The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 ended with Australia reclaiming the title beating hosts India by six wickets in the finals of the mega event played at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on 19th November 2023.
Spinners play a key role in the middle overs to pick wickets and also control the run flow on batting-friendly pitches during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Adam Zampa levelled the record for most wickets taken by a spinner in World Cup history after dismissing Jasprit Bumrah.
Here we look at the 3 Spinners With the Most Wickets In a Single World Cup edition:
- Muttiah Muralitharan and Adam Zampa
Legendary Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan picked the most wickets by a spinner in the 2007 edition played in the West Indies. Muralitharan grabbed a total of 23 scalps from 10 matches as Sri Lanka qualified for the World Cup finals during that edition.
He returned with figures of 4 for 19 in the final Super 8 game against Ireland before going past through New Zealand’s middle overs during the semi-finals picking up 4 for 31 in 8 overs. Despite his efforts, Sri Lanka finished runners-up.
Australia spinner Adam Zampa struggled in the first two matches against India and Australia before picking a flurry of wickets during the later stages of the tournament. He levelled with the most wickets by a spinner in World Cup history including 3 four-wicket hauls. It was a remarkable performance by Australia as they clinched the 6th World Cup title.
- Brad Hogg and Shahid Afridi
Brad Hogg had a superb tournament in the 2007 World Cup where Australia won the tournament beating Sri Lanka. He picked up 21 wickets and finished as the third leading wicket-taker besides Shaun Tait 23 and Glenn McGrath 26.
Hogg looked impressive in the 2007 World Cup with 21 wickets including 4 for 27 against Netherlands and 4 for 29 versus New Zealand.
Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi performed brilliantly in the 2011 edition of the World Cup. He finished as the joint leading wicket-taker along with Zaheer Khan. Shahid grabbed 21 wickets from 8 matches including best figures of 5 for 16 in the Group A match against Kenya at Hambantota.
- Shane Warne
Australian leg spinner Shane Warne also showed great skills during the 1999 World Cup that was played between May 14 and June 20 in England. He played a key role in helping Australia win their second global title.
The legendary spinner grabbed a total of 20 wickets from 10 matches at an economy of 3.02 runs per over. He rose to the occasion with figures of 4 for 29 in the tied semi-finals against South Africa at Birmingham.
Warne produced another magical spell in the finals of the same edition against Pakistan. He took the wickets of Ijaz Ahmed, Moin Khan, Shahid Afridi, and Wasim Akram and helped Australia bowl them out for just 213.
Australia won the match by 8 wickets with 179 balls. For his match-winning effort, Shane Warne was named the player of the match.
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