Mitchell Starc overtakes Lasith Malinga to become all-time leading wicket-taker in World Cups during AUS vs BAN 2024 T20 World Cup Super 8 clash
Australian pacer Mitchell Starc became the all-time leading wicket-taker in World Cup history (ODI + T20) during their 2024 T20 World Cup Super Eight opener against Bangladesh in Antigua on June 20. The 34-year-old overtook former Sri Lankan pacer Lasitth Malinga ( 94 wickets) with his 95h scalp in the first over of the contest.
Starc cleaned up Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan with a full out-swinging delivery. The left-arm pacer boasts 65 wickets in ODI World Cups and now has 30 T20 World Cup scalps.
Starc has struggled thus far in the ongoing T20 World Cup, with the wicket of Tanzid being only his third in four innings at an average of over 36 and an economy of 7.79.
However, he possesses incredible overall World Cup numbers, especially in the 50-over format. Starc is the third-highest wicket-taker in ODI World Cups with 65 scalps at an average of under 20 and an economy of 5.15 in 28 games.
The New South Welshman isn't as high on the wicket-taking charts in T20 World Cups at 13th with 30 scalps at an average of 25.63 in 24 games.
He completed the record for leading wicket-taker in World Cups in only 52 outings, eight less than Malinga's 60.
Mitchell Starc's early breakthrough propels dominant Australian bowling performance against Bangladesh
Mitchell Starc's first over set the tone for Australia's dominant performance with the ball against Bangladesh in their 2024 T20 World Cup Super Eight opener.
Yet, Bangladesh raced to 58/1 in the ninth over and appeared to have set a strong foundation for a big score. That's when Adam Zampa started weaving his usual magic, removing a well-set Litton Das for 16.
Wickets kept tumbling from that point as Bangladesh failed to kick on and finished with a below-par total of 140/8 in 20 overs. Skipper Najmul Shanto and the talented Towhid Hridoy scored valuable 40s to help Bangladesh's cause.
Meanwhile, Aussie skipper Pat Cummins also picked up a hat-trick late in the innings with the wickets of Mahmudullah, Mahedi Hasan, and Hridoy to further stall the Bangladesh innings.
He finished with outstanding figures of 3/29, while Zampa completed his spell with 2/24 in four overs.
Australia won all four group-stage encounters and will look to keep their unbeaten streak in the tournament alive with a successful run-chase. They have begun well at 36/0 in four overs with David Warner racing to 18 from 11 and Travis Head settling down nicely with 18 off 13.