In modern-day cricket, major emphasis is placed on batting performances, especially those with a high strike rate and innovative shots and although there is nothing inherently wrong with this, we cannot ignore the fact that bowling performances are often underrated and overlooked, especially when achieved alongside a grand batting performance. There are not many that truly acknowledge what kind of work goes into becoming a good bowler or appreciate them for it, especially in this generation. So today, let’s have a look at the leading wicket-takers of the ultimate stage- The World Cup.
1. Lynette Fullston
First on this list is the stupendous Australia-born, Lynnette Ann Fullston. Like very few others, Lynette, or as she is more affectionately referred to-Lefty, represented Australia in cricket and netball. She succumbed to an illness at a rather tender young age of 52 but left her mark in this world. In her 20 appearances at the world cup, she picked 39 scalps making her the highest wicket-taker at the world cup- a record which remains unbeaten to date since her final appearance in 1988. This record includes two 4-fers and two 5-fers which means 18 of her 39 were achieved in just 4 matches. What an achievement!
2. Carole Hodges
Carole Ann Hodges or as she is alternatively referred to, Carole Cornthwaite made her first appearance for England in 1982 and last one in 1993 and is placed second on this list, just 2 odd wickets behind Fullston. Having bowled 233.5 overs, she picked 37 wickets, her best bowling figures being a remarkable 4/3. Likewise, she garnered three 4-fers and averaged 14.86, all at a shocking economy rate of 2.35.
3. Jhulan Goswami
Fearless, aggressive, agile- these among many other adjectives are not sufficient to describe the modern-day legend Jhulan Nishit Goswami. The 38-year-old Bengali, also known as Babul made her world cup debut in 2005 and is the only one on this list who is still representing her country-India. Making her latest appearance in the 2017 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Final against England, she has picked 36 wickets in 28 appearances and has placed herself 3rd on this list. And you know what’s the thrilling part? She probably isn’t done yet and is expected to overtake her counterparts in the upcoming world cup which would’ve commenced and ended by now if it weren’t for the Covid-19 pandemic.
4. Clare Taylor
Despite having some unfortunate records to her name such as the ‘worst economy rate in an innings of a women’s test match’, Clare Elizabeth Taylor is living proof that a single stat speaks nothing about the true caliber of an athlete. Making her initial and eventual appearance at the world cup in 1988 and 2005 respectively, Taylor has bowled 238.5 overs for England, picking up 36 at a strike rate of 39.8 which is just behind the 4th spot. The right-arm medium bowler has an impressive 67 maiden overs to her name, owing to her amazing economy rate of just 2.10.
5. Cathryn Fitzpatrick
Known for browbeating batters back in the day, Cathryn Lorraine Fitzpatrick or Fitzy has always been one of the big names making it very normal to see her in another top-performers list. The right-arm fast bowler who played international cricket for 16 years for Australia is yet to be beaten as the fastest female bowler. Her performance at the world cup was no different from what she is known as-spectacular. Making 25 appearances across 1993-2005, she unsettled batters on 33 occasions at an economy of 2.75 and an average of 18.90. After her massive contribution to the sporting world, she has taken up coaching after her retirement in 2007 and I can’t help but wish that we get more quicks like her.
Student, Athlete, and Cricket Enthusiast.