In the thrilling world of One Day International (ODI) Cricket, bowlers play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of matches. The ability to consistently take Wickets is a hallmark of a great bowler, and over the years, we have witnessed some extraordinary talents who have etched their names in the annals of cricketing history. Here, we will delve into the careers of the top 10 bowlers with the most wickets in ODI cricket – the highest wicket takers in ODI history. Let’s celebrate their achievements and relive the magic they brought to the game.
Related Articles
Most Wickets in ODI Cricket History
| Rank | Bowler | Country | Wickets | Average | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | 534 | 22.72 | 4.21 |
| 2 | Wasim Akram | Pakistan | 502 | 23.52 | 4.66 |
| 3 | Glenn McGrath | Australia | 381 | 22.02 | 4.61 |
| 4 | Shaun Pollock | South Africa | 362 | 25.27 | 4.33 |
| 5 | Anil Kumble | India | 337 | 29.07 | 4.60 |
| 6 | Chaminda Vaas | Sri Lanka | 333 | 23.20 | 4.47 |
| 7 | Dale Steyn | South Africa | 305 | 22.95 | 4.99 |
| 8 | Saqlain Mushtaq | Pakistan | 282 | 25.35 | 4.28 |
| 9 | Brett Lee | Australia | 281 | 23.33 | 4.78 |
| 10 | James Anderson | England | 269 | 25.33 | 4.72 |
Relatable: Fastest Bowlers in Cricket History
1. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) – The Spin Wizard
The illustrious career of Muttiah Muralitharan, hailing from Sri Lanka, remains unparalleled. He stands tall as the highest wicket taker in ODI cricket, with a jaw-dropping tally of 534 wickets. Muralitharan’s mastery in spinning the ball, combined with an unorthodox bowling action, bewildered batsmen worldwide. His ability to pick wickets in all conditions makes him a true legend of the game.
2. Wasim Akram (Pakistan) – The Sultan of Swing
Wasim Akram, the iconic left-arm pacer from Pakistan, secures the second spot on the list with 502 most wickets in ODI. Known as the “Sultan of Swing,” Akram’s ability to move the ball both ways at will left batsmen bamboozled. His lethal inswinging yorkers and devastating bouncers made him a nightmare for oppositions.
Read about: How Many Players in a Cricket Team
3. Glenn McGrath (Australia) – The Metronome
The Australian pace legend, Glenn McGrath, occupies the third position with 381 highest ODI wickets taker. Nicknamed “Pigeon,” McGrath was a master of accuracy and consistency. His nagging line and length troubled batsmen to no end, and his ability to take early breakthroughs swung matches in Australia’s favor.
4. Shaun Pollock (South Africa) – The Complete All-Rounder
At number four, we have Shaun Pollock from South Africa, who scalped 362 wickets in ODI cricket. Pollock was not only a world-class bowler but also a handy batsman. His ability to swing the ball both ways and maintain discipline in his spells made him an indispensable asset for South Africa.
5. Anil Kumble (India) – The Legendary Leg-Spinner
India’s legendary leg-spinner, Anil Kumble, claimed 337 highest ODI wickets taker during his illustrious career. Kumble’s unwavering accuracy and the ability to extract extra bounce from any surface made him a formidable force in the bowling department. He remains one of India’s greatest match-winners.
Learn more: Most Centuries in ODI Cricket
6. Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka) – The Swing Merchant
Chaminda Vaas, another Sri Lankan great, takes the sixth spot with 333 ODI wickets. Vaas was a skillful swing bowler capable of generating significant movement with the new ball. His knack for taking early wickets provided crucial momentum to Sri Lanka.
7. Dale Steyn (South Africa) – The Fast and Furious
Dale Steyn, the fiery South African fast bowler, earned 305 wickets in ODI cricket, securing the seventh position on the list. Steyn’s express pace and aggression made him one of the most feared bowlers of his era. His ability to generate reverse swing added to his repertoire of deadly skills.
8. Saqlain Mushtaq (Pakistan) – The Doosra Inventor
The Pakistani off-spinner, Saqlain Mushtaq, occupies the eighth position with 282 ODI wickets. Saqlain was one of the pioneers of the “doosra” delivery, a ball that spun away from right-handed batsmen. His variations and deceptive spin bamboozled batsmen and earned him numerous wickets.
9. Brett Lee (Australia) – The Speed Demon
Brett Lee, the fearsome Australian fast bowler, claimed 281 ODI wickets, securing the ninth spot. Lee’s express pace and aggressive intent intimidated batsmen across the globe. His ability to deliver toe-crushing yorkers and fiery bouncers made him a true entertainer on the field.
10. James Anderson (England) – The Swing Magician
The English swing master, James Anderson, rounds off the top 10 list with 269 ODI wickets. Anderson’s ability to swing the ball prodigiously, especially in favorable English conditions, made him a potent force in the bowling department for England.
Check Out:
- Lowest Team Scores in ODI Cricket History
- Highest Team Score in ODI Cricket
FAQs About Most Wickets in ODI
Who holds the record for the most wickets in ODI cricket?
Muttiah Muralitharan from Sri Lanka holds the record for the most wickets in ODI cricket with a staggering 534 wickets.
Which bowler is known for his deadly swing?
Wasim Akram from Pakistan is renowned for his deadly swing bowling, which troubled batsmen throughout his career.
Who is the leading wicket-taker for Australia in ODI cricket?
Glenn McGrath is the leading wicket-taker for Australia in ODI cricket with 381 wickets to his name.
Which bowler was famous for his “doosra” delivery?
Saqlain Mushtaq from Pakistan was famous for introducing the “doosra” delivery, a deceptive ball that spun away from right-handed batsmen.
The post Top 10 Bowlers with the Most Wickets in ODI Cricket (Highest Wicket Takers in ODI History) appeared first on .
