The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 has seen some flat decks, batting paradises and some exemplary knocks from top-quality batters. However, the bowlers at the World Cup 2023 have been on target with their lines and lengths. Here are the top wicket-takers at the tournament (after the end of the India Vs New Zealand match). (Cricket News | Full Coverage)
1) Mohammed Shami (India) - 23 Wickets
A spell of 7/57 against New Zealand in the semi-finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 helped Mohammed Shami jump to the top of the que. Shami picked up two early in the game and five later, repenting for his earlier mistake of dropping an easy catch from Kane Williamson at a crucial juncture in the game. The sensational spell means Shami now has two five-wicket and one seven-wicket haul, and has conceded a mere 210 runs, making him the most prolific bowler in the competition.
2) Adam Zampa (Australia) - 22 Wickets
A lethal spell of 4/8 against a hapless Netherlands in Delhi catapulted Aussie leg-spinner Adam Zampa straight to the top of the wicket-takers list. This was Zampa's third consecutive four-wicket performance after a match-winning spell against Pakistan in Bengaluru and a spendid performance against Sri Lanka in Lucknow. He then backed it up with three wickets in the high-scoring game against the Kiwis, and another superb match-winning spell against England. The 31-year-old is relishing the Indian conditions and could be the most dangerous bowler in the knockout stage. Zampa bagged 20 wickets in the league stage at an average of 18.90.
3) Dilshan Madushanka (Sri Lanka) - 21 Wickets
Sri Lanka have been hit with a lot of injuries in the pace department but Dilshan Madushanka has shown that there's light at the end of the dark tunnel. Despite his team being eliminated from the semi-final race, Madushanka has been a shining light, as he bagged a five-wicket haul against India in Mumbai. The left-arm pacer was again the shining light in what was a controversial-stricken game against Bangaldesh where he plucked three wickets. He has scalped 21 wickets so far at an average of 25.
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4) Gerald Coetzee (South Africa) - 18 Wickets
Right-arm fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has been key to the Proteas' fortunes, as he has hurried batters with his nippy pace and put up a string of good performances. In the thrilling game against Pakistan in Chennai, Coetzee disloged the set batters Mohammad Rizwan and Shadab Khan, which proved decisive to the match's outcome. He ended the league phase with a critical 4/44 against Afghanistan, leading to South Africa's win.
5) Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan) - 18 Wickets
Pakistan's strike fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi leapfrogged into the list with a five-wicket haul, albeit in a losing cause, against Australia in Bengaluru. Shaheen has made a name for himself as one of the most skillful and dangerous fast bowlers in world cricket, and he showed that yet again against South Africa with a match-altering spell that nearly won his side the game in Chennai. His 3/23 vs Bangladesh in Kolkata further cemented his position in the top wicket-takers' list. Shaheen averaged a solid 26.72 in the tournament.
