Mitchell Starc rewrites cricket's history books with a gigantic record toppling Lasith Malinga

Senior Australian pacer Mitchell Starc has etched his name in the history books by toppling Sri Lanka legend Lasith Malinga in an Elite list of bowlers. 

Mitchell Starc was in action earlier today in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8s which began 2 days ago in Trinidad. In the opening match of the second round of the WC, South Africa had picked up a close victory against co-hosts USA by 18 runs.

In the following 2 games yesterday, West Indies were beaten by reigning champions England by 8 wickets whereas Afghanistan lost by 47 runs against India. Earlier today at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium, 2021 Champions Australia took on Najmul Hossain Shanto's Bangladesh, who had finished as runners-up of Group D. 

In that match, which was marred by some rain, the Aussies came out on top quite comfortably, thanks to clinical bowling as well as batting performance. Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins led the charge with the ball whereas David Warner and Travis Head led from the front with the bat in hand.

Australia's victory saw them go on top of Group 1 which also has heavyweights India who will face the baggy greens in their last Super 8 match. The Aussies will face Afghanistan before taking on the Indians and in the build-up to those matches, Mitchell Starc created a world record of his own. 

Mitchell Starc becomes the highest wicket-taker in World Cups 

With the wicket of opening batter Tanzid Hasan in just 1st innings' 3rd ball, Mitchell Starc toppled 2014 T20 World Cup-winning captain Lasith Malinga. Starc is now the highest wicket-taker in white-ball World Cups in both 50-over and 20-over World events, except the Champions trophy. 

Mitchell Starc collected his 95th wicket in World Cups and before this match, he was tied at 94 wickets with Lasith Malinga. The wicket of Tanzid Hasan was also Starc's 30th scalp in T20 WCs and his average in ICC white-ball events is also superior to Malinga. 

While the left-arm seamer is averaging 21.11, the former Sri Lanka pacer had an average of 21.74. Mitchell Starc took his 95th World Cup wicket in just his 52nd match and he has a chance to complete a century by the end of this T20 World Cup. If Australia reach their 3rd T20 WC final, then Starc will be playing 4 matches. 

If the Aussies win their next match against Afghanistan, then Starc is certain to play 2 more games after this tie on June 23rd at the Arnos Vale Stadium. In the top 5 list of highest World Cup wicket-takers, Starc is the only active cricketer alongside Shakib Al Hasan who has 92 wickets to his name from 77 matches. 

Top 5 highest wicket-takers in World Cup history