The just-concluded ICC World Cup witnessed plenty of thrilling moments. Onmanorama picks the top five bowling performances of the mega event.
1. Shaheen Afridi (6/35) vs Bangladesh
The 19-year-old came up with the best ever bowling figures for Pakistan in the World Cup. Shaheen Afridi's six-wicket haul se up his team's win over a fighting Bangladesh. The left-arm pacer's bowling also helped Pakistan end their World Cup campaign on a happy note.
2. Mohammed Shami (4/40) vs Afghanistan
Who could forget all the drama that happened in this India-Afghanistan contest? A last over hat-trick was the perfect end to it and Mohammed Shami won the game for the Men in Blue with a breathtaking final over hat-trick. Shami, included in the team in place of the injured Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, grabbed the chance and delivered at the right time. With 13 runs to defend in the last over, Shami became the second Indian after Chetan Sharma to bag a hat-trick in World Cup.
3. Mitchell Starc (5/46) vs West Indies
Mitchell Starc, the leading wicket-taker in the World Cup with 27 scalps, delivered yet again on the big stage. The Aussies set a target of 289 and the West Indies were in control at 256/6. However, the final spell by Starc changed the complexion of the game in a jiffy. Starc's performance made the difference as the Aussies edged the Caribbeans.
4. Trent Boult (4/51) vs Australia
Trent Boult, along with Jasprit Bumrah, was one of the most reliable bowlers in the tournament. Both of them were economical and very effective in the death overs, making them the captains' trump card. Boult was in his element against the Aussies. The left-arm pacer also claimed a hat-trick, making him the first Kiwi to achieve the feat in the World Cup.
5. Mustafizur Rahman (5/59) vs India
Mustafizur Rahman gave his best on a day little went right for the Tigers. The Indian batsmen sent them on a leather hunt. Mustafizur triggered a collapse and picked up the important wickets of Virat Kohli, M S Dhoni and Hardik Pandya. The left-arm medium-pacer stopped India from reaching a 350-plus totals. His spell kept Bangladesh alive in the game, but they fell short by 28 runs.
