The Cricket World Cup is one of the biggest stages in international cricket. While batters often get most of the attention, bowlers can change a match in just a few overs. A five-wicket haul is one of the best individual achievements for a bowler in a World Cup match. It means a bowler has taken at least five wickets in one innings. Doing this in a World Cup is even harder because bowlers face the best batters from around the world under high pressure. Only a small group of bowlers have taken multiple five-wicket hauls in World Cup history. Mohammed Shami leads the list with four five-wicket hauls, while Mitchell Starc is second with three.
Most Five-Wicket Hauls in World Cup History
1. Mohammed Shami – 4 Five-Wicket Hauls
Mohammed Shami holds the record for the most five-wicket hauls in World Cup history. The India fast bowler has taken four five-wicket hauls in just 18 World Cup matches. He has taken 55 wickets overall, making him one of the most successful bowlers in World Cup history. Shami’s best figures are 7/57. He finished his World Cup career with a bowling average of 13.52, showing how effective he was at taking wickets while giving away relatively few runs. His four five-wicket hauls came across the 2015, 2019 and 2023 World Cups.
Mohammed Shami’s World Cup Record
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Matches: 18
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Innings: 18
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Wickets: 55
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Best Bowling: 7/57
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Bowling Average: 13.52
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Economy Rate: 5.13
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Five-Wicket Hauls: 4
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Four-Wicket Hauls: 4
2. Mitchell Starc – 3 Five-Wicket Hauls
Mitchell Starc is second on the list with three five-wicket hauls. The Australian left-arm fast bowler has taken 65 wickets in 28 World Cup matches, which places him among the tournament’s leading wicket-takers. Starc’s best World Cup bowling figures are 6/28. He has maintained a bowling average of 19.29 and an economy rate of 5.15. His pace, swing and ability to take wickets with the new ball have made him one of Australia’s most dangerous World Cup bowlers.
Mitchell Starc’s World Cup Record
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Matches: 28
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Wickets: 65
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Best Bowling: 6/28
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Average: 19.29
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Economy: 5.15
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Five-Wicket Hauls: 3
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Four-Wicket Hauls: 3
3. Gary Gilmour – 2 Five-Wicket Hauls
Gary Gilmour played only two World Cup matches, but he managed to take two five-wicket hauls. The Australian left-arm fast bowler took 11 wickets in the 1975 World Cup. His best figures were an outstanding 6/14. He also finished the tournament with a remarkable bowling average of just 5.63. Gilmour’s short World Cup career remains one of the most effective in tournament history.
Gary Gilmour’s Record
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Matches: 2
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Wickets: 11
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Best Bowling: 6/14
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Average: 5.63
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Five-Wicket Hauls: 2