By Zainab Shafiq 
The 2023 World Cup has been a thrilling spectacle so far, with several bowlers making a significant impact on the tournament. With 14 matches already completed out of a total of 45, it’s time to shine the spotlight on the top bowlers who have excelled and showcased their talent on the grand stage of the World Cup.
So let’s keep an eye on top 5 bowlers of the World Cup 2023 as of 16th September:
Top 5 bowlers of World Cup 2023 so far
Jasprit Bumrah (IND)
- Matches: 3
- Innings: 3
- Balls: 162
- Overs: 27.0
- Maidens: 1
- Runs: 93
- Wickets: 8
- Best Bowling: 4/39
- Average: 11.62
- Economy: 3.44
- Strike Rate: 20.25
- 4-Wicket Hauls: 1
Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian pace sensation, has lived up to his reputation as one of the world’s premier fast bowlers. With his unique and lethal bowling style, he has proven to be a vital asset for the Indian team. In three matches, he has managed to pick up eight wickets, with his best performance coming against Afghanistan, where he recorded figures of 4/39.
Bumrah’s remarkable ability to bowl deadly yorkers and his impeccable accuracy in the death overs have been a nightmare for batsmen. His economic spellbinding has kept the opposition on a tight leash, and he boasts an outstanding average of 11.62 in the tournament.
Mitchell Santner (NZ)
- Matches: 3
- Innings: 3
- Balls: 180
- Overs: 30.0
- Maidens: 1
- Runs: 127
- Wickets: 8
- Best Bowling: 5/59
- Average: 15.87
- Economy: 4.23
- Strike Rate: 22.50
- 5-Wicket Hauls: 1
New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner, a skilled left-arm spinner, has made his presence felt in the World Cup. In three matches, he has taken eight wickets, with his best figures of 5/59 coming against the Netherlands. Santner’s ability to turn the ball both ways and maintain a consistent line and length has been instrumental in his success.
He has been the go-to bowler for New Zealand during crucial middle overs, where he has not only contained the runs but also taken crucial wickets. His economy rate of 4.23, coupled with an average of 15.87, highlights his match-winning capabilities.
Matt Henry (NZ)
- Matches: 3
- Innings: 3
- Balls: 171
- Overs: 28.3
- Maidens: 1
- Runs: 146
- Wickets: 8
- Best Bowling: 3/40
- Average: 18.25
- Economy: 5.12
- Strike Rate: 21.37
Another Kiwi pacer who has made an impact in the tournament is Matt Henry. In three matches, he has managed to pick up eight wickets, with his best performance coming against the Netherlands, where he recorded figures of 3/40.
Henry’s ability to generate pace and extract bounce from the wickets has been a significant asset for New Zealand. While he may not have achieved a 5-wicket haul yet, his consistency in hitting the right areas and providing breakthroughs when needed most has been crucial for his team.
Hasan Ali (PAK)
- Matches: 3
- Innings: 3
- Balls: 138
- Overs: 23.0
- Maidens: 1
- Runs: 138
- Wickets: 7
- Best Bowling: 4/71
- Average: 19.71
- Economy: 6.00
- Strike Rate: 19.71
- 4-Wicket Hauls: 1
Pakistan’s Hasan Ali, known for his exuberant celebrations and knack for taking wickets, has been a standout performer. In three matches, he has picked up seven wickets, with his best figures of 4/71 coming against Sri Lanka.
Hasan Ali’s ability to swing the ball and generate seam movement in helpful conditions has troubled the opposition. His passion for the game and his uncanny ability to break partnerships have made him a key asset for Pakistan. With an average of 19.71, he has shown his ability to strike when it matters the most.
Kagiso Rabada (SA)
- Matches: 2
- Innings: 2
- Balls: 95
- Overs: 15.5
- Maidens: 1
- Runs: 83
- Wickets: 5
- Best Bowling: 3/33
- Average: 16.60
- Economy: 5.24
- Strike Rate: 19.00
South African speedster Kagiso Rabada has been a potent force with the ball in the World Cup. In two matches, he has taken five wickets, with his best performance of 3/33 coming against Australia. Rabada’s express pace and the ability to extract bounce from the pitches have been a nightmare for batsmen.
While he has not played as many matches as some of the others on this list, his impact has been noteworthy, and his ability to deliver crucial wickets at key moments has been crucial for South Africa.
These top bowlers have set the stage on fire with their remarkable performances in the 2023 World Cup. As the tournament progresses, cricket fans can look forward to more scintillating displays of bowling excellence from these and other talented cricketers.