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Golden Ball Winners in ICC ODI World Cup List from 1975 to 2023

CARDIFF, WALES – JUNE 08: General view of the Cricket World Cup Trophy during the Group Stage match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 between England and Bangladesh at Cardiff Wales Stadium on June 08, 2019 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)

The Cricket World Cup is one of the most prestigious tournaments in international cricket, showcasing the best talent from around the world. While batsmen often take the limelight with their high-scoring performances, bowlers play a crucial role in a team’s success. To recognize the best bowler of each World Cup, the ICC awards the Golden Ball to the tournament’s highest wicket-taker or the most impactful bowler.

What is the Golden Ball Award?

The Golden Ball is awarded to the bowler who takes the most wickets in a World Cup edition. This award has been in place since the 1975 inaugural World Cup and has honored some of the greatest bowlers in cricket history.

Memorable Golden Ball Performances

Over the years, many legendary bowlers have left an indelible mark on the tournament. Here are a few standout performances:

Glenn McGrath (2007): The Australian pacer dominated the 2007 World Cup, taking 26 wickets at an economy rate of just 4.41, leading Australia to their third consecutive title.
Mitchell Starc (2015): Starc was instrumental in Australia’s World Cup victory, taking 22 wickets at an astonishing average of 10.18.
Shaun Tait (2007): Though overshadowed by McGrath, Tait’s raw pace helped him claim 23 wickets, making him a key component of Australia’s bowling attack.
Trent Boult and Mitchell Starc (2019): Both bowlers were exceptional, ending the tournament as the joint-highest wicket-takers with 27 wickets each.

Impact of the Golden Ball Winners

Golden Ball winners have often played decisive roles in shaping their team’s World Cup journey. Their ability to pick crucial wickets in pressure situations has been invaluable in knockout matches, often turning the tide in favor of their team.

List of Golden Ball Winners in ICC ODI World Cup

Below is a list of Golden Ball winners in ICC ICC ODI Cricket World Cup from 1975 to 2023:

Year	Player	Wickets	Country
2023	Mohammed Shami	24	India
2019	Mitchell Starc	27	Australia
2015	Mitchell Starc	22	Australia
2011	Zaheer Khan & Shahid Afridi	21	India & Pakistan
2007	Glenn McGrath	26	Australia
2003	Chaminda Vaas	23	Sri Lanka
1999	Geoff Allott & Shane Warne	20	New Zealand & Australia
1996	Anil Kumble	15	India
1992	Wasim Akram	18	Pakistan
1987	Craig White	18	England
1983	Roger Binny	18	India
1979	Mike Hendrick	10	England
1975	Gary Gilmour	11	Australia

The Golden Ball remains a symbol of bowling excellence in the Cricket World Cup, celebrating the bowlers who make a significant impact on the tournament. As cricket continues to evolve, new names will be added to this illustrious list, further enriching the legacy of this prestigious award.

Also Read | Golden bat Winners in ICC ODI World Cup List from 1975 to 2023

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