Jhulan Goswami is the leading wicket-taker in ICC Women’s World Cup history, with 43 wickets in 34 matches. She was known for her speed, control, and ability to take vital wickets. Many other bowlers from countries such as Australia, England, and South Africa have also performed exceptionally well.
Some kept their economy rate very low, while others took 5 or 6 wickets in a single match. These players helped their teams win significant games and established a strong reputation for themselves in women’s cricket. Their records and performances are remembered even today.
To view the complete list and learn more about their best bowling, read the blog below.
Top 10 Leading Wicket Takers in the ICC Women’s World Cup
Here is the list of legendary bowlers who have impressed the world with their bowling on the most significant cricket stage:
| Rank | Name | Country | Matches | Innings | Wickets | Maidens | BBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | J Goswami | IND-W | 34 | 34 | 43 | 54 | 4/16 |
| 2 | LA Fullston | AUS-W | 20 | 20 | 39 | 46 | 5/27 |
| 3 | CA Hodges | ENG-W | 24 | 24 | 37 | 61 | 4/3 |
| 4 | CE Taylor | ENG-W | 26 | 25 | 36 | 67 | 4/13 |
| 5 | S Ismail | SA-W | 25 | 24 | 36 | 21 | 4/41 |
| 6 | A Shrubsole | ENG-W | 23 | 22 | 34 | 17 | 6/46 |
| 7 | M Schutt | AUS-W | 23 | 23 | 34 | 22 | 3/40 |
| 8 | CL Fitzpatrick | AUS-W | 25 | 25 | 33 | 44 | 3/18 |
| 9 | SA Tredrea | AUS-W | 28 | 28 | 32 | 78 | 4/25 |
| 10 | M Kapp | SA-W | 22 | 20 | 32 | 12 | 5/45 |
1. Jhulan Goswami (India), 43 Wickets
Known for her pace and sharp length, Jhulan Goswami is a legendary fast bowler from India. She played international cricket for 20 years.
She took 255 wickets in ODIs, the most by any woman. Goswami played 204 ODIs, 12 Tests, and 68 T20Is. She also won the ICC Women’s Player of the Year award in 2007. Jhulan was not only good at bowling, but she also scored over 1,228 ODI runs. She holds the record for most wickets in Women’s World Cups with 43.
2. Lyn Fullston (Australia), 39 Wickets
Lyn Fullston was a left-arm spinner from Australia. She played 20 Test matches and 41 ODIs between 1982 and 1988. Fullston took 39 wickets in World Cups, second only to Goswami.
Her best bowling in ODIs was 5/27. She was known for her accuracy and economy rate of just 2.45. Her lethal weapon was accurate bowling, and she made batters fall into her trap. Fullston also contributed as a lower-order batter. She helped Australia win the World Cup in 1982 and 1988. Fullston’s disciplined bowling made her a key player for Australia.
3. Carole Hodges (England), 37 Wickets
Carole Hodges was an all-rounder for England. She played 18 Test matches and 47 ODIs from 1982 to 1993.
Hodges took 37 wickets in the World Cups. Her best figures were 4/3. Hodges had an economy rate of 2.37. She also scored over 1,073 runs in ODIs. Hodges was a reliable all-rounder. She played a significant role in England’s 1993 World Cup win. Hodges is remembered for her consistency and skill.
4. Clare Taylor (England), 36 Wickets
Clare Taylor was a right-arm medium pacer for England. She played 16 Test matches and 105 ODIs from 1988 to 2005. Taylor took 36 wickets in the World Cups.
Her best bowling was 4/13. Taylor had an economy rate of 2.85. She was known for her control and accuracy. Taylor helped England win the 1993 World Cup. She also played football for England. Taylor is one of the few women to represent England in two sports.
5. Shabnim Ismail (South Africa), 36 Wickets
Shabnim Ismail has played 25 World Cup matches and taken 36 wickets. Her best bowling was 4/41. Ismail has a strike rate of 32.83.
She is known for her pace and aggression. Ismail has 191 ODI and 123 T20I wickets in her career. She is South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in ODIs. Ismail is one of the fastest bowlers in women’s cricket.
6. Anya Shrubsole (England), 34 Wickets
Anya Shrubsole is a medium-fast bowler from England. She played 23 World Cup matches and took 34 wickets.
Her best figures were 6/46. Shrubsole was the Player of the Match in the 2017 World Cup final. Shrubsole has over 100 wickets in both T20Is and ODIs. She is known for her swing and accuracy.
7. Megan Schutt (Australia), 34 Wickets
One of the best fast-medium bowlers from Australia, Megan has played 23 World Cup matches and taken 34 wickets. Her best bowling was 3/40.
Schutt has an economy rate of 4.43. She is known for her ability to bowl at the death. Schutt has over 135 ODI and 151 T20Is wickets. She helped Australia win the 2013 and 2022 World Cups. Schutt is a key bowler in Australia’s attack.
8. Cathryn Fitzpatrick (Australia), 33 Wickets
Cathryn Fitzpatrick has taken 33 wickets in her 25 World Cup matches. Her best bowling was 3/18. Fitzpatrick had an economy rate of a mere 3.01.
She was one of the fastest bowlers of her time. Fitzpatrick took 180 wickets in ODIs. She helped Australia win two World Cups. Fitzpatrick is now a respected coach.
9. Sharon Tredrea (Australia), 32 Wickets
Sharon Tredrea is just left behind Cathryn by 1 wicket. She played 28 World Cup matches and took 32 wickets. Her best bowling was 4/25. Tredrea had an economy rate of 1.87 in ODIs.
She was known for her tight bowling. Tredrea also captained Australia. She helped Australia win the World Cup in 1982. Tredrea is a pioneer in women’s cricket.
10. Marizanne Kapp (South Africa), 32 Wickets
Marizanne Kapp is an all-rounder from South Africa. She has played 22 World Cup matches and taken 32 wickets. Her best bowling figure has been 5/45.
She is also a reliable batter with 3182 ODI runs to her name. Kapp is known for her consistency and fitness. She has represented South Africa in several World Cups. Kapp is one of the best all-rounders in the game.
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Conclusion: Jhulan Goswami Is The Leading Wicket Taker in ICC Women’s World Cup
These bowlers have set big records in the ICC Women’s World Cup with their outstanding performances. But in the coming years, these records could be broken. Bowlers like Sophie Ecclestone, Renuka Singh, and Amelia Kerr are already showing great talent and consistency. With more matches and experience, they have the chance to reach the top of this list.
Women’s cricket is growing fast, and many new stars are making their mark. It will be exciting to see who becomes the next leading wicket-taker.
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