The 2023 ICC Men's ODI Cricket World Cup will be the 13th edition of the Cricket World Cup. The tournament will be hosted by India, beginning on 5 October and concluding on 19 November 2023. Ten national teams will participate; Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. England are the defending champions, having won the 2019 edition by defeating New Zealand in the final.

India will host the Men's Cricket World Cup solely for the first time. The tournament will take place in ten different stadiums. The first and second semi-finals will be held at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai and Eden Gardens in Kolkata respectively. At the same time, the final will take place at Narendra Modi Stadium, in Ahmedabad. Bowlers play responsibly and often take huge and important wickets. Only a few bowlers have consistently performed at the highest level and picked up the most number of wickets. There have been numerous bowlers like Muthiah Muralidaran, Lasith Malinga, and Zaheer Khan who ruled the batsmen in their time. Some have accumulated over 50 wickets and recorded impressive five and six-wicket hauls. As fans brace themselves for the 2023 World Cup in India, here at SportzPoint we look at the players who hold the record for scalping the most wickets in the tournament's history.

Read Also: Most Runs in ICC Men's ODI World Cup

Most Wickets in ICC Men's ODI World Cup (Top 7)

Glenn McGrath

Australia's fearsome fast-bowler Glenn McGrath is the leading wicket-taker in the ICC World Cup. He was the key in Australia's consecutive World Cup wins in 1999, 2003, and 2007. McGrath had accuracy and consistency while bowling. His speed and economy were also fabulous, and his incredible record of 71 World Cup wickets in 39 innings is most likely to be never surpassed.

Muthiah Muralidaran

Sri Lanka's Muthiah Muralidaran has 68 wickets to his name in the World Cup in just 30 innings. A master of spin, Muralidaran is one of the greatest bowlers in the history of cricket and was part of the 1996 team that won the World Cup. He was known for his distinctive spin action and slick bowling.

Lasith Malinga

Sri Lanka's Lasith Malinga took 56 wickets in just 28 innings in the World Cup, with the best figure of 6/38. Malinga was known for his unorthodox sling action and in-swinging yorkers. He also holds the record for most hat-tricks in the World Cup. He will always be one of Sri Lanka's best bowlers of all time.

Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram featured in five World Cups from 1987 to 2003. Akram became the first bowler to reach the 500-wicket mark in ODI cricket, during the 2003 World Cup. Akram famously took two key wickets in two balls in the 1992 World Cup final which turned the match in Pakistan's favour and delivered the trophy to them for the first time. He has picked up 55 wickets in just 38 WC matches.

Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc has shown his level at the World Cup over the period. In just 18 matches across 2015 and 2019, he has picked up 49 wickets. He was instrumental in Australia lifting the Trophy at home in 2015. Starc was even the Player of the Series in that edition for his 22 wickets at 10.18 and a strike rate of 17.4. He continued the trend at the 2019 World Cup and finished as the leading wicket-taker for the second time in succession.

Chaminda Vaas

Chaminda Vaas was the country's most prolific fast bowler. Vaas had his most successful tournament in 2003, helping his side reach the semi-finals, and taking 23 wickets at 14.39. In total, he has picked up 49 wickets in 31 matches at an eco of just 3.97 in the WC. He will always be one of Sri Lanka's best bowlers of all time.

Zaheer Khan

Zaheer Khan helped India make it to the finals of the 2003 World Cup. He finished the tournament as the fourth-highest wicket-taker, with 18 wickets from 11 matches. Khan was key to India reaching two World Cup finals, in 2003 and 2011, eventually winning the title in the latter one. Along with Oram, Khan has played at the least number of World Cup editions, and featured in only 23 matches, making his haul of 44 wickets at an economy of just 4.47.

Read Also: Most Runs in a calendar year in ODI Cricket History

Most Wickets in ICC Men's ODI World Cup (Top 15)

The Indian cricket team, captained by Suryakumar Yadav, has started its campaign in Asia Cup 2025 in a bang. Team India registered its first win by defeating UAE by 9 wickets in the match played in Dubai.

Bowling first, Team India bundled out UAE for just 57 runs in 13.1 overs thanks to Kuldeep Yadav's charismatic bowling and achieved the target of 58 runs in 4.3 overs with 9 wickets and 93 balls to spare.

Kuldeep Yadav bowled brilliantly in the match and was credited with the team's victory. He wreaked havoc with his spin against UAE and set the record for the best bowling performance as a spinner in the T20 Asia Cup. He also registered the second best bowling figures in Asia Cup T20I.

In this article, we will take a look the other bowlers with best bowling figures in Asia Cup T20I.

Also Read: Past results of India vs Pakistan in Asia Cup

Best Bowling Figures in Asia Cup T20I

5. Lasith Malinga | 4/26 vs UAE (2016)

Known for his deadly yorkers and unique action, Lasith Malinga showed his class once again during the 2016 Asia Cup. Against the UAE, he claimed 4 wickets while giving away 26 runs. Malinga’s early strikes ensured Sri Lanka stayed on top in the points table, proving why he was one of the best T20 bowlers in the world. 

4. Mohammad Nabi | 4/17 vs Hong Kong (2016)

Afghanistan’s veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has been a match-winner with both bat and ball. In the 2016 Asia Cup qualifiers, he produced a crucial spell against Hong Kong, finishing with 4/17. His performance helped Afghanistan dominate the match and secure their place in the main event. 

3. Shadab Khan | 4/8 vs Hong Kong (2022)

Star Pakistan leg-spinner Shadab Khan recorded incredible figures of 4/8 against Hong Kong in the 2022 affair in Sharjah. Chasing a massive 194, Hong Kong never got going as Shadab dismantled their batting order. The leg-spinner's googly proved unplayable as Hong Kong were folded for just 38 in 10.4 overs. Shadab finished with 4/8 from 2.4 overs.

2. Kuldeep Yadav | 4/7 vs UAE (2025)

Playing his first match for India after half a year, Kuldeep Yadav returned figures of 4/7 to lead holders India to a crushing nine-wicket win over hosts UAE in their opening match of the Asia Cup.

Kuldeep was introduced in the seventh over. The wrist-spinner hammered UAE in the next over, dismissing Rahul Chopra, Muhammad Waseem, and Harshit Kaushik. Kuldeep then finished the UAE innings by dismissing Haider Ali. The spinner's 4/7 saw him get to 73 wickets in T20Is from 41 matches. This was his second four-fer in T20Is. He also owns two five-wicket hauls.

Also Read: Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

1. Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 5/4 vs Afghanistan (2022)

Veteran Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar leads the list of best bowling figures in Asia Cup T20I, who was unplayable against Afghanistan in the 2022 Asia Cup match in Dubai. Bhuvi is the only bowler to take five wickets in an innings in the Asia Cup played in T20 format. He also holds the record of the highest wicket in the Asia Cup played in T20I format.

India batted first and posted a mammoth 212/2. However, it was Bhuvneshwar who stole the show with his fiery bowling display. He took four wickets in the Powerplay and ended up with career-best figures of 5/4 in four overs.

India have been the most successful team in the history of Asia Cup, having won the continental tournament as many as eight times (seven in ODI format, one in T20I format), since the inception of tournament in 1984. Over the years, India’s supremacy has been challenged by Pakistan more than any other team in the competition.

So far, India have played against Pakistan on 19 occasions in Asia Cup since 1984, winning ten and losing six, while three matches was abandoned. Let's take a look at how the two teams fared when they clashed against each other in their bid for Asian supremacy.

Also Read: Highest Run Scorer in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

India vs Pakistan in Asia Cup

India vs Pakistan 1984 | India Won

India won the match by defeating Pakistan in a low-scoring match at Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium. Batting first, India posted a sub-par total of 188/4 in 46 overs. Chasing the target, Pakistan kept losing wickets at regular intervals and India bundled out Pakistan for 134 to win the match by 54 runs.

India vs Pakistan 1988 | India Won

India won their second consecutive Asia Cup encounter against Pakistan by registering a four-wicket win (26 balls to spare) over their rivals. Batting first, Pakistan were restricted to just 142. During the chase, no other Indian could score in double digits but in the end, it wasn’t needed as Amarnath got them home with his magnificent innings of 74*.

India vs Pakistan 1995 | Pakistan Won

Pakistan recorded their first-ever win over India in Asia Cup at this edition of the tournament, when they outclassed their rivals by 97 runs in Sharjah. Pakistan posted a formidable total of 266/9 in their 50 overs. Chasing the target, India were dismissed for 169.

India vs Pakistan 2000 | Pakistan Won

Pakistan beat India at the 2000 edition of the tournament by 44 runs. Batting first, Pakistan posted a huge total of 295/7 in 50 overs. During the chase, the Indian top-order suffered a collapse and they were reduced to 75/4 in 14 overs. Ajay Jadeja issued a stunning fight back scoring 93 runs. But he failed to find support on the other end and India succumbed to a heavy defeat.

India vs Pakistan 2004 | Pakistan Won

In 2004, for the first time in their history, Pakistan touched the 300-run mark against India in Asia Cup. Chasing the target, India’s chase all but ended and they eventually fell short of the target by 59 runs.

India vs Pakistan 2008 (Group Stage) | India Won

Pakistan posted 299/4 in 50 overs in the group stage match in 2008. Chasing the stiff target, Virender Sehwag and Suresh Raina stitched together a 198-run partnership. Yuvraj Singh (48) and MS Dhoni (26*) provided finishing touches to the chase as India reached home with six wickets to spare.

India vs Pakistan 2008 (Super Fours) | Pakistan Won

After losing in the group stage, Pakistan got their revenge by winning the match against India in the super fours. Batting first, India posted a total of 308/7 in 50 overs. The hosts got off to a good start in the chase as Pakistan crossed the finish line with eight wickets and 27 balls to spare.

India vs Pakistan 2010 | India Won

Batting first, Pakistan posted a fighting total of 267. Chasing the target, opener Gautam Gambhir held the innings from one end as his partners kept on changing on the other. Finally, he was joined at the crease by skipper Dhoni and the duo took the attack to the Pakistan bowlers and India won the match by 3 wickets with one ball to spare.

India vs Pakistan 2012 | India Won

Pakistan once again crossed the 300-run mark (329/6) against India in Asia Cup at this edition of the tournament in Dhaka. Chasing the stiff target, Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni got the team over the line but it was the brilliance of Kohli that India managed to chased down such a big score with 13 balls to spare.

India vs Pakistan 2014 | Pakistan Won

Even after three batsmen scored fifties, India could muster only 245/8 in their 50 overs against Pakistan at Dhaka in the 2014. Hafeez completed a remarkable all-round show for Pakistan during the chase, as he perfectly anchored the innings by hitting 75 off 117 deliveries. In the end, Shahid Afridi slammed 34 off 18 deliveries, including two consecutive sixes off R Ashwin in the final over to take Pakistan home by just one wicket.

India vs Pakistan 2016 | India Won

This particular edition of the cup was converted into T20 format owing to the WT20, that was scheduled right after the completion of Asia Cup. On the swinging conditions of Dhaka, Indian bowlers wreaked havoc and dismissed Pakistan for just 83. Chasing the small target, Virat Kohli once again showed his class, taking the attack to Pakistan bowlers. In the end, MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh took India comfortably home from there with 27 balls to spare.

Also Read: Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

India vs Pakistan 2018 | India Won

It was a superlative effort from the bowling unit of India that saw them shot out Pakistan for a paltry 162 in 43.1 overs before Rohit Sharma (52 off 39 balls) and Shikhat Dhawan (46 off 54 balls) added 86 for the opening wicket to ensure a smooth chase for the ‘Men In Blue’ in only 29 overs.

India vs Pakistan 2018 | India Won

There was no change in the outcome of the match when these two met again a few days later in another group match. India once again registered a dominating victory over Pakistan. India restricted Pakistan to below-par 237 for 7. In reply, India chased down the total in 39.3 overs with 9 wickets to spare.

India vs Pakistan 2022 | India Won

In the 2022 Asia Cup, Pakistan couldn’t defend 21 runs off 12 balls against their arch-rivals in the group stage match.

India vs Pakistan 2022 | Pakistan Won

However, they bounced back to win the Super Four clash between the two sides by 5 wickets on the second-last ball.

India vs Pakistan 2023 | India Won

India beat Pakistan comprehensively by 228 runs during their Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 match. Virat Kohli (122) and KL Rahul (111) struck unbeaten centuries to steer India to a commanding 356 for two, the team's joint highest total against Pakistan in ODIs. In response, Pakistan were all out for 128 in 32 overs. Kuldeep Yadav was the stand out bowler for India as he ended with a five wicket haul.

Title favourites India will begin their campaign in the Asia Cup 2025 T20 cricket tournament against hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Dubai on Wednesday.

During this time, Team India will try to establish adequate balance in the team through the all-rounder. However, India are yet to decide whether to field a third spinner or a specialist pacer in the encounter. This decision directly affects their opening Asia Cup game against hosts UAE.

Here is everything you need to know before the India vs UAE clash in the Asia Cup 2025.

Also Read: Highest Run Scorer in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

Match Details

• Match: India vs UAE 
• Tournament: Asia Cup 2025, 2nd Match Group A
• Date: 10 September 2025
• Time: 8:00 PM IST
• Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Streaming Details

The India vs UAE, Asia Cup 2025 match 2 will be televised live on the Sony Sports 1 and Sony Sports 5 channels. For Hindi commentary, fans can watch the match on Sony Sports 3; Sony Sports 4 will provide Tamil and Telugu commentary.

The match will be live-streamed on the Sony LIV app and website in India.

India vs UAE: Head-to-head stats

Interestingly, India and the UAE have clashed only once before in T20I. That encounter came during the 2016 Asia Cup, where India cruised to victory by nine wickets.

Since then, UAE has quietly grown into a competitive side. After the last T20 World Cup, they have played 27 T20 internationals, winning 20 of them, a remarkable record for an emerging cricket nation. What makes this even more significant is that most of their victories have come in multi-nation tournaments.

Pitch Report: Dubai International Cricket Stadium

The Dubai International Stadium has traditionally offered a fair balance between bat and ball. Both pacers and spinners find opportunities here, with spinners often turning the tide in the middle overs.

Weather Report

Fans need not worry about weather interruptions. The forecast for September 10 suggests clear skies with no chance of rain. However, conditions will be hot, with temperatures likely to touch 35°C and humidity hovering around 65%, which could test the players’ endurance.

Possible Lineups

India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh.

UAE: Muhammad Waseem (c), Muhammad Zohaib, Alishan Sharafu, Rahul Chopra (wk), Asif Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali, Matiullah Khan Sagheer Khan, Akif Raja, Ethan D’Souza.

Also Read: Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

India vs UAE Match Prediction

India enters the contest as overwhelming favorites, but the UAE cannot be taken lightly. Their recent consistency in multi-nation tournaments highlights their potential to spring surprises. For India, this match offers an opportunity to fine-tune their combinations ahead of tougher challenges in the tournament.

With crowd support expected to be strong for both sides, fans can anticipate an electric atmosphere at the Dubai International Stadium. All eyes will be on Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy, India’s new-look batting order, and whether UAE can rise to the occasion on home soil.

The ICC Women's World Cup 2025 is scheduled to be hosted by India in September-October. This will be the 13th edition of the tournament. India has reached the final of the Women's ODI Cricket World Cup twice, but has never won it.

Australia Women’s Team lift the previous edition of the ICC World Cup at the Christchurch Cricket Stadium in New Zealand. They defeated the England team with 71 runs.

Let's have a look at the ICC Women's World Cup past winners and most successful teams.

Also Read: Indian Cricket Team's upcoming schedule (men and women)

ICC Women's World Cup | First Edition Winner

The women's cricket World Cup was held 2 years before the first men's World Cup. In 1973, the tournament was first hosted with 7 teams participating in the tournament. The tournament was hosted by England. England became the champion by defeating Australia in the 60-over tournament.

India was not a part of it. The Indian women's cricket team made its debut in the Women's Cricket World Cup in 1978, which was hosted by India.

England scored a mammoth total of 279/3 in 60 overs with Enid Bakewell scoring 118 and captain Rachael Heyhoe Flint contributing 64. Australia struggled to chase the target and scored 187/9. Bakewell became the highest run scorer in the tournament. She scored 264 runs. Rosalind Heggs of England took the most wickets with 12.

Read Also: ICC tournaments hosted by India – History & Highlights

2022 Women's World Cup Winner

Australia beat England by 71 runs to lift the ICC Women's World Cup 2022 trophy. This is the seventh World Cup title for the Australian women.

The Meg Lanning-led side had put up 356 runs on the scoreboard for the loss of 5 wickets while batting first and managed to get England all out for 285 runs despite Natalie Sciver's brave attempts to keep her side still in the game.

ICC Women's World Cup | Most Successful Teams

Australia is the most successful women's cricket team with seven titles. Australia has dominated women’s cricket like no other team, winning the most ICC trophies in history. With a staggering 7 titles in the Women’s ODI World Cup, the Australian Women’s team has set the benchmark for excellence on the global stage. 

Their closest competitor, England, has managed to secure four World Cups, a distant second that underscores Australia’s dominance.

• Australia (7 times): 1978, 1982, 1989, 1998, 2005, 2013, 2022
• England (4 times): 1973, 1993, 2009, 2017
• New Zealand (1 time): 2000

Also Read: Indian batters to score an international ton in all formats: Smriti Mandhana joins an elite list

ICC Women's World Cup | Past Winners

India is a nation where cricket is not just a sport but a religion. The crowd, the stadiums, and most importantly, the passion for cricket that the vibrant atmosphere brings, have made every ICC tournament hosted on Indian soil unforgettable.

Therefore, when it comes to hosting ICC tournaments, India delivers an experience like no other.

This article will take you through the history and highlights of ICC tournaments hosted by India that captivated millions.

ICC Men's Cricket World Cup

The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, inaugurated in 1975, has had 13 seasons so far. Out of which, India hosted the tournament 4 times, in the years: 1987, 1996, 2011, 2023. They are also scheduled to host the 2031 season, alongside Bangladesh.

Here's the detailed highlight of each year:

1987: First edition in India, co-hosted with Pakistan

The 1987 Cricket World Cup was the first time the tournament was held outside England. It was known as the "Reliance Cup" due to sponsorship and was also the first 50-over WC, reduced from 60 overs in previous editions.

Co-hosted with Pakistan, India topped the group stage and had a great season. However, they were eliminated in the semi-finals by England at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

The Final was played at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata, between Australia and England. Australia won their first title and lifted the World Cup with pride on Indian soil.

1996: Second edition with co-hosts Pakistan and Sri Lanka

This edition was hosted by India, along with Pakistan and Sri Lanka. India faced a controversial semi-final defeat against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. It was caused due to crowd disturbance and India's collapsing run chase, which ultimately led to the game being abandoned.

Sri Lanka won their first World Cup title by defeating Australia and became the first co-host to do so.

2011: India's home triumph

Co-hosted with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, this was India's ultimate dream and crowning moment. Led by MS Dhoni, India had a dominant campaign and went on to win the World Cup, defeating Sri Lanka in a memorable final.

India became the first team to win the World Cup on home soil. The fact that the final match was held at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, makes it even more special. The roar of the crowd, legendary performances, and the winning six will be forever etched in the hearts of millions.

The final was also the first time two Asian teams played against each other in the tournament's history.

#ThisDayThatYear - In 2011, “Dhoni finishes off in style. India lift the World Cup after 28 years” - in @RaviShastriOfc's immortal voice pic.twitter.com/Q61sLx10VA

— BCCI (@BCCI) April 2, 2017

Read Also: India's 2011 World Cup winning squad: Where are they now?

2023: India's unfulfilled dream and heartbreak on home soil

As the sole host, India delivered a spectacular performance throughout the tournament. They dominated every opponent in the group stage and the semi-final, without losing a single match across all venues.

However, despite their brilliant efforts, they lost to the Australian side in the final, held at the world's largest stadium, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. This was a major heartbreak for the team and fans, who dreamed of a home victory after 12 years.

Virat Kohli was named the player of the tournament, setting a new record for most runs in a single WC edition, and Mohammed Shami was the leading wicket-taker.

ICC Men's T20 World Cup

India has formally hosted the ICC Men's T20 World Cup twice. Here's a summary of those tournaments:

2016: A carnival of T20 cricket on Indian soil

India battled through every match brilliantly in the season with a great squad. However, their journey ended in the semi-final with a high-scoring loss against the West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

This season was a special one and delivered many dramatic, nail-biting encounters. The final match, held at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, is also popular for its thrilling finish, where Carlos Brathwaite hit four consecutive sixes to seal the victory for WI against England.

Read Also: Who scored the fastest century in T20 World Cups?

2021: India's hostship amidst global challenges (Held in UAE & Oman)

Although India was the designated host, the tournament was moved to the UAE and Oman due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation in India. They also had a disappointing campaign, failing to qualify for the semi-finals.

ICC Men's Champions Trophy

India officially hosted the ICC Men's Champions Trophy once, in 2006, and is set to host the 2029 edition.

2006: India's first and only edition as hosts

This was the fifth edition of the Champions Trophy and the first time India had the sole hosting rights. They had a disappointing start to the season and failed to progress beyond the group stage, leading to an early exit.

The tournament featured 10 teams, and the Australian side, led by Ricky Ponting, emerged as champions.

ICC Women's Cricket World Cup

India has hosted the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 3 times, in the years 1978, 1997, and 2013. They are also scheduled to co-host the 2025 season.

Read Also: ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 Full Schedule announced; India to face Pakistan on October 5

1978: The inaugural WC on Indian soil

This was India's debut World Cup appearance as well as the first time hosting the tournament. They lost all three matches against Australia, England, and New Zealand in the round-robin format, and finished fourth (last).

This was the first time the tournament was being hosted outside England. 

1997: A record-breaking season in India

This was the largest Women's World Cup at that time, featuring 11 teams and 32 matches across various venues in India. India put up a strong fight, but was defeated by Australia in the semis.

The final at Eden Gardens attracted a significant crowd, showcasing the growing interest in women's cricket. Australia won their fourth Women's World Cup title, beating New Zealand, and their second on Indian soil.

2013: India's early exit in the home tournament

This edition saw several close matches throughout the group stage. India, as hosts, had a disappointing campaign and failed to go beyond the group stage. Yet again, Australia secured their sixth WC title, and the 3rd on Indian soil.

ICC Women's T20 World Cup

The ICC Women's T20 World Cup, organised in 2009, has been conducted for 9 seasons so far. India has hosted the tournament once, in 2016.

2016: A global showcase of women's T20 cricket in India

This tournament, held alongside the Men's T20 World Cup, served as a significant platform. India had a challenging season, winning only a single match against Bangladesh and losing the remaining ones.

West Indies emerged as champions in an intense final against Australia and lifted their first T20 World Cup title.

Read Also: Top 10 fastest centuries in Women's T20Is

Upcoming ICC tournaments to be hosted by India: