Table of Contents
Trent Boult, the renowned New Zealand fast bowler, achieved a historic milestone during Match 41 of the ODI World Cup 2023 against Sri Lanka, held at Chennai’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium. His exceptional performance in the game secured him a remarkable 3-wicket haul while conceding only 37 runs in his full quota of 10 overs, which included 3 maiden overs.
Trent Boult surpasses Chaminda Vaas to claim his place in history
With this standout performance, Boult became the first New Zealand bowler to reach the illustrious mark of 50 wickets in the World Cup. This achievement has propelled him to the sixth spot on the all-time list, surpassing the legendary Sri Lankan bowler Chaminda Vaas.
A mixed campaign for Boult in the 2023 World Cup
Despite this significant achievement, Boult has had a somewhat mixed World Cup campaign in 2023. With 13 wickets to his name, he has been a vital asset for the New Zealand side. However, his performance has come at the cost of conceding 411 runs at an average of over 31 runs per match in the nine games he has played during this tournament.
Boult’s landmark moment
Boult reached the 50-wicket milestone during the match against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru, where he claimed the crucial wicket of Sri Lanka’s stand-in skipper, Kusal Mendis, in the very first ball of the fifth over. This achievement has further solidified his reputation as one of the world’s premier fast bowlers.
Boult joins the elite fast bowling club
Furthermore, Boult’s achievement places him in exclusive company as the third-fastest bowler to reach the 50-wicket mark in World Cup history. He accomplished this remarkable feat in just 28 innings, trailing only behind Mitchell Starc and Lasith Malinga, who reached the milestone in 19 and 25 innings, respectively.
Also READ: CWC 2023 – Netizens spark meme fest as uncertainty rises over Pakistan’s semi-final chances after New Zealand restrict Sri Lanka to 171-run total
Fastest to 50 wickets in World Cups (innings taken):
19 innings – Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc, the Australian fast bowling sensation, achieved the milestone of 50 wickets in just 19 innings. He is at the top when it comes to this significant wicket-taking achievement. Overall, Starc is at the third spot with 59 wickets from 26 innings.
25 innings – Lasith Malinga
Lasith Malinga, the legendary Sri Lankan fast bowler, reached 50 wickets in 25 innings. In his case, it took him 25 World Cup matches to accumulate 50 wickets. Overall, Malinga picked up 56 scalps in 28 innings.
28 innings – Trent Boult
Boult, as mentioned above, reached this milestone in 28 innings. Overall, he is at the sixth place and has taken 52 wickets in the World Cup so far.
30 innings – Glenn McGrath
Glenn McGrath, the iconic Australian fast bowler, reached the feat in 30 innings. This is a testament to his consistency and effectiveness in World Cup competitions. Overall, he is at the top with 71 scalps in World Cups from 39 innings.
30 innings – Muttiah Muralitharan
Muttiah Muralitharan, one of the greatest spin bowlers in cricket history, also took 30 innings to reach 50 wickets in the World Cup. His achievement is remarkable given that he was primarily a spin bowler, unlike the fast bowlers listed above. Overall, Murali sits at the second spot in the list of bowlers with most wickets (68).
33 innings – Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram, the legendary Pakistani fast bowler, reached 50 wickets in 33 innings. Akram’s accomplishment highlights his exceptional skill as a fast bowler in the Cricket World Cup. Overall, Akram took 55 scalps in World Cups in 36 innings.
