The World Cup in cricket has always been regarded as an event where, any aspiring cricketer dream is to find himself representing the country at the highest stage. Throughout the history of the World Cup, many players across the globe have shown their prowess and talent. In my article today, I shall discuss the ten players from across the globe who have played the most matches in the World Cup.
1. Ricky Ponting
The record is held by Ricky Ponting, a shining star batsman and captain with appearances of 46 matches in various editions of the World Cup. His leadership motivated his playing team to soar to the pinnacle by winning two World Cup titles while he was instrumental in netting three victories for Australia. Throughout his World Cup career, Ponting scored 1743 runs at an average of 45.86 and a strike rate of 79. Of course, the one inning that screams out from all these is his 140 in the 2003 World Cup final against India.
2. Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar sets his place on this list by playing 45 matches in his illustrious career at the World Cup. Sachin holds the record to play for the Indian team's most matches at the World Cup. He has so far managed to keep an average of 56.96 with the bat, scoring a total of 2,278 runs at a strike rate of 89. What marks Tendulkar's distinguished career in the World Cup is his six times century tally. The city of his World Cup career came during the 2003 World Cup when he scored 673 runs to set a record for the highest runs recorded in a season of the World Cup.
3. Mahela Jayawardene
Jayawardene, the ex Sri Lankan cricketer is featured on this list for his involvement, in 40 games. He holds the title for playing the matches in the World Cup among Sri Lankan players. In his 40 World Cup appearances, Jayawardene has accumulated 1100 runs with an average of 35.48 and a strike rate of 85. This includes a century against India in the final of the 2011 World Cup.
4. M Muralitharan
Muralitharan, the ex Sri Lankan cricketer is featured on this list for his involvement, in 40 games. He holds the title for playing the joint most matches in the World Cup among Sri Lankan players. In his 40 World Cup appearances, Muralitharan has picked 68 wickets at an average of 19.63 and an economy of 3.88. His best spell came against Ireland in the 2007 World Cup, where he picked four wickets and gave away just 19 runs.
5. Glenn McGrath
McGrath, the ex Australian cricketer is featured on this list for his involvement, in 39 games. Notably, McGrath holds the record for taking the most wickets in the World Cup. In the World Cup, McGrath has taken 71 wickets with an average of 18.19 and an economy of 3.96. His best version in World Cups came in 2007, where he picked 26 wickets at an average of just 13.73.
6. Sanath Jayasuriya
Jayasuriya, nicknamed Matara Marauder, the ex Sri Lankan cricketer is featured on this list for his involvement, in 38 games. In his World Cup career, Jayasuriya has scored 1165 runs at an average of 34. Notably, he has also managed to score three centuries throughout his World Cup journey, winning the World Cup in 1996.
7. Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram, nicknamed Sultan of Swing, the ex Pakistani cricketer is featured on this list for his involvement, in 38 games. Akram was part of a famous Pakistani bowling line-up that included the likes of Imran Khan, Waqar Younis, and Saqlain Mushtaq. He also won the World Cup with Pakistan in 1992. In his World Cup career, Akram has picked 55 wickets at an average of 23.83.
8. Kumar Sangakkara
Kumar Sangakkara, nicknamed Sanga, the ex Sri Lankan cricketer is featured on this list for his involvement, in 37 games. Notably, in his glorious World Cup career, Sangakkara has scored 1532 runs at an average of 56.74. Notably, he has also scored five centuries throughout his World Cup journey.
9. Jacques Kallis
Jacques Kallis, nicknamed Jakes, the ex South African cricketer, who was one of the best player of all time, is featured on this list for his involvement, in 36 games. Notably, in his glorious World Cup career, Kallis has scored 1148 runs at an average of 45.92 and also had picked 21 wickets in the World Cup.
10. Mushfiqur Rahim
Mushfiqur Rahim, nicknamed Mushy, the Bangladeshi cricketer, who is one of the best player of all time from Bangladesh, is featured on this list for his involvement, in 36 games. Notably, in his glorious World Cup career, In his World Cup career, Rahim has scored 1048 runs at an average of 36, which includes one century.
