Cricket World Cup 2015: Ranking Top 15 Bowlers of Group Stage so Far
There have been plenty of dominant batsmen in the Cricket World Cup so far, but the bowlers have also had their fair share of success, too.
Both spinners and seamers have made an impact on the pitches of Australia and New Zealand, even at this relatively early stage of the competition.
Read on for the top 15 bowlers of the group stage so far.
15. Mohammed Shami (India)
1 of 15
2 matches; 6 wickets; 10.83 bowling average; 17.0 strike rate; 4-35 BBI
In at No. 15 comes Mohammed Shami of India, who has looked decent with the ball so far in just two matches.
His best effort came against Pakistan, when he took four for 35 in India’s win.
14. Corey Anderson (New Zealand)
2 of 15
4 matches; 6 wickets; 8.33 bowling average; 10.5 strike rate; 3-18 BBI
The first New Zealander to make our list is Corey Anderson, who has taken six wickets in just 10.3 overs.
He has been overshadowed by some of his team-mates, but he has definitely played a good role for the Black Caps.
13. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)
3 of 15
4 matches; 7 wickets; 31.85 bowling average; 33.1 strike rate; 3-35 BBI
With his slingy action generating a lot of bounce, Lasith Malinga was always going to be a factor in this tournament.
The Sri Lankan has looked in good touch so far, although he will want to get his average down.
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12. Tendai Chatara (Zimbabwe)
4 of 15
4 matches; 7 wickets; 31.71 bowling average; 34.0 strike rate; 3-35 BBI
Leading the way for Zimbabwe is Tendai Chatara, who has taken seven wickets and looked pretty good so far.
His team may be overmatched by a number of opponents, but Chatara has held strong and led their bowling attack well.
11. Suranga Lakmal (Sri Lanka)
5 of 15
4 matches; 7 wickets; 31.14 bowling average; 30.5 strike rate; 2-36 BBI
Another Sri Lankan to impress so far is Suranga Lakmal, who has seven wickets in four matches.
He will also be keen to get his bowling average down, although there will be plenty of chances to do just that.
10. Shapoor Zadran (Afghanistan)
6 of 15
3 matches; 7 wickets; 15.14 bowling average; 23.1 strike rate; 4-38 BBI
Impressing for Afghanistan is Shapoor Zadran, who has taken seven wickets at the exceptional bowling average of 15.14.
His best of four for 38 came against Scotland, as the Afghans won their first ever World Cup match.
9. Steven Finn (England)
7 of 15
4 matches; 8 wickets; 25.00 bowling average; 21.7 strike rate; 5-71 BBI
England have had a difficult tournament so far, but seamer Steven Finn has looked in decent touch with eight wickets in four games.
His best of five for 71 came against Australia, although otherwise he has perhaps been a little inconsistent.
8. Daniel Vettori (New Zealand)
8 of 15
4 matches; 8 wickets; 14.75 bowling average; 26.5 strike rate; 3-24 BBI
Defying the advance of time is Daniel Vettori, who remains one of New Zealand’s best spinners.
His eight wickets have come at an average of 14.75, and he is definitely a calming influence amid an exciting attack.
7. Ravichandran Ashwin (India)
9 of 15
3 matches; 8 wickets; 13.37 bowling average; 21.0 strike rate; 4-25 BBI
In at No. 7 comes Ravichandran Ashwin, who has taken advantage of the increased bounce to take eight wickets with his spin bowling.
He has taken those wickets at an exceptionally low average, showing his versatility away from the spinning pitches of home.
6. Mitchell Starc (Australia)
10 of 15
2 matches; 8 wickets; 9.37 bowling average; 13.5 strike rate; 6-28 BBI
In just two matches, Australian Mitchell Starc has been a real menace to take eight wickets at an average of 9.37.
His best of six for 28 came against co-hosts New Zealand, although it was not enough to prevent his side from going down to defeat.
5. Jerome Taylor (West Indies)
11 of 15
4 matches; 9 wickets; 20.88 bowling average; 22.5 strike rate; 3-15 BBI
Jerome Taylor has stepped up to become the leader of the West Indies bowling attack and has looked good so far with nine wickets.
There always seems to be turmoil surrounding the West Indians, but Taylor has been a real bright spot.
4. Josh Davey (Scotland)
12 of 15
3 matches; 9 wickets; 15.77 bowling average; 18.0 strike rate; 4-68 BBI
Leading all Associate bowlers is Josh Davey of Scotland, who has nine wickets in three matches at a very good average.
The 24-year-old seamer looks a real threat and will be hoping that his performances can bring a win or two for the Saltires.
3. Imran Tahir (South Africa)
13 of 15
3 matches; 9 wickets; 14.33 bowling average; 20.0 strike rate; 5-45 BBI
The leading spinner so far has been Imran Tahir of South Africa, who has stepped out of the shadows of his illustrious team-mates to make a real impact.
His five for 45 came against the West Indies in the Proteas’ big win, and it is clear that Tahir enjoys the extra bounce.
2. Trent Boult (New Zealand)
14 of 15
4 matches; 10 wickets; 14.40 bowling average; 21.6 strike rate; 5-27 BBI
Flourishing on his home turf is Trent Boult, who has 10 wickets at an average of 14.40 and has helped lead the New Zealand attack.
The left-armer has looked a constant threat in helpful conditions.
1. Tim Southee (New Zealand)
15 of 15
4 matches; 13 wickets; 13.53 bowling average; 16.6 strike rate; 7-33 BBI
Leading the way is another New Zealander in the form of Tim Southee, who has 13 wickets in just four matches.
His seven for 33 bulldozed England and shows that he is right on top of his game right now.
All stats courtesy of ESPNCricinfo, correct as of March 2.
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