ODI World Cup: Top 3 bowling figures by Pakistan players

One Day Internationals World Cup is certainly one of the biggest tournaments in the cricketing world and it is also among the most anticipated world events among the fans. The fans turn up in huge numbers and support their national side so that the team can be crowned as the best team in the 50-over format. 

It is a usually known fact to many that the first three editions of the ODI World Cup which took place were 60-overs and it was only in 1987 that the World Cup was played with the 50-over stipulation which was set. Throughout the years there have been various phenomenal bowling performances from several bowlers who have certainly caught the eyes of several cricket fans.

The Pakistan Cricket team were the first team who won the World Cup when the World Cup was played in colorful jerseys in the year 1992. The Pakistani team is usually known for its fierce fast bowling. Let us have a look at some hostile bowling efforts from Pakistan players in the history of the World Cup;

1. 6/35 – Shaheen Shah Afridi vs Bangladesh in Lord’s (2019)

After Wasim Akram and Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Shah Afridi is arguably one of the best left-arm speedsters that Pakistan have produced. Afridi is known for his lethal pace as well as his insane swing with the new ball. During the World Cup of 2019, in a match against Bangladesh, Afridi went berserk and destroyed the batting lineup of the Bangladesh team.

In that match, the left-arm speedster ends with a tremendous figure of 6/35.

2. 5/16 – Shahid Afridi vs Kenya in Hambantota (2011)

Arguably one of the best all-rounders that Pakistan cricket has ever seen. Afridi was one such cricketer who played every format just like the way that it is a T20 game. The former Pakistan allrounder was equally lethal with the ball as he was with the bat. 

The 2011 ICC World Cup which was hosted by India certainly turned out to be one of the best World Cups for him despite the fact that the Pakistan team were knocked out in the Semi-Final. In this World Cup against the Kenya team, Shahid  Afridi recorded his best figures in the World Cup when he went onto pick up 5/16.

3. 5/23 – Shahid Afridi vs Canada in Colombo (2011)

The class of Shahid Afridi can be calculated from the fact that he even holds the record for the third-best bowling figures by any Pakistan cricket player. In the same World Cup where he registered the figure of 5/16, he went on to register the figures of 5/23 against Canada also. The former Pakistan skipper also ended the tournament as the leading wicket-taker in the competition with 21 wickets to his name.