Top 3 wicket takers for West Indies in the ODI World Cup

The two-time World Cup winners, West Indies have always had a quality bowling attack leading the team. Some of the great players like Courtney Walsh, Michael Holding, and Andy Roberts have been part of the winning sides in the first two editions of the tournament and were known for rattling the batters with their accuracy.

West Indies have had a great batting line-up but since the start of the Cricket World Cup, the world took notice of their fast bowling abilities. There have been bowling attacks that have won them matches from losing situations as well. So let’s take a look at the top 3 wicket takers for West Indies in the World Cup.

1. Courtney Walsh (27 wickets)

Among the most notable figures in contemporary cricket is Courtney Walsh. Walsh continues to have the most World Cup wickets for the West Indies. In 1987, he took the pitch for his debut against England. He had an early impact by getting Chris Broad trapped behind, but later on, as England won the match with two wickets, it was a game to forget for him as he took a beating.

The big-hearted Walsh last competed in a World Cup in 1996. It had been a long trip for the kind-hearted behemoth, who would serve as an example to future generations of cricketers both for his on-field conduct and his prowess with the red cherry.

2. Andy Roberts (26 wickets)

One player who did well in the World Cup was Andy Roberts, the pioneer of the contemporary West Indies fast bowling line and one of the all-time greats in Test cricket. His reserved attitude belied his reputation as a dangerous pacer who bowled three variations of a devastating bouncer.

In both Test and one-day cricket, he was among the best fast bowlers. His World Cup records are solid evidence of his glory, and he significantly contributed to the West Indies reaching the highest level of the game. Roberts left the scene having taken 26 wickets in 16 games, a World Cup record at the time.

3. Curtly Ambrose (24 wickets)

He was a terrifying sight, being amongst the tallest quick bowlers in history in more capacities than one. Ambrose, who may be the last in a long line of outstanding contemporary West Indian fast bowling stars that date back to Andy Roberts in the 1970s, is someone you could never disrespect.

Ambrose was a true professional. He never paid much attention to the perks of fame because he was always focused on the task at hand. He claimed seven wickets at an average of 13.42 in four games of the 1999 tournament, with a low economy of 2.35 runs per over. In one-day cricket, there are hardly any stats that can compare.