The Champions Trophy 2025 is right around the corner scheduled to be held in Pakistan and the UAE. As the teams gear up for the action-packed contest to determine the winner of the coveted ICC tournament, the cricketing world is prepared to see an intense contest between the batters and the bowlers.
High-octane contest expected in Champions Trophy 2025
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to commence on February 19, featuring eight top cricketing nations divided into two groups. Group A comprises India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B includes Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa.
The tournament will kick off with hosts Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi. The group stage will conclude on March 2, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The final is scheduled for March 9 in Lahore; however, if India qualifies, the venue will shift to Dubai. Over the years, the Champions Trophy has been the stage for some of the most scenic and lethal bowling against quality batting units. In light of the bowlers’ emphatic performances, here is the list of the top five highest wicket-takers in Champions Trophy history.
Top 5 highest wicket-takers in Champions Trophy history
(5) Glenn McGrath:
- Matches: 12
- Wickets: 21
- Economy: 4.03
- Best Bowling Performance: 5/37
Known for his lethal pace and consistency with the ball, Glenn McGrath was feared amongst the batters as one of the most consequential bowlers of his generation. His record in the Champions Trophy is no different. The Australian pace maestro played 12 Champions Trophy matches and had 21 wickets to his name during his career. He also managed to clinch a maiden fifer in the tournament against New Zealand during the 2002 event.
(4) Brett Lee
- Matches: 16
- Wickets: 22
- Economy: 4.79
- Best Bowling Performance: 3/38
Another Australian pacer known for his pace and lethal deliveries, Brett Lee shined with several stellar performances in the coveted ICC tournament. The Australian bowler played 16 matches in the Champions Trophy and took 22 wickets in the prestigious tournament. The most memorable performance from Lee came against New Zealand where he took 3 wickets and gave away 38 runs in his 10-over spell during the 2002 edition of the tournament.
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(3) Muttiah Muralitharan
- Matches: 17
- Wickets: 24
- Economy: 3.60
- Best Bowling Performance: 4/15
A legend of the game, and the highest wicket-taker in the history of the sport, Muttiah Muralitharan’s record in the Champions Trophy is remarkable, much like his career. The Sri Lankan off-spinner played 17 matches in the tournament and sent 24 batters back to the pavilion. His best bowling figures in the Champions Trophy came against the Netherlands, where he took 4 wickets for just 15 runs in the 10-over spell. Muralitharan’s impressive performance came during the Champions Trophy 2002 hosted by Sri Lanka.
(2) Lasith Malinga
- Matches: 16
- Wickets: 25
- Economy: 5.31
- Best Bowling Performance: 4/34
Sri Lanka’s pace sensation outperformed all odds and held a remarkable record in the Champions Trophy during his career. Lasith Malinga played 16 matches in the tournament and clinched 25 wickets, making him the 2nd highest wicket-taker in the coveted ICC event. His best performance in the prestigious tournament came against New Zealand during the 2013 edition of the tournament where he took 4 wickets for just 34 runs and made a stellar impact in the match.
(1) Kyle Mills
- Matches: 15
- Wickets: 28
- Economy: 4.29
- Best Bowling Performance: 4/30
Kyle Mills is renowned as the highest wicket-taker in Champions Trophy history. The New Zealand pacer has managed to take 28 wickets in 15 matches that he has played during his career. A brilliant performance from Mills came against England during the 2014 edition of the tournament where he took 4 wickets for just 30 runs in his 10-over spell.
