World Cup 2019: Five bowlers who can take most wickets in the tournament

Before the start of the tournament, there was a fear that the batsmen will steal all the limelight and the bowlers will be there to just make the numbers, like they have in the last few years. Pitches in England in particular have proved to be batting paradises as we have witnessed a lot of high-scoring matches in the last 3-4 years.

But the bowlers have made a comeback of sorts and have proved their mettle in World Cup 2019. Even though there haven't been low-scoring matches in the tournament so far, there have been occasions where the target of 250 has proved to be difficult for the chasing side. The bowlers have made a big statement proving that they still have a huge say in ODI cricket.

There have been some impressive performances by the bowlers, especially the fast bowlers. The bowlers are expected to play an even a bigger role in the second half of tournament. The race to become the highest wicket-taker of World Cup 2019 has already tightened up. Here are 5 bowlers who can end up as the highest wicket-takers of the tournament.

Also Check This Out : Most Wickets in World Cup

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#5 Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins

Even though Mitchell Starc is the most talked about fast bowler in the Australian team, Pat Cummins has taken huge strides in ODI cricket in the last couple of years. Cummins has emerged as the leader of the Australian bowling-attack in the absence of Starc in ODIs.

His disciplined bowling and consistency has earned him high accolades. Cummins, who has had his troubles with injuries in the initial part of his career, has already picked up 9 wickets in the tournament and is second in the list of highest wicket-takers. He is a strong contender to finish as the highest wicket-taker.

Also see - IND vs PAK head to head stats

#4 Mohammad Amir

Mohammad Amir

It has been an eventful couple of months for Mohammad Amir. Owing to his dismal performance post Champions Trophy 2017, Amir was left out of Pakistan's provisional World Cup squad. But with the Pakistani pacers proving ineffective in the ODI series against England, the Pakistan selectors called back Amir.

The 27-year-old made a good start to his World Cup campaign picking up three wickets against West Indies. The left-arm quick then picked up two crucial wickets in the game against England to help Pakistan register it's first win of the tournament.

Against Australia, Amir returned with sensational figures of 5 for 30 and helped Pakistan to restrict the rampant Australian batting line-up to 307 runs. With 10 wickets in his kitty, Amir is the leading wicket-taker at the moment and with the kind of form he is in, he can end the tournament the same way.

#3 Jofra Archer

Jofra Archer

The England selectors will be glad that they picked Jofra Archer in England's World Cup squad. Archer, who was initially left out of England's World Cup bound squad, has proved to be the X-factor of England's bowling-attack. The 24-year-old has made a name for himself with some terrific performances in various T20 leagues around the world.

However, Archer was yet to prove himself on the big stage in the ODI format. Till now, Archer has successfully lived up to the expectations. Archer's menacing pace has made life difficult for the opposition batsmen. The Barbadian born speedster has taken 6 wickets in 3 games so far.

He has bowled with an outstanding average of 22.50 and an economy of 5.22, which is quite impressive considering the fact that he bowls in the powerplays and the death overs. Archer will be key to England's chances in the tournament.

#2 Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal's form coming into World Cup 2019 wasn't great. Chahal took one wicket in the only game he played in the series against Australia at home. And with Ravindra Jadeja in the squad, Chahal wasn't the obvious choice for the second spinner's role in the playing XI. However, the Indian team management kept faith in Chahal and the leg-spinner did not disappoint.

Chahal bamboozled the South African middle-order in India's opening game by picking up 4 wickets. He then got the important wickets of David Warner and Glenn Maxwell in the game against Australia. Even though there is a long way to go for India in the tournament, Chahal has emerged as India's premier spinner.

Chahal's ability to pick wickets in the middle overs will be crucial for India in big matches. The 28-year-old is a wicket-taking option for Virat Kohli and is expected to be amongst the leading wicket-takers of the tournament.

#1 Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc hasn't been a regular in Australia's ODI side as the Australian selectors have preserved him for Test cricket. However, it was a no-brainer that Starc was going to make a comeback in the Australian ODI team for the World Cup. He has responded brilliantly and has taken no time in getting into his groove in ODI cricket.

Starc delivered for the Aussies in the close game against West Indies. After getting rid of Chris Gayle with the new ball, Starc took the crucial wickets of Andre Russell, Jason Holder and Carlos Brathwaite to see off West Indies' challenge. He ended the match with a fifer.

The 29-year-old took two important wickets in the tight game against Pakistan and currently got 9 wickets to his name in World Cup 2019. Starc was the player of the tournament and the joint highest wicket-taker of World Cup 2015 and it won't be a surprise if he ends up as the highest wicket-taker this time too.