Highest Wicket-Taking Bowlers in ICC Champions Trophy History (1998-2025)

The ICC Champions Trophy is one of the most prestigious One-Day International (ODI) tournaments in cricket, often referred to as the Mini World Cup. First introduced in 1998 in Bangladesh, the tournament has showcased some of the finest cricketing talents in the world. While the Champions Trophy has been known for thrilling contests and high-scoring matches, it has also witnessed some exceptional bowling performances over the years.

Bowlers play a crucial role in determining the fate of a match, and several legends of the game have left an indelible mark on the tournament with their ability to take wickets at crucial moments. This article provides a detailed analysis of the highest wicket-taking bowlers in ICC Champions Trophy history, covering the period from 1998 to 2025.

Highest Wicket-Taking Bowlers in ICC Champions Trophy History (1998-2025)

Player Name	Team	Matches Played	Wickets Taken
Kyle Mills	New Zealand	15	28
Lasith Malinga	Sri Lanka	16	25
Muttiah Muralitharan	Sri Lanka	17	24
Brett Lee	Australia	16	22
Glenn McGrath	Australia	12	21
James Anderson	England	12	21
Jacques Kallis	South Africa	17	20
Mervin Dillon	West Indies	7	19
Chaminda Vaas	Sri Lanka	16	18
Daniel Vettori	New Zealand	17	18

Analysis of Top Bowlers in ICC Champions Trophy

1. Kyle Mills (New Zealand) – 28 Wickets

Kyle Mills, one of New Zealand’s finest ODI bowlers, holds the record for the highest number of wickets in ICC Champions Trophy history. Playing 15 matches, Mills picked up 28 wickets, making him a lethal force in New Zealand’s bowling attack. His ability to extract swing, coupled with pinpoint accuracy, made him a nightmare for batsmen. His performances were instrumental in helping New Zealand reach the final in 2009.

2. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) – 25 Wickets

The Sri Lankan speedster, Lasith Malinga, known for his unique sling-arm action and devastating yorkers, secured 25 wickets in 16 matches. His ability to bowl in death overs and pick crucial wickets made him one of the most feared bowlers in the tournament. Malinga’s standout performance came during the 2013 edition, where he played a key role in Sri Lanka’s campaign.

3. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) – 24 Wickets

Sri Lanka’s legendary off-spinner, Muttiah Muralitharan, picked up 24 wickets in 17 matches. His unorthodox bowling style and immense spin variation troubled batsmen across all conditions. Muralitharan was particularly effective in middle overs, restricting runs and forcing errors from the opposition.

4. Brett Lee (Australia) – 22 Wickets

Brett Lee, one of the fastest bowlers in cricket history, was a major asset for Australia in ICC tournaments. He claimed 22 wickets in 16 matches, using his raw pace and aggressive approach to trouble batsmen. Lee was an essential part of the 2006 and 2009 winning squads, delivering match-winning performances in critical moments.

5. Glenn McGrath (Australia) – 21 Wickets

McGrath, renowned for his precise line and length, took 21 wickets in just 12 matches, proving his class in limited-overs cricket. His ability to control the flow of runs and create pressure often led to crucial breakthroughs for Australia. His performances were pivotal in Australia’s dominance in the early 2000s.

6. James Anderson (England) – 21 Wickets

England’s swing king, James Anderson, took 21 wickets in 12 matches, making him one of the most effective bowlers in Champions Trophy history. Anderson’s ability to exploit English conditions, especially during the 2013 edition, helped England reach the final.

7. Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – 20 Wickets

Apart from being a world-class batsman, Jacques Kallis was a fantastic bowler. He took 20 wickets in 17 matches, contributing significantly to South Africa’s bowling attack. His versatility as an all-rounder made him invaluable in crucial games.

8. Mervin Dillon (West Indies) – 19 Wickets

Mervin Dillon played a crucial role in West Indies’ 2004 ICC Champions Trophy-winning campaign. In just 7 matches, he picked up 19 wickets, showcasing his ability to bowl with pace and bounce. His contributions were essential in securing West Indies’ only Champions Trophy title.

9. Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka) – 18 Wickets

Chaminda Vaas, known for his accuracy and ability to swing the ball both ways, secured 18 wickets in 16 matches. His early breakthroughs in powerplays often put Sri Lanka in a commanding position.

10. Daniel Vettori (New Zealand) – 18 Wickets

New Zealand’s legendary spinner, Daniel Vettori, claimed 18 wickets in 17 matches. His variations in flight and pace, coupled with his tactical bowling approach, made him a valuable asset in the tournament.