In a monumental leap forward in the annals of cricketing history, Australia’s pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has reduced Lasith Malinga’s colossal World Cup record to dust. Starc, 34, claimed the wicket of Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim in the fourth Super Eight game of the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, thereby catapulting himself to the new leading wicket-taker position in World Cup history, both T20 and ODI formats.
Hailing from New South Wales, Starc has surpassed the Sri Lankan legend Malinga, who had amassed a staggering 94 wickets in his illustrious career. With 95 wickets now to his name, Starc has created a new all-time record that is likely to be etched in the annals of cricket for years to come. Starc’s tally includes 65 wickets from the ODI World Cup and an impressive 30 from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, showcasing his versatility and unmatched skill across formats.
The previous record-holder, Lasith Malinga, had an exemplary record of 94 wickets, with 56 in the ODI format and 38 in T20 World Cups. The passing of this baton signifies a new epoch in cricket and represents a monumental achievement for Starc, who has shown no signs of slowing down. Remarkably, Starc has accumulated his wickets in fewer games compared to Malinga, highlighting his formidable strike rate and efficiency with the ball.
Bangladesh’s veteran all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, stands third on this prestigious list with 92 wickets to his name. Shakib’s prolific performance over the years puts him in a position where he could potentially surpass Starc during the ongoing T20 carnival in the Caribbean. The rivalry between Starc and Shakib adds an additional layer of excitement to the tournament, with fans eagerly watching every game to see if the record will be challenged yet again.
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Trent Boult holds the fourth spot with 87 scalps, and the former Sri Lankan spin wizard Muttiah Muralidaran is positioned at fifth with 79 wickets to his credit. Boult, however, has already declared his retirement from the T20 World Cup scene, and with the next ODI World Cup three years away, the chances of him participating in another marquee tournament are slim. This practically leaves Shakib Al Hasan as the sole competitor who might contest Starc’s newly set record in the foreseeable future.
Starc’s incredible feat places him at a pivotal moment in his career where he can significantly contribute to Australia’s glorious run in world cricket.
. The left-arm pacer is likely to play an instrumental role in helping the Australian team achieve an unprecedented trifecta: winning the ICC World Test Championship, the ODI World Cup, and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Although Starc has had a relatively quiet tournament so far, this record-breaking achievement might just be the catalyst he needs to turn things around.
Moreover, Starc’s journey to this monumental milestone has not been devoid of challenges. The life of a fast bowler is fraught with physical and mental adversities, and Starc has had his share of injuries and setbacks. His ability to bounce back with aplomb speaks volumes about his resilience and dedication to the sport. This record, thus, is not just a testament to his bowling prowess but also his indefatigable spirit.
The Australian camp is undoubtedly buoyed by this news and will be looking at Starc to continue his fiery form, which has been a keystone of their attack. His ability to deliver under pressure and his knack for taking crucial wickets at important junctures make him an indispensable asset for the team.
Meanwhile, the cricketing fraternity is abuzz with reactions and accolades pouring in from all corners. Former cricketers, analysts, and fans have taken to social media and various platforms to laud Starc’s historic achievement. His journey from a budding pace bowler to the leading wicket-taker in World Cup history serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers worldwide.
In conclusion, Mitchell Starc’s record-breaking feat is a landmark in the history of cricket. While Lasith Malinga’s achievements will always be cherished, Starc’s ascent to the top is a testament to his skill, determination, and unwavering commitment to the game. As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup progresses, all eyes will be on Starc to see how far he can stretch this newly set record and how his contributions will shape Australia’s campaign in the tournament.
