Bowlers have been blessed with moments of magic in the history of Women’s World Cup, delivering spells of bowling that decided matches in favor of their teams. While batting records usually tend to wave that spotlight, these bowlers announced themselves as wicket-taking legends of the biggest tournament in women’s cricket. Below is the updated list of highest wicket takers in ICC Women’s World Cup history.
Most Wickets in ICC Women’s World Cup History
| Player | Country | Matches | Overs | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average | Economy | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jhulan Goswami | India | 34 | 270.3 | 43 | 4/16 | 21.74 | 3.45 | 37.74 |
| Lyn Fullston | Australia | 20 | 209.1 | 39 | 5/27 | 11.94 | 2.22 | 32.17 |
| Carole Hodges | England | 24 | 233.5 | 37 | 4/3 | 14.86 | 2.35 | 37.91 |
| Clare Taylor | England | 26 | 238.5 | 36 | 4/13 | 13.94 | 2.10 | 39.80 |
| Shabnim Ismail | South Africa | 25 | 197.0 | 36 | 4/41 | 23.72 | 4.33 | 32.83 |
1. Jhulan Goswami (India) – 43 Wickets
The great pacer of India, who has 43 wickets in 34 matches, is Jhulan Goswami, the leading wicket-taker in Women’s World Cup history. Having played from 2005 to 2022, she consistently bowled at high pace and great accuracy, boasting an average of 21.74 and an economy of 3.45. Her 4/16 best bowling is a testimony to her dominance in the field and ability to bring results when it mattered most.
2. Lyn Fullston (Australia) – 39 Wickets
Lyn Fullston’s left-arm spin was perhaps the strongest in the 1980s. With only 20 matches, she took 39 wickets at an incredible World Cup average of 11.94 and an economy of hardly 2.22. Her 5/27 remains one of the best ever bowling performances in the tournament history.
3. Carole Hodges (England) – 37 Wickets
Carole Hodges was England’s dependable off-spinner who turned the game in favor of her country several times. She took 37 wickets at 14.86 and too 61 maidens in 24 matches, being both economical and attacking. The 4/3 of Hodges is still considered a World Cup classic.
4. Clare Taylor (England) – 36 Wickets
Clare Taylor massively contributed to England’s campaigns from 1988 to 2005. In 26 matches, she took 36 wickets at an incredible bowling average of 13.94 and an economy of 2.10. Her precision and consistency drained all confidence from the batters.
5. Shabnim Ismail (South Africa) – 36 Wickets
With her fiery pace, Shabnim Ismail stands as South Africa’s all-time leading World Cup bowler. Between 2009 and 2022, she claimed 36 wickets from 25 matches, with a brilliant strike rate of 32.83. Her best figures of 4/41 show how she could raze an opposition top order with sheer pace and aggression.
