The grandest stage of cricket is always the one that depicts the real match-winners and the Women’s World Cup has really brought to light some astonishing bowling. In different editions, though, one particular aspect remained the same, bowlers with precise skills and consistent timing managed to break the batting orders when they were most needed by their teams.
These bowlers, in every scenario, have carved their places into World Cup history with their stunning solos of amazing wicket hauls in a single tournament. Their performances have not only determined the outcome of matches but also their legacies as well. Here is a countdown of the players who topped the charts for most wickets in one edition.
4. Neetu David (India) – 20 wickets, 2005 Women’s World Cup
Neetu David, the spin maestro from India, was extraordinarily brilliant at the Women’s World Cup in South Africa in 2005. Using her crafty slow left-arm spin, she deceived batters in the whole tournament and thus, was in the Indian squad’s historic run to the final. Neetu took 20 wickets in 8 matches at an astonishing average of 8.35 and a strike rate of 19.7, an exceptional effort that still stands as one of the greatest bowling feats in the entire Women’s World Cup history.
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4. Shubhangi Kulkarni (India) – 20 wickets, 1982 Women’s World Cup
The 1982 Women’s World Cup was hosted in New Zealand and Indian bowler Shubhangi Kulkarni produced an exceptional bowling performance from which the team could not even benefit as they were knocked out in the earlier rounds. The leg-spinner was a constant threat for the rival teams, concluding with 20 wickets to her name at a splendid average of 11.70 and a strike rate of 24.25. Kulkarni’s talent, precision, and unwavering reliability made her one of the brightest stars of the competition and Indian cricket.
3. Sophie Ecclestone (England) – 21 wickets, 2022 World Cup
England’s Sophie Ecclestone comes in at number three. She had the leading wicket-taker of the tournament’s in the 2022 Women’s World Cup with 21 at an average of 15.61. The left-arm orthodox spinner exhibited outstanding control and dexterity. His superb 6-for in the semi-final against South Africa secured England’s place in the final, thus emphasizing his dominance throughout the tournament.
2. Deepti Sharma (India) – 22 wickets, 2025 Women’s World Cup
It was hats off to Deepti Sharma for the historic 2025 edition where her all-round brilliance brought India their first title. The off-spinner’s wicket-taking was nothing short of phenomenal as he got 22 in 9 matches, which is the second-best bowling performance in World Cup history. She was such a master of control and temperament all through the tournament, that it eventually resulted in her spectacular five-wicket haul in the finals, sealing India’s historic win and showcasing her match-winning capability.
2. Jackie Lord (New Zealand) – 22 wickets, 1982 Women’s World Cup
Jackie Lord, New Zealand’s heroine in the 1982 Women’s World Cup, became the world record holder for the number of wickets taken in a single tournament (22 wickets). Moreover, this record still stands as the joint second-highest. Taking the lead with her pioneering leg-spin, Lord, through her skill and accuracy, could easily say to be one of the major factors in the women’s game gaining more popularity. Her unforgettable 6-wicket haul while defending only 81 runs against India remains a timeless highlight of her career, which is fondly remembered by the fans even today.
1. Lyn Fullston (Australia) – 23 wickets, 1982 Women’s World Cup
The 1982 Women’s World Cup was the stage for Lyn Fullston to make her debut and to perform so astonishingly that her feat still remains unsurpassed. The left-handed spinning lady got the number of wickets to 23 at an astonishing average of 12 which included one with 4 and the other with 5 wickets, thus, leading Australia to their second successive title. Her extraordinary reliability and influence rendered her the best bowler of the tournament and the one who pioneered the women’s cricket movement particularly in Australia.
