Which bowler has the best bowling figures in a World Cup match (7 for 15)?

Glenn McGrath recorded the best bowling figures in a Cricket World Cup match, taking 7 wickets for 15 runs.

McGrath produced the spell against Namibia at Potchefstroom, South Africa, during the 2003 World Cup. He bowled 7.2 overs, conceded only 15 runs, and dismissed seven Namibian batsmen as Australia won by 256 runs. Namibia was bowled out for 45, one of the lowest totals in World Cup history.

The performance illustrated McGrath's trademark method: relentless accuracy, subtle seam movement, and intelligent use of bounce rather than extreme pace. He repeatedly forced Namibia's batsmen into defensive errors, while Australia's fielders completed the chances behind him. McGrath finished the tournament as Australia's leading wicket-taker with 21 wickets.

Readers sometimes confuse this record with the best figures in all men's ODI cricket, which have changed over time and include spells from matches outside the World Cup. The 7-for-15 mark specifically refers to a single innings in a men's Cricket World Cup match. Andy Bichel also took seven wickets in the 2003 tournament, but conceded 20 runs against England.