers of the ICC World Cup 2023, who became an absolute nightmare for the batsmen.
Top 5 bowlers
1] Mohammed Shami (India)- 23 wickets
The Indian pacer, who was not a part of the starting eleven for the first four matches, made his return to the team after Hardik Pandya picked up an ankle injury while bowling against Bangladesh.
Watch, Md Shami 7 wicket against Newzealand #WC2023 #IndiaVsNewZealand pic.twitter.com/81rOomWvSd
— Aaris (@aaris_iam) November 17, 2023
Shami made an immediate impact when he picked a fifer in his first match, returning and providing a crucial start for his team.
Shami never looked back from there and ended up picking 23 wickets in just 6 matches with an average of 9.13, including his 7-wicket haul in the semifinal win of India against New Zealand.
2] Adam Zampa (Australia)- 22 wickets
When Australia announced their final 15-member squad for the ICC World Cup 2023, everyone was surprised as they included only one regular spinner in their squad for a tournament, which was going to be played on spin-friendly pitches in India.
Australia’s 7-wicket victory over Afghanistan was sparked the bowlers, led by @patcummins30 (3/40) and Adam Zampa (3/60) #CmonAussie #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/zXfOaZ5iVV
— ICC (@ICC) June 1, 2019
However, Zampa, despite being a little out of colour in the first two matches, came back stronger and played a crucial role in the Australian team’s redemption journey to the finals, by pickling 22 wickets in 10 matches with an average of 21.41.
3] Dilshan Madushanka (Sri Lanka)- 21 wickets
The Sri Lankan pace bowling spearhead remained consistent with his performances throughout the World Cup, picking early power play wickets to give his team a solid start.
What a delivery bowled by Madushanka! He uprooted the #RohitSharma wicket#INDvSL #CricketTwitter #CricketWorldCup #CWC23 @OfficialSLC @BCCI @cricketworldcup @ICC pic.twitter.com/WnkDFTuKSv
— Alok Kumar (@alokratu5) November 2, 2023
Madushanka, however, was not at all complemented by his teammates, as despite picking 21 wickets in 9 matches with an average of 25.0, the Sri Lankan team only managed to evade the wooden spoon finish with the help of their slightly better net run rate.
4] Gerald Coetzee (South Africa)- 20 wickets
The South African pacer, became the highest wicket-taking South African player, with his 20 wickets in 8 matches at an average of 19.80, going past Lance Klusener’s 17 wickets record, which he set in the 1999 World Cup.
Starboy of South Africa – Gerald Coetzee pic.twitter.com/FaibGw83XW
— Saad (@CricContent_) November 17, 2023
Coetzee reached this milestone in the semifinal match against the Aussies, where, despite bowling his heart out, he was unable to prevent Australia from scoring 213 runs, eventually ending his dream to take his team to their first-ever World Cup finals.
5] Jasprit Bumrah (India)- 18 wickets
The Indian pace bowling spearhead has been one of the main performers, to help his team reach their first World Cup finals in 12 years.
Bumrah’s deadly opening spells in each match set the tone for the upcoming bowlers to finish things off.
A Toofani wicket from Jasprit Bumrah and the crowd goes wild 🔥
Powered by @ThumsUpOfficial 🔋 pic.twitter.com/Gn9zFK9zrc
— ICC (@ICC) November 15, 2023
Despite playing the supporting role most of the time, Bumrah still managed to break into the top 5 list with 18 wickets in 10 matches at a healthy average of 18.33.
