Top 5 Bowlers: Cricket World Cup 2019

ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 was about some brilliant knocks but we have seen some terrific bowling that helped the teams take control of a game. Testimony lies in the fact that only a handful of 250+ chases were achieved by the teams. Though spinners proved to be less effective in the World Cup despite some slow tracks in play, but the Pacers raised the bar and got all the attention. Even the trophy was decided in super over.

Here are the 5 best bowlers of World Cup 2019:

1. Mitchell Starc 

Matches – 10 

Wickets – 27 

Economy – 5.44 

Average – 18.59 

Best Figure: 9.4-1-26-5

Mitchell Starc picked up 27 wickets in 10 matches. He was terrific with his tight Yorkers and late swinging deliveries. His spell against England at Lord’s was magnificent, where he even bowled what by many, has been termed as the ‘ball of the World Cup’.  He got rid of Ben Stokes with that fiery Yorker and pegged England back in the run chase. He was consistently brilliant and took 5-wicket hauls against New Zealand and West Indies. Starc made the record of highest wickets by a bowler in a single edition of World Cup.

2. Lockie Ferguson  

Matches: 9 

Wickets: 21

Economy: 4.89 

Average: 19.48 

Best Figure: 9.1-3-37-4

Though all eyes were on Trent Boult, Ferguson was impactful for New Zealand throughout the tournament with his hit the deck hard stuff. He picked up 21 crucial wickets and was key to New Zealand’s defence of lower total as he picked up wickets in the middle overs, which a lot of teams failed to do. He replaced Southee in the playing X1 and turned out to be a great decision for New Zealand. His economy was below 5 and the average, below 20. These numbers show his high capabilities in crunch situations. He even bowled terrific overs at the death under pressure situations, notably being against England in the World Cup final. He has the best average after Australia’s Starc.

3. Jasprit Bumrah 

Matches: 9

Wickets: 18 

Economy: 4.42 

Average: 20.61 

Best Figure: 10-1-55-4

Bumrah is World’s best bowler and number one in ICC rankings, and he proved just why. He provided the depth in the Indian bowling unit and restricted batsmen at will. Bumrah picked 18 wickets with an excellent economy of 4.42. His average of 20.61 speaks volumes as well. Bumrah bowled some decisive spells and bailed India out in crunch situations. His Yorkers yet again proved to be were effective and he didn’t give even the slightest of chances to the batsmen to get after him, even at the death.

4. Jofra Archer 

Matches: 11 

Wickets: 20 

Economy: 4.57 

Average: 23.05 

Best Figure: 8.5-2-29-3 

From not being in the initial squad to winning England the World Cup, Jofra Archer’s journey is one for the books. He made a huge impact for the England team which seemed to lack some teeth in their bowling. Archer was sensational upfront for the English as he got key wickets in important games, pegging opposition on the back foot. He bowled quick and also didn’t give anything away, bowling at a miser economy of just 4.57 and an above-par average of 23.05. Archer was the 3rd highest wicket-taker of the tournament.

5. Trent Boult 

Matches: 10 

Wickets: 17 

Economy: 4.84 

Average: 28.18 

Best Figure: 10-1-30-4

Boult was in magnificent form in World Cup 2015 and just like Mitchell Starc, carried his form into the 2019 World Cup. He picked 17 wickets in 10 matches with an economy of just 4.84. Boult was impressive against India as he picked the all-important wicket of Virat Kohli and kept the pressure on the other batsmen. He took a 4-wicket haul against West Indies to demolish their batting order, winning the Kiwis a crucial game, and probably what got them into the semis. Boult was effective in overcast conditions and made his swing work with some pace.