Top 5: Bowlers with Most Wickets in ODI Cricket

One Day International (ODI) cricket has witnessed numerous legendary bowlers who have mesmerised fans with their extraordinary skills and consistency. These bowlers have not only excelled in taking wickets but have also maintained remarkable economies, making them invaluable assets to their teams.

In ODI cricket, the ability to take wickets consistently is crucial, as it can turn the tide of the game and put pressure on the batting side. Over the years, several bowlers have stood out for their exceptional performances and have etched their names in the annals of cricketing history.

In this article, we look at the top five bowlers with the most wickets in ODI cricket.

5. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – 395 Wickets

Shahid Afridi, primarily known for his explosive batting, was also a highly effective leg-spinner, taking 395 wickets in ODIs. Afridi’s economy rate of 4.62 indicates his knack for breaking partnerships and containing runs.

His deceptive leg-spin and ability to extract bounce made him a challenging bowler to face. Afridi’s all-round capabilities added great value to the Pakistan team, and his ability to change the course of a match with both bat and ball made him a formidable opponent.

4. Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka) – 400 Wickets

Chaminda Vaas, Sri Lanka’s premier fast bowler, is fourth on the list with 400 wickets. Vaas was known for his swing bowling, accuracy, and ability to exploit any conditions to his advantage.

His economy rate of 4.18 reflects his ability to contain runs while consistently taking wickets. Vaas’s contributions to Sri Lankan cricket were immense, and he played a crucial role in their bowling line-up, particularly in the early 2000s. His skill in both the powerplay and death overs made him a versatile and reliable bowler.

3. Waqar Younis (Pakistan) – 416 Wickets

Waqar Younis, a Pakistani fast-bowling great, occupies the third spot with 416 wickets. Known for his blistering pace and deadly inswinging yorkers, Waqar was a key figure in Pakistan’s bowling attack throughout his career.

Despite his aggressive style of bowling, he maintained an economy rate of 4.68. Waqar’s ability to deliver match-winning spells made him a vital asset for Pakistan, and his lethal bowling partnership with Wasim Akram remains one of the most iconic in cricket history.

2. Wasim Akram (Pakistan) – 502 Wickets

The “Sultan of Swing,” Wasim Akram, is second on the list with 502 wickets. Akram’s ability to swing the ball both ways, coupled with his lethal yorkers, made him one of the most feared fast bowlers of his era.

His economy rate of 3.89 highlights his effectiveness and efficiency as a bowler. Akram’s career was filled with memorable performances, and he was instrumental in Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup triumph. His mastery over reverse swing and his sharp cricketing mind set him apart as a true legend of the game.

1. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) – 534 Wickets

Muttiah Muralitharan, the legendary Sri Lankan spinner, tops the list with an astounding 534 wickets in his ODI career. Known for his exceptional spin and ability to turn the ball sharply, Muralitharan was a nightmare for batsmen worldwide.

His career economy rate of 3.93 is a testament to his control and consistency. Muralitharan’s contributions were pivotal in Sri Lanka’s bowling strategies, and he played a crucial role in many of their victories, including their successful 1996 World Cup campaign.