India’s leading wicket-takers against Pakistan in ODI World Cups ft. Anil Kumble

As the world gears up for one of the biggest cricketing contests that will be upon us in less than 24 hours, a lot of focus is on the stats that define an India vs Pakistan World Cup match. From the top-scorers to the highest knocks, from the top-wicket takers to the best bowling spells, if one decides to take a closer look at the numbers, the bowlers would be playing a significant role.

Whenever we talk about India vs Pakistan, despite the flurry of runs deluging the rivalry, the bowlers have been a crucial part of this match-up. From defending low totals to scripting monumental victories, India have had their fair shares of bowlers who have sparked significant difference to impart a 7-0 cushion to the Men in Blue in head-to-head contests. Here is a glance at India’s top three wicket-takers against Pakistan in ODI World Cups.

1.    Vemkatesh Prasad – 8 wickets

The lanky fast bowler has crafted quite a few significant moments against Pakistan. From showing Aamir Sohail where the pavilion is to registering a fifer against Pakistan in the World Cup, Prasad aces the list of the top wicket-takers against India’s arch-rivals in the quadrennial extravaganza with eight scalps. He has claimed them at an economy rate of 3.69 and an average of nine. His best figures arrived at Old Trafford in 1999 where he registered 5/27.

2.    Javagal Srinath – 7 wickets

One of the finest pacers to have been produced by India, Javagal Srinath is next in line with seven wickets against Pakistan from the four games that he has played in ODI World Cups. He has registered those scalps at an economy rate of 5.00. He claimed his best against Pakistan in the same match-up where Prasad claimed a fifer, registering numbers of 3/37.

3.    Anil Kumble – 5 wickets

Kumble is the solitary spinner in the top three wicket-takers for India against Pakistan in the ODI World Cups, registering five wickets at an economy rate of 4.73. He has played three games against Pakistan between two World Cups that happened in 1996 and 2003. His best figures of 3/48 came at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in 1996.