Best World Cup XI of all time

Fast Bowlers

Wasim Akram of Pakistan celebrates the wicket of Matthew Hayden of Australia

Wasim Akram (Pakistan)

The Sultan of Swing, Wasim Akram, has been one of the fiercest bowlers in the history of cricket. With sharp swinging skills, Wasim Akram calls for a bowler who never bowed down to the opposition. Having mastered the art of bowling, Akram was the central figure of the Pakistan winning team in 1992 World Cup.

Having featured in 38 matches for Pakistan at World Cups, Akram has scalped 55 wickets at an average of 23.83 and an economy of 4.04 with the best bowling figures being 5 for 28.

Zaheer Khan (India)

Zaheer Khan, being called as Sachin Tendulkar of Indian bowling was, without a doubt, one of the biggest assets of Indian cricket. A country that starved of fast-bowling talent for a long time, welcomed Zaheer Khan as their messiah. Zaheer finished as one of the prominent new-ball bowlers of all time who mastered the art of reverse-swing.

Having represented India in 23 World Cup matches, Zaheer scalped 44 wickets at an average of 20.22 and an economy of 4.77 with the best bowling figures being 4 for 42.

Glenn McGrath (Australia)

With a career spanning over 14 years, Glenn McGrath boasted to be one of the best bowlers in the league of cricket. McGrath's USP was his metronome accuracy: orderly lines and lengths boringly heaved in a never-ending loop outside off until either the batsman's technique or his character allowed.

McGrath featured in 39 World Cup games for Australia and scalped 71 wickets at an astounding average of 18.19 and an economy of 3.96 with the best bowling figures being 7 for 15. Thus far, with 71 wickets, Glenn McGrath is highest wicket-taker in the history of World Cups.