Since its launch in 1998, the ICC Champions Trophy also referred to as the Mini World Cup has grown to become one of the most prominent cricket competitions. Many bowlers have made a lasting impression on this competition over the years with their outstanding achievements. Here, we examine the top 10 bowlers who have taken the most wickets in Champions Trophy history.
Kyle Mills (New Zealand) – 28 Wickets
Top of the table with 28 wickets in the Champions Trophy is Kyle Mills. Mills was a crucial component of New Zealand bowling forces because of his accuracy and ability to swing the ball both ways. 2009 was his greatest year in the competition, taking the lead in wickets taken with nine. Mills was a noteworthy performer because of his consistency and ability to score points when it mattered most.
Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) – 25 Wickets
Having taken 25 wickets, Lasith Malinga is ranked second on the list thanks to his deadly Yorker and unique round-arm motion. Malinga was a dangerous bowler in the shorter forms because of his ability to bowl at the end of an over and his aptitude for grabbing wickets. Among his most outstanding efforts from the 2006 Champions Trophy was his 3-wicket haul against Zimbabwe.
Muttiah Muralidaran (Sri Lanka) – 24 Wickets
With 24 wickets, the renowned spinner Muttiah Muralidaran is ranked third. Murali was renowned for his unusual spin and variations, which allowed him to fool even the most skilled batters. His command of the ball and versatility as a bowler made him an indispensable member of Sri Lanka’s Champions Trophy team. His greatest results, 3/29, came in the 2004 edition versus Pakistan.
Brett Lee (Australia) – 22 Wickets
Brett Lee, one of the fastest bowlers in cricket history, is fourth with 22 wickets. Lee greatest weapons were his speed and ferocity. He was a vital cog in Australia’s bowling attack, delivering breakthrough after breakthrough. Lee 2006 Champions Trophy performance of 2/54 against India helped Australia win the trophy and was his best.
Glenn McGrath (Australia) – 21 Wickets
Glenn McGrath, renowned for his accuracy and seam movement, is tied for fifth place with 21 wickets. McGrath was one of the hardest bowlers to deal with because of his ability to consistently provide a bothersome line and length. Australia’s victory in the 2006 Champions Trophy was greatly influenced by his performance, which included seven wickets.
James Anderson (England) – 21 Wickets
James Anderson, who took the most wickets for England in Test matches, contributed significantly to the Champions Trophy with 21 wickets. Well-known for his ball-swinging prowess, Anderson excelled in English conditions. In the 2013 edition, he played South Africa and achieved his best figures of 2/14, demonstrating his ability in limited-over cricket.
Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – 20 Wickets
With 20 wickets, Jacques Kallis, one of the best all-rounder in cricket history, is ranked seventh. Kallis was a great asset to South Africa because of his medium pace and ball-swinging skills. His efforts at the bat, in addition to his bowling, made him an important participant in the Champions Trophy. In the 1998 edition, he had the greatest ball-handling performance (5/30) versus the West Indies.
Mervyn Dillon (West Indies) – 19 Wickets
Mervyn Dillon, a prominent fast bowler for the West Indies, ranks eighth with 19 wickets. Dillon was a threat to batters because of his ability to get movement and bounce off of the fastball. His steady performances won several games for West Indies. His best performance, 5/29, came in the 2004 edition against Bangladesh.
Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka) – 18 Wickets
With eighteen wickets, Chaminda Vaas a bowler known for his swing and seam is tied for ninth position. Vaas was one of the best bowlers in limited-over cricket because of his ability to move the ball both ways and his command of line and length.
Daniel Vettori (New Zealand) – 18 Wickets
One of the best left-arm spinners in the world, Daniel Vettori, has 18 wickets in the Champions Trophy. Vettori was a challenging bowler to score against because of his fly and cunning. For New Zealand, his ability to restrict runs and claim vital wickets was critical.
Over the years, the ICC Champions Trophy has seen some incredible bowling performances. These bowlers have made a lasting impression on the competition with their extraordinary abilities and reliability.
Each of these players, from Muttiah Muralidaran spin skills to Kyle Mills’ swing bowling, has made a substantial contribution to their team’s Champions Trophy victory. Their performances added unforgettable moments to the tournament history in addition to bringing honor to their respective countries.