During the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, some bowlers really stood out, taking wickets consistently and becoming match winners for their teams. Batters on the other side had to be extra careful when facing them.
ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup: Most Wickets
| Player (Team) | Wickets Taken |
|---|---|
| Jhulan Goswami (India Women) | 43 |
| Lyn Fullston (Australia Women) | 39 |
| Carole Hodges (England Women) | 37 |
| Shabnim Ismail (South Africa Women) | 36 |
| Clare Taylor (England Women) | 36 |
Let’s look at the bowlers with the most wickets in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
1. Clare Taylor (England Women):
Clare Taylor, who used to bowl right-arm medium pace for England, took 36 wickets in 25 innings, at 13.94. She took 4 wickets in an innings twice during her time in the tournament which spanned from 1988 to 2005. Taylor was a key player for England, known for her accuracy and ability to pick up wickets at crucial moments. Her contributions shaped England’s bowling attack during her time.
2. Shabnim Ismail (South Africa Women):
Shabnim Ismail, a former fast-medium bowler from South Africa, played in the Women’s ODI World Cup from 2009 to 2022. In that time she took 36 wickets in 24 innings, at 23.72. She took 4 wickets in an innings once. Ismail was known for her pace and aggression, often unsettling batters with her pace and bounce. She was passionate and dedicated to the game.
3. Carole Hodges (England Women):
Carole Hodges, another English player, used to bowl off-spin. She took 37 wickets in 24 matches, at 14.86. Hodges played in the tournament between 1982 and 1993 and took 3 four-wicket hauls. Hodges was known for her guile and control, often luring batters into mistakes with her flight and spin. She was a vital cog in England’s wheel during her time.
4. Lyn Fullston (Australia Women):
Lyn Fullston, an Australian left-arm spinner, took 39 wickets in 20 matches, at 11.94. She played in the tournament from 1982 to 1988. In her tournament history she took 5 wickets in an innings twice and 4 wickets twice as well. Fullston’s accuracy and ability to turn the ball made her a nightmare for batters. Her economical spells and wicket-taking ability was crucial for Australia’s success.
5. Jhulan Goswami (India Women):
Jhulan Goswami, a former right-arm pacer from India, has the most wickets in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup with 43 wickets in 34 innings at 21.74. She took 4 wickets in an innings twice. She played in the tournament from 2005 to 2022. Goswami’s longevity and consistency made her a legend in women’s cricket. And beyond her numbers, she was an icon for aspiring cricketers in India and around the world.
