ODI is one of the most entertaining formats in cricket and thrills fans globally with excitement. The trend mostly revolves around the bowlers being the change players of the game, who could win on their own by taking wickets.
Here’s an article talking about the top 10 bowlers who have taken the maximum number of wickets in ODI history. The bowlers showcased exceptional skills led to the remarkable performances in the history of cricket.
From spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan to the swing king Wasim Akram each of them has left an indelible mark on cricket. We’ll narrate their exploits, statistics, and proven performances that made them true cricket legends. Celebrating their careers reminds us how much they have changed the game for future generations of cricketers.
Players with Most Wickets in ODI: Top 10
| Player | Span | Wkts | Match | Best Bowling in Innings | Avg | Eco | 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muttiah Muralitharan (SL) | 1993-2011 | 534 | 350 | 7/30 | 23.08 | 3.93 | 10 |
| Wasim Akram (PAK) | 1984-2003 | 502 | 356 | 5/15 | 23.52 | 3.89 | 6 |
| Waqar Younis (PAK) | 1989-2003 | 416 | 262 | 7/36 | 23.84 | 4.68 | 13 |
| Chaminda Vaas (SL) | 1994-2008 | 400 | 322 | 8/19 | 27.53 | 4.18 | 4 |
| Shahid Afridi (PAK) | 1996-2015 | 395 | 398 | 7/12 | 34.51 | 4.62 | 9 |
| Shaun Pollock (SA) | 1996-2008 | 393 | 303 | 6/35 | 24.5 | 3.67 | 5 |
| Glenn McGrath (AUS) | 1993-2007 | 381 | 250 | 7/15 | 22.02 | 3.88 | 7 |
| Brett Lee (AUS) | 2000-2012 | 380 | 221 | 5/22 | 23.36 | 4.76 | 9 |
| Lasith Malinga (SL) | 2004-2019 | 338 | 226 | 6/38 | 28.87 | 5.35 | 8 |
| Anil Kumble (IND) | 1990-2007 | 337 | 271 | 6/12 | 30.89 | 4.3 | 2 |
Players with the Most wickets in ODI
1. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) – 534 Wickets
The spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan leads the most wickets in the ODI chart with an incredible 534 wickets. His unique bowling was a mix of off-spin and doosra, which confused even the best in business. Having debuted in 1993 and played his last match in 2022 he appeared 350 games for SL.
A legend in the format with the outstanding ability to spin the ball and maintain the economy of 3.93 to pick crucial wickets at pivotal junctures eventually helping Sri Lanka win the 1996 World Cup.
2. Wasim Akram (Pakistan) – 503 Wickets
Wasim Akram, or the Sultan of Swing, is an institution in Pakistan’s cricketing history. His 503 wickets in 356 ODIs made him a byword for nightmare against batsmen would shudder. He remained averse to running with the likes of Imran, Wahab, and Pankaj. This was coupled with his aggressive style of bowling, often at the death end of the match, especially when the bowlers are prone to lose their rhythm.
Akram was the talisman of Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup-winning team, taking crucial wickets and proving why he was an asset on cricket’s biggest stage. It’s not just through his wicket tally but also his influence on the generation of fast bowlers.
3. Waqar Younis (Pakistan) – 416 Wickets
Waqar Younis, with his express pace and deadly reverse swing, played 262 ODIs from 1989 to 2003 and took 416 wickets. Waqar’s ability to bowl toe-crushers at high speed made him the most feared bowlers in the history of cricket. His best bowling figures 7/36 reflect his capability of single-handedly destroying batting line-ups.
4. Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka) – 400 Wickets
Chaminda Vaas was a throwback to Sri Lanka’s best left-arm pacers when everything worked well in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Vaas played 322 ODIs from 1994 through 2008, claiming 400 wickets at an average of 27.53. His left-arm swing coupled with the skill of bagging early wickets earned him a lot of importance for Sri Lankan bowling.
5. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – 395 Wickets
He is a wristy leg-spinner besides being an aggressive batsman. From 1996 to 2015, he took 395 wickets in 398 ODIs. His best bowling figures of 7/12 indicate that he could twist the game with the leg-spin variations.
With an economy rate of 4.62 and a strike rate of 44.73 with an average of 34.51 and was keen to take crucial wickets for Pakistan, besides having 4 four-wicket and 9 five-wicket hauls in his pool.
6. Shaun Pollock (South Africa) – 393 Wickets
Perhaps one of the most underrated fast bowlers in ODI history. Heto the team played 303 ODIs between 1996 to 2008 and took 393 wickets. Shaun Pollock had the best bowling performance with 6/35 and is quite famous for his immaculate line and length. He kept his economy at 3.67, strike rate at 39.97, and average at 24.50. Twelve four-wicket hauls and five five-wicket hauls for Pollock show that he could bowl in any circumstances. His contribution with both ball and bat made him a valuable all-rounder for the team. His batting skill in the middle order and as a finisher provides strength to the core of the team.
7. Glenn McGrath (Australia) – 381 Wickets
Glenn McGrath was precise and known for his immaculate line length, his accuracy would even trap the most technically sound batsman. In the ODI career from 1993 to 2007, he took 381 wickets in 250 games with the best bowling of 7 for 15. The predictability of hitting the right area with the slightest fumble in the batsman’s technique made him fearly.
8. Brett Lee (Australia) – 380 Wickets
Brett Lee is probably one of the fastest bowlers ever featured in such games. Yet he is known for his pace and aggression even today. From 1999-2012 in 221 ODIs. Lee had taken 380 wickets with an average of 23.36. A batsman could get rattled any time since he could serve them both yorkers and bouncers. His best performance on record was against England in 2005 when he took 5 wickets for 22 runs.
9. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) – 336 Wickets
Bagging 338 wickets from 226 ODIs from 2004 to 2019, Lasith Malinga had a unique slinging action at the end. His lethal yorkers and ability to bowl in the death overs make him a valuable asset to Sri Lanka. His best bowling figures of 6/38 speak about his match-winning abilities.
Malinga was the most unconventional and ensured finishing touches with an average of 28.87, an economy rate of 5.35, and a strike rate of 32.35. Besides, he produced 11 four-wicket hauls and 8 five-wicket hauls.
10. Anil Kumble (India) – 337 Wkts
Anil Kumble was the legendary leg-spinner of India. His glorious career span over two decades, the majority of which he played for the Indian cricket team in the 1990s and early 2000s. Altogether Kumble appeared for the country in 271 ODIs from 1990-2007; his performance stands with 337 wickets at an average of 30.89. Quite economical while his balls produced a lot of bounce and turn. His best in ODIs was against the West Indies in 1993, where he took 6 wickets for 12 runs.
Read More: Most Catches in ODI Cricket Match || Top 20 Players with the Most Sixes in ODI
Wrapping up
Bowlers on this list not only took the most wickets in ODI but also made marvelous contributions to the success of their respective teams at the international level. Skills, variations, and the ability to deliver under pressure speak volumes of their careers, which left a seal upon the world game of cricket. As ODIs continue their evolution, the tales and memories will remain etched about their talent, and how they played an important role in one-day cricket history.
Also Read: Top 10 Players With Fastest Fifty in ODI || Highest Individual Score in ODI
