Over the years, the ICC Champions Trophy has witnessed some of the greatest bowlers delivering match-winning performances on the big stage.
From devastating pace attacks to masterful spin spells, these bowlers have shaped the tournament’s history.
Here’s a look at the top five wicket takers in its history, their standout performances, and their impact on the competition.
1. Kyle Mills (New Zealand) – 28 wickets
The underrated yet highly effective New Zealand seamer Kyle Mills stands as the leading wicket-taker in Champions Trophy history, with 28 wickets in 15 matches (2002-2013).
He was a consistent performer for the Black Caps, excelling in swing-friendly conditions.
Memorable Spell: Mills’ 3/69 against Sri Lanka in the 2009 edition remains one of his standout performances. His ability to extract movement off the pitch made him a threat against top-order batters.
Tournament History:
- 2009: Instrumental in New Zealand’s runners-up finish, taking 9 wickets in the tournament.
- 2013: Finished his Champions Trophy career with another solid outing, maintaining an economy of 4.29.
2. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) – 25 wickets
Renowned for his unplayable sling-arm action, Malinga was a key figure in Sri Lanka’s Champions Trophy campaigns.
His lethal yorkers and slower balls made him one of the most feared bowlers in the tournament.
Memorable Spell: His 2/58 against England in the 2013 edition showcased his ability to destroy batting lineups as Sri Lanka comfortably chased England’s 293 total.
Tournament History:
- 2006-2017: Played in four editions, consistently finishing among Sri Lanka’s top wicket-takers.
- 2017: Ended his Champions Trophy career with 25 wickets in 16 matches, an economy of 5.31, and a best bowling average of 30.64.
3. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) – 24 wickets
One of the greatest spinners in cricket history, Muttiah Muralitharan played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s success in multiple editions of the Champions Trophy.
His ability to bowl tight lines and deceive batters made him a nightmare for opposition teams.
Memorable Spell: His 4/15 against the Netherlands in 2002 was a masterclass in spin bowling, where he completely dismantled the batting lineup.
Tournament History:
- 1998-2009: Featured in five editions, playing 15 matches and finishing with 24 wickets at an economy of 3.60—the best among the top five bowlers.
- 2002: Helped Sri Lanka reach the final before the trophy was shared with India due to rain.
4. Brett Lee (Australia) – 22 wickets
One of the fastest bowlers the game has seen, Brett Lee was a force to reckon with in the Champions Trophy.
His aggressive pace and pinpoint accuracy made him a match-winner for Australia.
Memorable Spell: Lee’s 2/45 against New Zealand in the 2009 final saw Australia cap off a fantastic team performance for their victory. His raw pace and ability to strike early made the difference.
Tournament History:
- 2006: Played a vital role in Australia’s first Champions Trophy win.
- 2009: Continued his dominance, finishing his Champions Trophy career with 22 wickets in 15 matches.
5. Glenn McGrath (Australia) – 21 wickets
A master of line and length, Glenn McGrath was a key figure in Australia’s Champions Trophy success.
His ability to apply pressure and extract movement from any surface made him an invaluable asset.
Memorable Spell: His 5/37 against New Zealand in the 2002 edition remains one of the best spells in tournament history.
Tournament History:
- 2000-2006: Played in three editions, picking up 21 wickets in just 12 matches.
- 2006: Led Australia’s pace attack as they clinched their maiden Champions Trophy title.
The Rest of the List:
- James Anderson (England) – 21 wickets (2006-2013)
- Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – 20 wickets (1998-2009)
- Mervyn Dillon (West Indies) – 19 wickets (1998-2004)
- Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka) – 18 wickets (1998-2006)
- Daniel Vettori (New Zealand) – 18 wickets (1998-2013)
With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon, can a new bowler rise to claim the top spot on this prestigious list? Stay tuned for more updates.
