The ICC Champions Trophy, cricket’s second-biggest showdown after the World Cup, has been a stage for some unforgettable bowling moments since it began in 1998.
From Allan Donald’s blistering pace in the first edition to today’s masterful bowlers, the tournament has celebrated the brilliance of those who excel at taking wickets.
In this article, we’ll explore the Top 7 Wicket Takers in Every Champions Trophy (1998–2025), shining a light on the players who turned games around and became heroes for their teams with their incredible performances.
Top 7 Highest Wicket Takers in ICC Champions Trophy History
The ICC Champions Trophy has always been a battleground for the world’s best bowlers to showcase their skills.
Over the years, some exceptional talents have risen, delivering game-changing performances and setting records.
Below is a list of the top 7 highest wicket-takers in ICC Champions Trophy history, highlighting their achievements in this prestigious tournament.
| Player Name | Matches | Wickets | BBI | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KD Mills (NZ) | 15 | 28 | 4/30 | 4.29 |
| SL Malinga (SL) | 16 | 25 | 4/34 | 5.31 |
| M Muralidaran (SL) | 17 | 24 | 4/15 | 3.60 |
| B Lee (AUS) | 16 | 22 | 3/38 | 4.79 |
| GD McGrath (AUS) | 12 | 21 | 5/37 | 4.03 |
| JM Anderson (ENG) | 12 | 21 | 3/20 | 4.50 |
| JH Kallis (SA) | 17 | 20 | 5/30 | 4.92 |
7 Highest Wicket Takers in Champions Trophy 1998
The Wills International Cup 1998/99, the first edition of the ICC Champions Trophy, featured some outstanding bowling performances. South Africa’s Jacques Kallis led the pack, who topped the charts with 8 wickets, including a stunning 5/30.
| Player Name (Country) | Matches | Wickets | BBI | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JH Kallis (SA) | 3 | 8 | 5/30 | 5.20 |
| SR Tendulkar (IND) | 2 | 6 | 4/38 | 3.49 |
| M Dillon (WI) | 3 | 6 | 3/38 | 4.89 |
| KLT Arthurton (WI) | 3 | 4 | 4/31 | 4.38 |
| S Elworthy (SA) | 2 | 4 | 3/21 | 6.27 |
| M Muralidaran (SL) | 2 | 4 | 3/31 | 4.93 |
| WJ Cronje (SA) | 3 | 4 | 2/26 | 4.94 |
India’s Sachin Tendulkar impressed with the ball, taking 6 wickets in just 2 matches, including a memorable 4/38. West Indies’ Mervyn Dillon also picked up 6 wickets, showcasing his consistency.
Other notable performances came from Keith Arthurton, Muttiah Muralidaran, Steve Elworthy, and Hansie Cronje, each taking 4 wickets and playing key roles for their teams. These bowlers were instrumental in making the inaugural tournament a thrilling contest.
7 Highest Wicket Takers in Champions Trophy 2000
The ICC Champions Trophy 2000 saw bowlers rise to the occasion with game-changing performances. Jacques Kallis stood out again, leading the wickets tally with 8 scalps, including a phenomenal 5/30.
| Player Name | Matches | Wickets | BBI | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venkatesh Prasad (IND) | 4 | 8 | 2/21 | 5.23 |
| Azhar Mahmood (PAK) | 2 | 7 | 2/16 | 5.85 |
| Zaheer Khan (IND) | 4 | 7 | 2/24 | 5.28 |
| Anil Kumble (IND) | 4 | 6 | 2/24 | 4.08 |
| Shayne O’Connor (NZ) | 3 | 5 | 3/20 | 4.83 |
| Nathan Astle (NZ) | 3 | 5 | 3/27 | 5.00 |
| Allan Donald (SA) | 2 | 4 | 2/14 | 3.28 |
India’s Sachin Tendulkar shone with the ball, picking up 6 wickets with an outstanding economy of 3.49. West Indies’ Mervyn Dillon matched his wicket count, delivering crucial breakthroughs for his team.
Key contributions also came from Keith Arthurton, Muttiah Muralidaran, Steve Elworthy, and Hansie Cronje, all claiming 4 wickets each. These bowlers showcased their skills in what was an unforgettable tournament.
7 Highest Wicket Takers in Champions Trophy 2002
The ICC Champions Trophy 2002 featured remarkable bowling displays, with Muttiah Muralidaran leading the pack. The Sri Lankan spin wizard claimed 10 wickets in 5 matches with a stunning best of 4/15 and an exceptional economy of just 2.78.
| Player Name | Matches | Wickets | BBI | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M Muralidaran (SL) | 5 | 10 | 4/15 | 2.78 |
| GD McGrath (AUS) | 3 | 8 | 5/37 | 3.80 |
| DT Hondo (ZIM) | 2 | 8 | 4/45 | 7.13 |
| Z Khan (IND) | 5 | 8 | 4/45 | 4.14 |
| SE Bond (NZ) | 2 | 6 | 4/21 | 5.60 |
| M Dillon (WI) | 2 | 6 | 4/60 | 5.25 |
| Harbhajan Singh (IND) | 5 | 6 | 3/27 | 3.68 |
Australia’s Glenn McGrath delivered a masterclass in pace bowling, taking 8 wickets in 3 matches, including an impressive 5/37. Zimbabwe’s Douglas Hondo and India’s Zaheer Khan also picked up 8 wickets each, playing vital roles for their teams.
New Zealand’s speedster Shane Bond, West Indies’ Mervyn Dillon, and India’s Harbhajan Singh each grabbed 6 wickets, showcasing their ability to deliver in key moments. These bowlers made the 2002 tournament a thrilling contest with their exceptional performances.
7 Highest Wicket Takers in Champions Trophy 2004
The ICC Champions Trophy 2004 was a showcase of stellar bowling performances. England’s Andrew Flintoff led the charts with 9 wickets in 4 matches, highlighted by his economical spell of 3/11. Fellow Englishman Steve Harmison followed closely with 8 wickets and an impressive economy of 3.80.
| Player Name (Country) | Matches | Wickets | BBI | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Flintoff (ENG) | 4 | 9 | 3/11 | 4.06 |
| SJ Harmison (ENG) | 4 | 8 | 3/29 | 3.80 |
| MS Kasprowicz (AUS) | 3 | 7 | 4/14 | 3.62 |
| CH Gayle (WI) | 4 | 7 | 3/50 | 4.90 |
| Shoaib Akhtar (PAK) | 3 | 6 | 4/36 | 2.93 |
| JDP Oram (NZ) | 2 | 6 | 5/36 | 3.75 |
| JN Gillespie (AUS) | 3 | 6 | 4/15 | 4.04 |
Australia’s Michael Kasprowicz delivered a standout performance, taking 7 wickets in just 3 matches, including a brilliant 4/14. West Indies’ Chris Gayle also claimed 7 wickets, adding value as an all-rounder for his team.
Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar demonstrated his fiery pace with 6 wickets and a superb economy of 2.93, while New Zealand’s Jacob Oram and Australia’s Jason Gillespie also made their mark, each picking up 6 wickets with memorable spells. These bowlers were instrumental in shaping the tournament’s thrilling encounters.
7 Highest Wicket Takers in Champions Trophy 2006
The 2006 ICC Champions Trophy saw some fantastic bowling performances. Jerome Taylor led the pack with 13 wickets in 7 matches, including a best of 4/49. Sri Lanka’s Farveez Maharoof followed closely, claiming 12 wickets, highlighted by a stunning 6/14.
| Player Name | Matches | Wickets | BBI | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JE Taylor (WI) | 7 | 13 | 4/49 | 5.03 |
| MF Maharoof (SL) | 6 | 12 | 6/14 | 5.27 |
| SL Malinga (SL) | 6 | 11 | 4/53 | 4.15 |
| KD Mills (NZ) | 4 | 10 | 4/38 | 4.14 |
| GD McGrath (AUS) | 5 | 10 | 3/22 | 3.59 |
| NW Bracken (AUS) | 5 | 10 | 3/22 | 4.73 |
| WPUJC Vaas (SL) | 5 | 9 | 2/6 | 3.69 |
Lasith Malinga and Kyle Mills each took 11 and 10 wickets respectively, with Malinga’s best being 4/53. Australia’s Glenn McGrath and Nathan Bracken both claimed 10 wickets, with McGrath maintaining an impressive economy rate of 3.59.
Sri Lanka’s Chaminda Vaas also contributed with 9 wickets in 5 matches, showing his skill and consistency. These bowlers were key to the excitement of the tournament.
7 Highest Wicket Takers in Champions Trophy 2009
The 2009 ICC Champions Trophy saw some strong bowling performances. Wayne Parnell from South Africa led the pack with 11 wickets in 3 matches, including a standout 5/57, although with a higher economy of 7.00.
England’s Stuart Broad followed closely with 10 wickets, including a brilliant 4/39, and a solid economy rate of 5.50. New Zealand’s Kyle Mills took 9 wickets in 5 matches, with a strong economy of 4.27.
| Player Name | Matches | Wickets | BBI | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WD Parnell (SA) | 3 | 11 | 5/57 | 7.00 |
| SCJ Broad (ENG) | 3 | 10 | 4/39 | 5.50 |
| KD Mills (NZ) | 5 | 9 | 3/27 | 4.27 |
| Saeed Ajmal (PAK) | 4 | 8 | 2/16 | 3.79 |
| A Nehra (IND) | 3 | 8 | 4/55 | 4.76 |
| DL Vettori (NZ) | 4 | 7 | 3/43 | 3.97 |
| JM Anderson (ENG) | 4 | 7 | 3/20 | 4.25 |
Saeed Ajmal from Pakistan impressed with 8 wickets in 4 matches, maintaining a superb economy of 3.79, while India’s Ashish Nehra also claimed 8 wickets, including a 4/55.
New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori and England’s James Anderson each took 7 wickets, with Vettori having a stellar economy of 3.97. These bowlers were crucial to their teams’ success during the tournament.
7 Highest Wicket Takers in Champions Trophy 2013
Ravindra Jadeja led with 12 wickets for India, including a 5/36 and an economy of 3.75. Mitchell McClenaghan (NZ) took 11 wickets, with a 4/43, while James Anderson (ENG) matched that with 11 wickets and an economy of 4.08.
| Player Name | Matches | Wickets | BBI | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RA Jadeja (IND) | 5 | 12 | 5/36 | 3.75 |
| MJ McClenaghan (NZ) | 3 | 11 | 4/43 | 6.04 |
| JM Anderson (ENG) | 5 | 11 | 3/30 | 4.08 |
| I Sharma (IND) | 5 | 10 | 3/33 | 5.73 |
| R McLaren (SA) | 4 | 8 | 4/19 | 5.44 |
| R Ashwin (IND) | 5 | 8 | 3/48 | 4.41 |
| SL Malinga (SL) | 4 | 7 | 4/34 | 5.56 |
India’s Ishant Sharma claimed 10 wickets, including a best of 3/33, and Ravichandran Ashwin added 8 wickets. Ryan McLaren (SA) took 8 wickets, with a standout 4/19, while Lasith Malinga (SL) completed the list with 7 wickets.
7 Highest Wicket Takers in Champions Trophy 2017
Hasan Ali from Pakistan dominated with 13 wickets in 5 matches, including a best of 3/19 and an economy of 4.29. Australia’s Josh Hazlewood took 9 wickets in 3 matches, highlighted by a 6/52 and an economy of 5.07.
| Player Name | Matches | Wickets | BBI | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hasan Ali (PAK) | 5 | 13 | 3/19 | 4.29 |
| JR Hazlewood (AUS) | 3 | 9 | 6/52 | 5.07 |
| Junaid Khan (PAK) | 4 | 8 | 3/40 | 4.58 |
| LE Plunkett (ENG) | 4 | 8 | 4/55 | 5.85 |
| AU Rashid (ENG) | 3 | 7 | 4/41 | 4.73 |
| B Kumar (IND) | 5 | 7 | 2/23 | 4.63 |
| AF Milne (NZ) | 3 | 6 | 3/79 | 6.84 |
Pakistan’s Junaid Khan claimed 8 wickets, with a best of 3/40, while Liam Plunkett (ENG) also took 8 wickets, including 4/55.
England’s Adil Rashid added 7 wickets in 3 matches with a 4/41, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar (IND) claimed 7 wickets, maintaining an economy of 4.63.
New Zealand’s Adam Milne rounded out the list with 6 wickets, though with a higher economy of 6.84.
Conclusion
The ICC Champions Trophy has witnessed some of the finest bowling performances in the history of cricket. From the early days of Allan Donald’s fiery pace to the dominance of modern-day legends like Mitchell McClenaghan and Hasan Ali, bowlers have consistently proven their worth on this prestigious stage.
The top wicket-takers have not only shaped the tournament’s outcomes but have also left a lasting legacy with their brilliant skills, determination, and match-winning performances.
These players have demonstrated that bowling is just as crucial as batting in winning major tournaments, and their records will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.
FAQs
Who is the highest wicket-taker in the ICC Champions Trophy’s history?
Kyle Mills from New Zealand holds the record with 28 wickets in 15 matches.
Which bowler has the best bowling performance in a single match in ICC Champions Trophy history?
Farveez Maharoof from Sri Lanka holds the best bowling performance with 6/14 in the 2006 tournament.
How many wickets did Mitchell McClenaghan take in the ICC Champions Trophy 2013?
Mitchell McClenaghan took 11 wickets in 3 matches during the 2013 tournament.
Who led the bowling charts in the ICC Champions Trophy 2006?
Jerome Taylor from West Indies led the charts with 13 wickets in 7 matches.
What is the best economy rate among the top wicket-takers in the ICC Champions Trophy?
Muttiah Muralidaran had the best economy rate of 2.78 in the 2002 tournament.
Which bowler has the most wickets in the ICC Champions Trophy 2009?
Wayne Parnell from South Africa took 11 wickets in just 3 matches in the 2009 edition.
How many wickets did Lasith Malinga take in the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy?
Lasith Malinga took 11 wickets in 6 matches in the 2006 tournament.
Which country has produced the most top wicket-takers in ICC Champions Trophy history?
Sri Lanka has been prominent in producing top wicket-takers, with bowlers like Muttiah Muralidaran and Lasith Malinga making significant contributions across multiple editions.
