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Top 5 Players with the Most Wickets in the World Cup Knockouts

Glenn McGrath holds the record of scalping the most wickets in the World Cup Knockouts.

Nov 13, 2023, 7:48 AM4 min read

Glenn McGrath, one of the greatest bowlers for Australia  Image - ICC

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

India are hosting the Men's Cricket World Cup solely for the first time. The tournament is taking 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.

The performers in Knockout can make one a hero or villain in front of fans, depending upon the outcome. As they say, bowlers win you tournaments, so in this article, we will talk about the Top 10 players with the most wickets in the World Cup Knockouts.

Also Read: Most Runs for India in World Cup Knockouts

Top 5 Players with the Most Wickets in the World Cup Knockouts

1. Glenn McGrath - 15 Wickets

The Former Australian pacer McGrath holds the record for taking most wickets in the World Cup knockouts with 15 wickets. McGrath played nine matches for Australia in World Cup Knockouts and has picked 15 wickets at an average of 19.53 and an economy rate of 3.82. His best in World Cup knockout came against South Africa in the Semi-Final of the 2007 World Cup, where he picked three wickets and leaked just 18 runs in eight overs.

2. Shane Warne - 14 Wickets

Spin wizard Warne is in the second position with 14 wickets in the knockouts of the World Cup. Warne has played only five matches in the knockouts, picking 14 wickets at an average of 14.85 and an economy of 4.33. His best spell in World Cup knockout came against Pakistan in the finals of the 1999 World Cup. He scalped four wickets and gave away just 29 runs in nine overs.

3. Muttiah Muralitharan - 12 wickets

The former Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan is in the third position with 12 wickets in the knockouts of the World Cup. Muralitharan has played nine matches where he has picked 12 wickets at an average of 28 and an economy rate of 4.24. His best spell came against New Zealand in the 2007 World Cup. He got 4 wickets and gave away just 31 runs in his eight over spell.

4. Gary Gilmour - 11 Wickets

Another Australian bowler is on the list with 11 wickets in the World Cup knockouts. Gilmour has picked 11 wickets in the knockouts in just two games at an average of 5.63 and an economy of 2.58. He bowled in just two games of the 1975 World Cup and returned with the figure of 6/14 against England in the semi-finals and 5/48 against West Indies in the final.

5. Sanath Jayasuriya - 10 Wickets

Former Sri Lankan opener Jayasuriya surprisingly takes place in this top 5 list with ten wickets in the World Cup knockouts. It proves that he was a game-changer for Sri Lanka in many ways possible. He took ten wickets in just 6 games of World Cup knockouts at an average of 23.30 and an economy of 4.85. He returned with his best bowling figure of 3/12 in the semi-final against India during the 1996 World Cup.

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India's ODI schedule till World Cup 2027

Know what is the ODI schedule of Indian Cricket Team till ODI World Cup 2027 and when India will face which team.

May 14, 2025, 9:44 AM3 min read

India's ODI schedule till World Cup 2027

After the Champions Trophy 2025, India's target in ODI cricket will be the ODI World Cup 2027. In such a situation, know what is Team India's ODI schedule till the World Cup 2027. The Men in Blue have to play a total of 9 series in the next ICC ODI tournament, which includes 27 matches.

Apart from this, some more ODI matches can be scheduled near the tournament. So, know what is the ODI schedule of Indian Cricket Team till 2027 and when India will face which team.

Also Read: The Kohli Effect: Will Indian fans lose interest in Test cricket after Virat Kohli's retirement?

The ODI World Cup2027 will be held around October to December. Before this, the Indian team is going to play a lot of matches. India have to play 3-match ODI series against 8 teams. They will play series twice against one country.

India will play New Zealand twice

India will play Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, West Indies and Sri Lanka once each in the upcoming ODI series, while it will play New Zealand twice. Out of the nine series, India will play six series at home, while the rest will be held outside the country.

It will start with the tour of Bangladesh in August, which will be played this year. In October-November 2025, India has to play a three-match ODI series on its tour of Australia. South Africa's team will tour India in November-December.

India will host Sri Lankan team in December 2026

In January 2026, the New Zealand team will play an ODI series in India. After this, India has to play a three-match series against Afghanistan in June. In July 2026, Team India will have to play the same number of ODI series on its tour of England.

The West Indies team is scheduled to tour India in September-October. There will be an ODI series against New Zealand at home in October-November. India will host the Sri Lankan team for an ODI series in December 2026.

Also Read: Fav four in Test cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith stats in Tests

India's ODI schedule till World Cup 2027

Month/Year Opponent Venue No. of ODIs
August 2025 Bangladesh Away 3
Oct-Nov 2025 Australia Away 3
Nov-Dec 2025 South Africa Home 3
January 2026 New Zealand Home 3
June 2026 Afghanistan Home 3
July 2026 England Away 3
Sep-Oct 2026 West Indies Home 3
Oct-Nov 2026 New Zealand Home 3
December 2026 Sri Lanka Home 3

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Fav four in cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith overall stats

In this article, we will examine and compare the statistics of the Fab Four across all formats.

May 10, 2025, 11:33 AM4 min read

Fav four in cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith overall stats | sportzpoint.com

If anyone has followed cricket casually over the last decade, they're likely familiar with four key names: former Indian captain Virat Kohli, batting genius Steve Smith, English great Joe Root, and New Zealand's all-time leading run-scorer Kane Williamson.

They together are known as the 'Fab Four' in the modern era of cricket.

Each of them has set new benchmarks for performance, continually pushing one another to enhance their skills. These four batsmen have not only dominated the world of cricket but have also met the expectations of their respective nations.

In this article, we will examine the statistics of the Fab Four across all formats.

Fav Four in cricket: How many runs & centuries have they scored in International Cricket?

Fav four in cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith overall stats | sportzpoint.com

Virat Kohli has been the most prolific all-format batter among the fav-four. Kohli, till now in his 550 international games, has scored 27,599 runs with an outstanding average of 52.27. His record of 82 international centuries is only second to Sachin Tendulkar's 100 international centuries.

Read Also | Most ICC Trophies by any men's team

Joe Root comes in second among them with 20,724 runs so far for England across formats. However, undoubtedly, he has been the best test batter of his generation with 12972 test runs, which sets him as the highest test run scorer for England. Root has also scored 53 international hundreds, of which 36 came in tests only.

Read Also | Winners list of last 10 ICC Tournaments (men's)

Kane Williamson, New Zealand's highest runscorer in international cricket, comes at number three in terms of international runs among the fav four. The former Kiwi leader has scored 19,086 runs so far in his career at an average of 48.56. Kane is now only two short of reaching 50 international hundreds. 

Read Also | Most Test runs in 2024: Root, Jaiswal, Duckett and more

Aussie great Steven Smith comes at four with 17,165 runs at an average of 47.81. A late bloomer with the bat, Smith has been outstanding for Australia in tests and ODIs. Along with Root, Smith has also been one of the greatest test batters of this generation.

Here is a comparison of international stats of the fav four. 

Player Mat Inns NO Runs HS Ave SR 100s 50s Ct
Virat Kohli 550 617 89 27,599 254* 52.27 79.18 82 143 336
Joe Root 361 474 51 20,724 262 48.97 66.51 53 111 311
Kane Williamson 371 441 48 19,086 251 48.56 66.12 48 102 209
Steve Smith 353 415 56 17,165 239 47.81 64.26 48 81 331

Read Also: Most Wickets in Test Cricket

Fab Four in Cricket: Stats across different formats

Virat Kohli (IND)

Fab Four in Cricket: Stats across different formats

Format Mat Inns NO Runs HS Ave SR 100s 50s Ct
Tests 123 210 13 9,230 254* 46.85 55.57 30 31 121
ODIs 302 290 45 14,181 183 57.88 93.34 51 74 161
T20Is 125 117 31 4,188 122* 48.69 137.04 1 38 54

Joe Root (ENG)

Fav four in cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith overall stats

Format Mat Inns NO Runs HS Ave SR 100s 50s Ct
Tests 152 278 23 12,972 262 50.87 57.47 36 65 207
ODIs 177 166 23 6,859 133* 47.96 87.03 17 41 86
T20Is 32 30 5 893 90* 35.72 126.30 0 5 18

Kane Williamson (NZ)

Fav four in cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith overall stats | sportzpoint.com

Format Mat Inns NO Runs HS Ave SR 100s 50s Ct
Tests 105 186 17 9,276 251 54.88 51.78 33 37 90
ODIs 173 165 18 7,235 148 49.21 81.72 15 47 74
T20Is 93 90 13 2,575 95 33.44 123.08 0 18 45

Steven Smith (AUS)

Fav four in cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith overall stats | sportzpoint.com

Format Mat Inns NO Runs HS Ave SR 100s 50s Ct
Tests 116 206 25 10,271 239 56.74 53.56 36 41 200
ODIs 170 154 20 5,800 164 43.28 86.96 12 35 90
T20Is 67 55 11 1,094 90 24.86 125.45 0 5 41

Note: The article was initially written by Abishek Goswami and then got updated by Koushik Biswas

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ICC Anounces Venue and Key Dates for The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 England

ICC has confirmed seven venues that will host the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in England next year, with the Lord's Cricket Ground set as the venue for the Final.

May 1, 2025, 3:28 PM3 min read

ICC Anounces Venue and Key Dates for The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 England | sportzpoint.com

The ICC has officially announced that the Final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be held at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on 5th July. The news was shared during a special launch event at Lord’s on 1st May.

Alongside this major reveal, it was confirmed that the matches will also be played at other popular venues across England, including Edgbaston, the Hampshire Bowl, Headingley, Old Trafford, The Oval, and the Bristol County Ground.

The tournament is set to kick off on 12th June and will run for 24 days, featuring a total of 33 matches leading up to the highly anticipated final at Lord’s. The complete match schedule is expected to be released soon.

ICC Anounces Venue and Key Dates for The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 England | sportzpoint.com
All the confirmed venues for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026. Image | ICC

Featuring a record 12 teams, the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup will be the biggest edition in the tournament’s history. With two more teams than the previous edition, fans can expect fierce competition as the world’s top sides battle it out for the title.

Read Also | Bengal Women's Cricket Exclusive: Two out of two finals, record chase against Haryana, Jhulan Goswami, WPL and more

Qualified Teams for the Women's T20 World Cup 2026

England (Host)
Australia
India
New Zealand
Pakistan
South Africa
Sri Lanka
West Indies

Four additional teams will join them through the Qualifier scheduled next year.

The 12 teams will be split into two groups of six for the group stage, followed by the knockout rounds and finals.

Official Statement

ICC Chairman Jay Shah opened up about the tournament, saying, "The confirmation of venues represents a defining moment as we build towards the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026"

"The sell-out Women’s Cricket World Cup final at Lord’s in 2017 remains a landmark in the rise of the women’s game, and I cannot think of a more fitting stage for the final."

"As we turn our focus to preparing for the tournament, we are excited by the promise of thrilling T20 action that will not only captivate fans here but also serve as a showcase for cricket’s return on the Olympic stage in Los Angeles 2028."

Legacy

ICC Anounces Venue and Key Dates for The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 England | sportzpoint.com
New Zealand Women's Cricket Team celebrating their 1st title defeating South Africa in the final. Image | ESPNcricinfo 

Moving on from the most recent edition, hosted by Bangladesh in the UAE in 2024, saw New Zealand claim their first-ever title, defeating South Africa by 32 runs in the final.

The 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup will mark the milestone 10th edition of the tournament, which began in 2009.

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Most Wickets in IPL as a Captain

There have been many captains in IPL history who made an impact with their bowling performance. So, let's take a look at the players with most wickets in IPL as a captain.

Apr 5, 2025, 11:31 AM5 min read

Most Wickets in IPL as a Captain

MI skipper Hardik Pandya went on to script history as he became the first-ever skipper in Indian Premier League history to take a five-wicket haul. Hardik’s spell of 5 for 36 is also his best-ever bowling figures in T20 cricket.

Hardik’s fifth wicket was also his 30th IPL wicket as a skipper, which takes him level with Anil Kumble’s tally of 30 wickets as the second-most wickets in IPL as a captain.. Former Aussie great and Rajasthan Royals skipper Shane Warne is the only bowler ahead of him with 57 wickets.

Also Read: Most wins in IPL as captain

So, let's take a look at the players with most wickets in IPL as a captain.

10. Shane Watson | 13 Wickets

Most Wickets in IPL as a Captain

Shane Watson is placed at no. 10 with 13 wickets to his name. Watson led the Rajasthan Royals in the 2014 and 2015 ipl seasons. Under his captaincy in 2015 Rajasthan also qualifies for the playoffs. He also led Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2017 for some matches as interim captain.

A notable all-rounder, Watson also mustered 2372 runs with the bat for RR at 36.49. He smashed two tons and 14 fifties. Overall, the Aussie hammered 3874 runs (100s: 4, 50s: 21). He hit 190 sixes.

9. Sam Curran | 13 Wickets

Most Wickets in IPL as a Captain

English all rounder Sam Curran comes in with 13 wickets. Sam Curran led Punjab Kings in 11 matches of the IPL 2024 as Shikhar Dhawan was injured. That year, Sam Curran showed his brilliant all round game by clinching 16 wickets and scoring 270 runs in 13 matches ,but punjab couldn’t do well finishing at 9th position just above Mumbai Indians.

8. Daniel Vettori | 17 Wickets

Most Wickets in IPL as a Captain

Former New Zealand allrounder Daniel Vettori comes at 8th position in this list. He led Royal Challengers Banglore in 2011 and 2012 IPL.

As a captain Vettori has taken 17 wickets for RCB. Under his captaincy, Rcb also reached the final of 2011 IPL season but lost to csk.

7. Yuvraj Singh | 18 Wickets

Most Wickets in IPL as a Captain

Yuvraj Singh has taken 18 wickets as a captain in IPL and placed at no. 6 in this list. He captained Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in the 2008-2009 season and Pune Warriors in 2011. 

Yuvi also has two hat-tricks to his name in IPL, which he took against RCB and Deccan Charges in the 2009 season. He is only the second bowler in IPL history to take multi hat-tricks in IPL, after Amit Mishra, who has taken 3 hat-tricks in IPL.

Also Read: IPL records: 5 youngest centurion in IPL

6. Zaheer Khan | 20 Wickets

Most Wickets in IPL as a Captain

Indian pace legend Zaheer Khan has captained Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2016 and 2017. He is placed fifth in the list of highest wicket taking captains in ipl with 20 wickets. 

In 2017, Zaheer Khan was overall 10th or 9th Indian bowler to take 100 wickets in the IPL. After 2017, Zaheer Khan took retirement from all formats of cricket.

5. Pat Cummins | 21 Wickets

Most Wickets in IPL as a Captain

Australia’s captain and SRH skipper Pat Cummins has taken 21 wickets as a captain in IPL. Cummins comes at fourth position in this list. 

Cummins is also the second highest wicket-taker as a captain in a single season, taking 18 wickets, just behind Shane Warne, who took 19 wickets in the 2008 season. With the help of this brilliant performance by Cummins, SRH also reached the 2024 IPL final.

4. Ravichandran Ashwin | 25 Wickets

Most Wickets in IPL as a Captain

Ravichandran Ashwin led Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for two seasons in 2018 and 2019. 

As a captain he has taken 25 wickets and grabs the third position in the list of most wickets in IPL as captain. In 2019 R Ashwin took 15 wickets for Punjab Kings with an economy rate of 7.27.

2. Hardik Pandya | 30 Wickets

Most Wickets in IPL as a Captain

Next we have, Hardik Pandya who joins Anil Kumble in this list. Pandya ranks second in the elite list of captains with the most wickets in IPL. 

Till now, as a captain Hardik has taken 30 wickets in IPL. Pandya has led Gujrat Titans in 2022- 2023 season and out of that in 2022, under Hardik’s captaincy, Gujarat won the trophy in its first season and was runner up in 2023. Since 2024, Hardik has been captaining Mumbai Indians.

In 2025 season, Hardik became the first-ever captain in IPL history to claim a five-wicket haul during the match against Lucknow Super Giants in Ekana Cricket Stadium. Pandya's fiery spell of 5 for 36 was also his personal best in T20 cricket.

2. Anil Kumble | 30 Wickets

Most Wickets in IPL as a Captain

Former Indian spinner Anil Kumble is the second highest wicket taker in IPL as captain with 30 wickets. He led Royal Challengers Banglore in 2009- 2010. 

As a player, Kumble had a good run, ending the 2009 season as highest wicket taker for Rcb and overall second highest wicket taker with 21 wickets at an economy rate of 5.86 . He also took his team to the finals in 2009.

Also Read: IPL Facts: Who was hit the most sixes in IPL History? Top 10 list

1. Shane Warne | 57 Wickets

Most Wickets in IPL as a Captain

The late Shane Warne is the record holder for the most wickets in IPL as captain. Leg-spinner Warne represented the Royals across four IPL seasons, claiming 57 scalps from 55 matches at 25.38. He took one four-wicket haul.

Warne also captained Rajasthan Royals to win the inaugural edition of IPL in 2008. The 2008 campaign saw the multiple World Cup-winning ace pick up 19 wickets from 15 games at 21.26. He was the side’s second-highest wicket-taker after Pakistan’s Sohail Tanvir (22 wickets). Notably, Tanvir won the Purple Cap that season. 

Warne took 14 wickets in 2009, 11 wickets in 2010 and 13 wickets in 2011 to highlight his consistency.

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India's performance in every ICC tournament

Indian Men's Cricket team have won a total of 7 ICC trophies so far in their history. Here is a detailed article on India's performance in every ICC tournament.

Mar 10, 2025, 2:35 PM4 min read

India's performance in every ICC tournament

India's performance in the ICC events has been mixed in recent years. The title win over South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 ended India’s 11-year-long ICC title drought after it last won a global tournament back in 2013 - the ICC Champions Trophy.

Their latest triumph came via Champions Trophy 2025, as they defeated New Zealand by four wickets in Dubai in the final. It was the second consecutive ICC trophy for India under Rohit Sharma's captaincy.

So far, India have collected 7 ICC trophies including two 50 over World Cups, three Champions Trophy, and two T20 World Cups in 2007 and 2024.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni has won 3 ICC events as a captain and Rohit Sharma has 2 in those 7 ICC trophies that India won so far. In this article, SportzPoint will give you  details on India's performances in every ICC tournaments so far.

ICC Cricket World Cup (1975 - 2023):

India's performance in every ICC tournament | sportzpoint.com
India lost the 2023 ICC World Cup final against Australia. 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) started the ODI World Cup back in the year 1975. From then, ICC organized the tournament a total of 13 times. Australia are the most successful in the format as they won 6 titles so far.

India won their first World Cup under Kapil Dev back in 1983 and next under Mahendra Singh Dhoni in 2011. With 2 titles India are the second most successful team alongside West Indies in the 50 overs format after Australia. 

Read Also: Most ICC Trophy wins by any team

Indian Men's Cricket team also lost two ODI World Cup finals, one under Sourav Ganguly in 2003 and another one under Rohit Sharma in 2023. Here is how India performed in the each of the 13 editions of the ICC Cricket World Cup.

India's performance in every ICC Cricket World Cup

Year Result
1975 6th
1979 7th
1983 Champions
1987 Semi-Final
1992 7th
1996 Semi-Final
1999 6th
2003 Runner's up
2007 9th
2011 Champions
2015 Semi-Final
2019 Semi-Final
2023 Final

ICC Champions Trophy (1998 - 2025):

India's performance in every ICC tournament

ICC started a new tournament of the 50 overs format in 1998 called the Champions Trophy. It was also referred as a "Mini World Cup". Till 2006 the Champion's Trophy was held every two years. After that, it continues with a gap of 4 years from 2009.

In 2003, India reached the Finals of the tournament along with Sri Lanka. As the match got washed out and India were declared joint winners.

However, India finally won the ICC Champions Trophy under MS Dhoni in 2013 after defeating England by 5 runs.

In 2025, India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in Dubai to lift the trophy for the third time. It was the second consecutive ICC trophy for India under Rohit Sharma's captaincy.

Let's take a look at India's performance in the tournament so far.

Read Also | ICC Men's Champions trophy winners list

India's performance in Champions Trophy so far

Year Result
1998 Semi-Final
2000 Runner's up
2002 Co-Champions with Sri Lanka
2004 Group Stage
2006 Group Stage
2009 Semi-Final
2013 Champions
2017 Runner's up
2025 Champions

ICC T20 World Cup (2007 - 2024):

India's performance in every ICC tournament | sportzpoint.com
India won their latest ICC T20 World Cup in 2024. Image | ICC

International Cricket Council introduced a new format marquee tournament in 2007 as T20 Cricket started to grow globally. ICC started the T20 World Cup in the year 2007. India defeated their arch-rival Pakistan in the final that year and won the inaugural T20 World Cup under MS Dhoni.

Read Also: India's performance in every T20 World Cup 

Since then, the Indian cricket team became runners-up in 2014 and then finally lifted the trophy again in 2024 under Rohit Sharma.

India's performance in every T20 World Cup

Year Results
2007 Champions
2009 Super 8
2010 Super 8
2012 Super 8
2014 Runner's up
2016 Semi-Final
2021 Super 12
2022 Semi-Final
2024 Champions

ICC World Test Championship (2019-2025):

India's performance in ICC tournaments - sportzpoint.com

ICC World Test Championship started in the year 2019 as New Zealand won the inaugural WTC after defeating India in the ICC World Test Championship 2021 Final.

India once again qualified for the Test Championship final in 2023 and this time, it was Australia who challenged them. India bottled their chance to win an ICC trophy after waiting for a decade and lost the match by a huge margin of 209 runs. 

In 2023-25 World Test Championship, India failed to qualify for the final.

India's performance in every WTC

WTC Championship Results
2019-21 Runners-up
2021-23 Runners-up
2023-25 Did not qualify for final
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