Top 3 best bowling figures for India in ODI World Cup history

The Indians have delivered some world-class spells in the ODI World Cups over the years. These spells played a crucial part in leading the Indian team to victories at different stages. Let’s take a look at the top 3 best bowling figures for India in ODI World Cups. 

1. Mohammad Shami, 7/57

This is the best bowling spell by an Indian in the ODI World Cup. Mohammad Shami delivered this world-class spell in the semi-final of the 2023 World Cup against New Zealand. With the new ball, he got two breakthroughs for India by dismissing the opening pair of Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra. New Zealand after two early blows built a strong partnership to keep themselves in the run chase. But Mohammad Shami once again did the trick for his captain by breaking the partnership. He dismissed Kane Williamson, who was batting brilliantly, and Tom Latham in one over. 

Shami went on to take 3 more wickets including Daryl Mitchell’s precious wicket to complete his astonishing figure of 7/57. 

2. Mohammad Shami, 5/18

Another brilliant spell by Mohammad Shami for India in the ODI World Cup. He delivered this spell against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Shami wreaked havoc on the Sri Lankan batting order. He dismissed the likes of Angelo Mathews and Charith Asalanka. India dismissed the whole Sri Lankan batting order for just 55 runs handing them a massive defeat by 302 runs. 

3. Venkatesh Prasad, 5/27

Venkatesh Prasad bowled this lethal spell against the arch-rivals Pakistan in the 1999 ODI World Cup. Batting first India scored 227 runs in the first innings and the Men in Blue needed a solid bowling performance to prevent Pakistan from chasing down the target. 

Venkatesh Prasad and his partner Javagal Srinath bowled brilliantly with the new ball to put Pakistan under pressure. Prasad dismissed some of the most important batters of the Pakistan batting unit including Inzamam-ul-Haq, Saeed Anwar, and Moin Khan. India eventually won this match by 47 runs continuing their dominance over Pakistan in the World Cups.