Cricket, often celebrated as a gentleman’s game, has seen a remarkable rise in women’s participation and achievement over the past few decades. Among all formats, the Women’s Cricket World Cup has stood as the ultimate stage for showcasing talent, grit, and excellence. While batters have often stolen the spotlight, bowlers have consistently proven that they are the backbone of championship-winning teams. From blistering pace attacks to mesmerizing spin spells, several women bowlers have etched their names into history by taking the most wickets in Women’s World Cup tournaments.
This article celebrates the journey of those elite performers — the women who have dominated batters, led their sides to glory, and set benchmarks that inspire the next generation. Let’s dive deep into the record-breaking bowlers with the most wickets in Women’s World Cup history, along with their contributions, statistics, and legacy.
Players with Most Wickets in Women’s World Cup History
| Player | Mat | Inns | Wkts | BBI | Ave | Econ | SR |
| J Goswami (IND-W) | 34 | 34 | 43 | 4/16 | 21.74 | 3.45 | 37.74 |
| LA Fullston (AUS-W) | 20 | 20 | 39 | 5/27 | 11.94 | 2.22 | 32.17 |
| M Kapp (SA-W) | 29 | 27 | 39 | 5/45 | 22.97 | 4.44 | 31.00 |
| M Schutt (AUS-W) | 28 | 28 | 39 | 4/30 | 25.53 | 4.44 | 34.46 |
| CA Hodges (ENG-W) | 24 | 24 | 37 | 4/3 | 14.86 | 2.35 | 37.91 |
| CE Taylor (ENG-W) | 26 | 25 | 36 | 4/13 | 13.94 | 2.10 | 39.80 |
| LMM Tahuhu (NZ-W) | 24 | 24 | 36 | 4/7 | 20.88 | 4.35 | 28.77 |
| S Ismail (SA-W) | 28 | 28 | 36 | 4/34 | 23.72 | 4.33 | 32.83 |
| A Shrubsole (ENG-W) | 22 | 22 | 34 | 6/46 | 20.35 | 4.21 | 29.00 |
| S Ecclestone (ENG-W) | 15 | 15 | 33 | 6/36 | 15.51 | 3.88 | 23.93 |
| CL Fitzpatrick (AUS-W) | 25 | 25 | 33 | 3/18 | 18.90 | 2.75 | 41.15 |
| SA Tredrea (AUS-W) | 28 | 28 | 32 | 4/25 | 14.93 | 1.87 | 47.78 |
| DF Edulji (IND-W) | 22 | 22 | 31 | 4/12 | 14.51 | 2.02 | 43.00 |
| EA Perry (AUS-W) | 24 | 24 | 31 | 3/19 | 25.45 | 4.35 | 35.06 |
| P Rau (IND-W) | 19 | 19 | 30 | 4/26 | 12.83 | 2.86 | 26.90 |
| N David (IND-W) | 21 | 20 | 30 | 5/32 | 15.10 | 2.88 | 31.40 |
| LC Sthalekar (AUS-W) | 21 | 21 | 30 | 3/27 | 15.10 | 3.15 | 34.46 |
| K Smithies (ENG-W) | 24 | 24 | 30 | 3/6 | 15.40 | 2.50 | 36.93 |
| CA Campbell (NZ-W) | 21 | 21 | 29 | 3/25 | 25.52 | 2.74 | 58.24 |
| DB Sharma (IND-W) | 24 | 21 | 29 | 4/51 | 29.93 | 4.49 | 36.10 |
1. Jhulan Goswami (India) – 43 Wickets
When we talk about bowling excellence in women’s cricket, Jhulan Goswami stands tall as one of the greatest fast bowlers the game has ever seen. Representing India from 2005 to 2022, Goswami’s ability to swing the ball both ways with precision made her a nightmare for top batters. Across 34 matches, she took 43 wickets at an impressive average of 21.74, with a best of 4/16.
Known for her consistency and discipline, Goswami led India’s attack in multiple World Cups, guiding the team to two finals (2005 and 2017). Her control with the new ball and knack for breaking partnerships at crucial moments make her the highest wicket-taker in Women’s World Cup history.
Key Stats:
- Matches: 34
- Wickets: 43
- Average: 21.74
- Economy: 3.45
- Best Bowling: 4/16
2. Lyn Fullston (Australia) – 39 Wickets
A name from the early era of women’s cricket, Lyn Fullston was a trailblazer for Australian bowling. Playing between 1982 and 1988, Fullston’s all-round skills and left-arm spin made her a dominant force in the 1980s. She took 39 wickets in just 20 matches, averaging a stunning 11.94 — one of the best in tournament history.
Her best figures of 5/27 reflect her ability to destroy batting lineups single-handedly. Fullston’s contributions played a vital role in Australia’s early dominance in women’s cricket, setting the stage for future legends.
Key Stats:
- Matches: 20
- Wickets: 39
- Average: 11.94
- Economy: 2.32
- Best Bowling: 5/27
3. Marizanne Kapp (South Africa) – 39 Wickets
One of modern cricket’s most complete all-rounders, Marizanne Kapp of South Africa has been a consistent match-winner since 2009. With 39 wickets in 29 matches, she combines pace, aggression, and control, making her one of the most feared bowlers in the modern game.
Kapp’s best of 5/45 highlights her ability to deliver under pressure. Her performances have been instrumental in South Africa’s rise as a competitive team in recent years, showing exceptional leadership and match awareness.
Key Stats:
- Matches: 29
- Wickets: 39
- Average: 22.97
- Economy: 4.44
- Best Bowling: 5/45
4. Megan Schutt (Australia) – 39 Wickets
A vital cog in Australia’s golden era of women’s cricket, Megan Schutt is known for her deadly inswingers and wicket-taking ability with the new ball. Since her World Cup debut in 2013, she has taken 39 wickets in 28 matches, including a best of 4/30.
Schutt’s ability to strike early and contain runs in the death overs has made her one of the most dependable bowlers for Australia. Her consistent performances across multiple tournaments helped Australia maintain their world dominance.
Key Stats:
- Matches: 28
- Wickets: 39
- Average: 25.53
- Economy: 4.44
- Best Bowling: 4/30
5. Clare Hodges (England) – 37 Wickets
Clare Hodges, representing England between 1982 and 1993, remains one of the pioneers of English women’s bowling. She picked up 37 wickets in 24 matches, maintaining a remarkable consistency with an economy of 3.57.
Her best figures of 5/35 and match-winning spells often guided England to critical victories during the 1980s. Hodges’ legacy lies in her control and ability to bowl long spells effectively.
Key Stats:
- Matches: 24
- Wickets: 37
- Average: 14.86
- Economy: 3.57
- Best Bowling: 5/35
6. Carole Taylor (England) – 36 Wickets
From the earlier decades of women’s cricket, Carole Taylor was one of the first English bowlers to dominate the World Cup scene. Between 1988 and 2005, Taylor grabbed 36 wickets in 26 matches, boasting excellent control and movement off the pitch.
Her best of 4/13 shows her destructive ability when conditions suited her swing bowling. Taylor’s contributions played a vital role in England’s consistent World Cup presence.
Key Stats:
- Matches: 26
- Wickets: 36
- Average: 13.94
- Economy: 2.10
- Best Bowling: 4/13
7. Lea Tahuhu (New Zealand) – 36 Wickets
New Zealand’s fiery pacer Lea Tahuhu has been a vital weapon for the White Ferns since 2013. With 36 wickets in 24 matches, she is known for her raw pace and aggressive bowling style that unsettles batters early on.
Her best figures of 4/27 showcase her ability to break partnerships and dominate top-order batters. Tahuhu’s pace bowling remains among the best in women’s cricket today.
Key Stats:
- Matches: 24
- Wickets: 36
- Average: 20.88
- Economy: 4.35
- Best Bowling: 4/27
8. Shabnim Ismail (South Africa) – 36 Wickets
Known as the “Queen of Pace,” Shabnim Ismail has terrorized batters with her express speed since 2009. With 36 wickets in 24 matches, Ismail’s aggression and accuracy have made her one of South Africa’s most celebrated bowlers.
Her ability to bowl above 120 km/h and consistently take wickets in powerplays has made her invaluable. Her best spell of 4/41 remains one of the most electrifying in Women’s World Cup history.
Key Stats:
- Matches: 24
- Wickets: 36
- Average: 23.72
- Economy: 4.32
- Best Bowling: 4/41
9. Anya Shrubsole (England) – 34 Wickets
England’s 2017 World Cup hero, Anya Shrubsole, is remembered for her magical swing bowling spell in the final against India. Over her World Cup career (2009–2022), she took 34 wickets in 22 matches, with best figures of 6/46.
Shrubsole’s natural inswing and ability to strike in crucial moments made her one of England’s most successful bowlers in major tournaments. Her calm under pressure was unmatched.
Key Stats:
- Matches: 22
- Wickets: 34
- Average: 20.35
- Economy: 4.21
- Best Bowling: 6/46
10. Sophie Ecclestone (England) – 33 Wickets
The youngest name among the elite, Sophie Ecclestone, has already made her mark as one of the best spinners in modern cricket. With 33 wickets in 15 matches, her average of 15.51 and economy of 3.88 speak volumes about her control and effectiveness.
Her best spell of 6/36 stands as one of the most dominant spin performances in recent World Cup history. Ecclestone continues to redefine spin bowling in women’s cricket with consistency and variation.
Key Stats:
- Matches: 15
- Wickets: 33
- Average: 15.51
- Economy: 3.88
- Best Bowling: 6/36
Evolution of Bowling in Women’s World Cup History
The 1970s and 1980s – The Spin Era
The early Women’s World Cups were ruled by spinners like Lyn Fullston and SA Tredrea, who exploited the slower pitches to perfection. Economy rates were remarkably low, often below 3 runs per over, reflecting disciplined and strategic bowling.
The 1990s – Rise of Seamers
The 1990s saw the emergence of pace bowlers like Clare Taylor and Catherine Fitzpatrick, who brought a new dimension to the game. Their ability to extract bounce and seam movement laid the foundation for modern-day fast bowling.
The 2000s and Beyond – The All-Rounder Era
This period witnessed the rise of complete cricketers like Jhulan Goswami, Ellyse Perry, and Marizanne Kapp, who contributed with both bat and ball. Their versatility made teams more balanced and competitive.
The Modern Era – Data-Driven Bowling
Today’s bowlers, like Sophie Ecclestone and Megan Schutt, combine traditional skills with analytical insights. They use match data, pitch reports, and opponent weaknesses to strategize every over — making bowling a science as much as an art.
India’s Contribution to Women’s World Cup Bowling
India has produced some of the finest bowlers in women’s cricket — from Diana Edulji’s left-arm spin to Jhulan Goswami’s fierce pace. Over the years, bowlers like Poonam Yadav, Deepti Sharma, and Rajeshwari Gayakwad have carried forward this rich legacy.
The consistent presence of Indian names among the top wicket-takers showcases the country’s evolution from underdogs to global contenders in women’s cricket.
Top Bowling Performances in Women’s World Cup History
- Alana King – 7/18 vs South Africa, 2025
- Jackie Lord – 6/10 vs India, 1982
- Glenys Page – 6/20 vs Trinidad & Tobago, 1973
- Anya Shrubsole (ENG) – 6/46 vs India, 2017 Final
- Sophie Ecclestone (ENG) – 6/36 vs Pakistan, 2022
- Lyn Fullston (AUS) – 5/27 vs England, 1982
- N David (IND) – 5/20 vs Sri Lanka, 2005
- Jhulan Goswami (IND) – 4/16 vs West Indies, 2013
These performances are etched in cricketing history, not just for their numbers but for the impact they had on high-pressure matches.
Statistical Overview
| Category | Record | Holder |
| Most Wickets Overall | 43 | Jhulan Goswami |
| Best Bowling Figures | 7/18 | Alana King |
| Best Average | 11.94 | Lyn Fullston |
| Best Economy Rate | 1.87 | SA Tredrea |
| Most 5-Wicket Hauls | 2 | Lyn Fullston |
| Most Matches Played | 34 | Jhulan Goswami |
Final Words
The journey of Women’s World Cup bowling is a tribute to decades of hard work, talent, and evolution. From the disciplined spinners of the past to the power-packed pacers of today, every bowler has played a vital role in making the tournament a global spectacle.
As the game grows, emerging talents like Sophie Ecclestone and Renuka Singh promise to carry forward this incredible legacy. But for now, the record books salute Jhulan Goswami, the undisputed queen of World Cup bowling, whose name will forever be etched in golden letters in cricket history.
FAQs
Who has the most wickets in Women’s World Cup history?
Jhulan Goswami (India) holds the record with 43 wickets between 2005 and 2022.
Which bowler has the best bowling figures in a Women’s World Cup match?
Alana King – 7/18 vs South Africa, 2025.
Who is the highest wicket-taker among spinners?
Sophie Ecclestone (England) leads among active spinners with 33 wickets in just 15 matches.
How many Indian bowlers are among the top 20 in Women’s World Cup history?
Five Indian bowlers – Jhulan Goswami, Diana Edulji, Poonam Rau, Neetu David, and Deepti Sharma – are among the top 20.
Which country has produced the most top wicket-takers in Women’s World Cups?
Australia dominates the list with multiple names, including Lyn Fullston, Megan Schutt, and Ellyse Perry.
Who could break Jhulan Goswami’s record in the future?
Sophie Ecclestone and Megan Schutt are currently the most likely contenders to surpass her record.
Which bowler has the best average in World Cup history?
Lyn Fullston (Australia) with an outstanding average of 11.94.
How has bowling evolved in women’s cricket?
Bowling has become more aggressive and data-driven, blending pace, spin, and strategic match planning for better results.
Related Blog: Most Runs in Women’s World Cup History
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