T20 WC: Mitchell Starc becomes most-prolific wicket-taker in World Cups, goes past Sri Lankan legend in tally

Multi-time World Cup winner with Australia, seamer Mitchell Starc has now become the most-prolific wicket-taker in the 50-over and 20-over World Cups combined, achieving the feat against Bangladesh during the side's Super 8 tie in the 2024 T20 WC in the Caribbean on Friday (June 21). Starc bowled Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan for a second-ball duck to pick his 95th wicket across both competitions, surpassing Sri Lanka veteran Lasith Malinga (94) on this elite list.

WATCH VIDEO -

Australia began their Super 8 journey with a 28-run win over Bangladesh in a rain-hit match in Antigua. Starc’s early breakthrough in the first over saw him becoming the most successful bowler in the World Cups, topping some of the biggest names, including modern-day greats like Trent Boult (87), Shakib Al Hasan (92*) and Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan (79).

The left-arm quick achieved this feat in his 52nd World Cup game, having first played 12 years ago during the 2012 T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka. While Ireland’s Paul Stirling was his first WC wicket, Hasan becomes his 95th.

Beginning with picking ten wickets in that tournament, Starc became the powerhouse of seam bowling in ICC tournaments, mainly in the 50 and 20-over World Cups. In the 2015 edition, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, Starc made headlines for his incredible figures (6/28) against the Kiwis during a Group game in Auckland.

Later, he won the biggest battle of the tournament by dismissing NZ captain Brendon McCullum off a searing Yorker in the final, denting the Blackcaps’ momentum as Australia made the most of it and won the title. He finished the showpiece event with 22 wickets, joint-most alongside Trent Boult.

Four years later, in England, during the 2019 edition, where the hosts knocked out Australia in the semis, Starc returned with 27 wickets – the most by any bowler ever. The highlight of that tournament was his unplayable yorker to Ben Stokes during one of the Group matches.

Meanwhile, Starc was instrumental in helping Australia win their maiden T20 World Cup in 2021 (held in the UAE), picking nine wickets from seven matches. Two years later, his performance at the 2023 World Cup, wherein he returned with 16 wickets, helped Australia win the 50-over WC for the record sixth time.

His contribution in all eight World Cups (three 50-over and five 20-over) keeps him head and shoulders ahead of everyone in terms of numbers, performance and impact.

Besides, with Australia set to play Afghanistan and India in the remaining Super 8 matches, Starc has a chance to reachtripledigits.

(With inputs from agencies)