Cricket One Day Internationals, abbreviated from ODI, has gained popularity over the years. This is an exciting format that compels teams to make as many runs as they can in one day, usually within 50 overs.
While the batsmen are often the stars in one-day internationals, the bowlers are also vital. In the following blog, we will account for the most wickets in ODI cricket and the record-breaking statistics by bowlers.
Leading Wicket-Takers in ODI History
Bowling in ODI cricket is not an easy task, with batsmen always looking to smash boundaries and score quick runs. However, some bowlers have managed to outshine others and make a name for themselves in the record books.
At the top of the list is Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan, with a staggering 534 wickets in 350 matches. He is followed by Australian great Glenn McGrath with 381 wickets in 250 games. Indian spinner Anil Kumble takes the third spot with 337 wickets in 271 matches.
Who Has the Most Wickets in ODI Cricket?
While Muralitharan holds the record for most wickets in ODI cricket, he also holds the record for most wickets in a single ODI match. He achieved this feat against India in 2000, taking 7 wickets for just 30 runs.
Another record that Muralitharan holds is for the most five-wicket hauls in ODI cricket, with an impressive 10 five-wicket hauls. The second spot is shared by Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, with 6 five-wicket hauls each.
Muttiah Muralitharan – The Spin Wizard
- Wickets: 534
- Matches: 350
- Average: 23.08
- Economy: 3.93
- Best Figures: 7/30
Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan is the undisputed king of ODI bowling. Known for his exceptional off-spin, Muralitharan tormented batsmen for nearly two decades. His ability to spin the ball both with the conditions and in situations when there is nothing for the batsman to grab hold of, plus his use of the doosra, made him almost impregnable.
His record of 534 wickets remains untouched, cementing his place at the top of ODI cricket’s all-time wicket leaders.
One of his standout performances came against India in 2000, where he took 7/30, single-handedly dismantling a strong batting lineup.
Wasim Akram – The Sultan of Swing
- Wickets: 502
- Matches: 356
- Average: 23.52
- Economy: 3.89
- Best Figures: 5/15
The great Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram has been hailed as the world’s finest fast bowler. He credited Akram’s success on the pitch to his consistent kicking and reverse swing bowling. His career-best 5/15 against Zimbabwe in 1993 established his unmatched ability to lead any opposition.
Not only did Akram take dismissals quite often, but he was also an intelligent bowler; he was mischievous with his lines and lengths or with the slant angles of his worthy seam. He remains one of only two bowlers to surpass 500 ODI, solidifying his position among the top bowlers in ODI cricket.
Waqar Younis – The Yorker Specialist
- Wickets: 416
- Matches: 262
- Average: 23.84
- Economy: 4.68
- Best Figures: 7/36
Waqar Younis has been as helpful with the bat as he has been destructive with the ball, coupled with one of cricket’s premier fast bowlers, Wasim Akram. Waqar’s biggest weapon, which earned him fame and acclaim, was his quick, swinging yorker delivery, which tended to leave batsmen in a rush to shield themselves.
His strike rate thrills at around thirty-five in one-day internationals, and he is considered one of the quickest wicket-takers in the history of ODI.
Arguably the best ODI bowler of the genre, Waqar had one such performance to remember when he took 7 dismissals for 36 runs against England in 2001.
Chaminda Vaas – The Left-Arm Maestro
- Wickets: 400
- Matches: 322
- Average: 27.53
- Economy: 4.18
- Best Figures: 8/19
Sri Lanka’s Chaminda Vaas was a master of swing and seam bowling. His accuracy and ability to extract movement from the pitch made him a reliable wicket-taker in all conditions.
This bowler eclipsed the best bowling figures in the game when he took 8/19 against Zimbabwe in 2001 and remains the world record for the best figure in one-day cricket.
Shahid Afridi – The Unpredictable All-Rounder
- Wickets: 395
- Matches: 398
- Average: 34.51
- Economy: 4.62
- Best Figures: 7/12
Although Shahid Afridi is best known for his explosive batting, his leg-spin bowling was equally impactful. Afridi’s ability to take crucial dismissals at critical moments made him a valuable asset for Pakistan. His 7/12 against West Indies in 2013 remains one of the best performances by a bowler.
Top Bowlers in ODI Cricket
Apart from the leading wicket-takers, many other bowlers have made a significant impact in ODI cricket. One such bowler is Pakistani pacer Wasim Akram, who is known for his deadly swing and seam bowling.
He possesses 502 wickets in 356 matches, and Fridrich is the only player to take 500 wickets in both ODI and Test Matches. Another notable bowler is the South African speedster Dale Steyn, who has 196 wickets in 125 matches and is known for his lethal pace and accuracy.
ODI Cricket All-Time Wicket Leaders
While Muralitharan holds the record for most dismissals in cricket, there have been many other bowlers who have crossed the 300-wicket mark.
Some notable names include Pakistani spinner Shahid Afridi with 395 wickets in 398 matches, Australian pacer Brett Lee with 380 wickets in 221, and Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh with 269 wickets in 236 games. These bowlers have been an integral part of their respective teams and have played a crucial role in their success.
Most Wickets by a Bowler in ODI Matches
Apart from the all-time leaders, there have been many bowlers who have achieved the feat of taking the most dismissals in a single ODI match. One such bowler is Australian pacer Trent Boult, who took 7 dismissals for just 34 runs against the West Indies in 2019.
Another name on the list is Pakistan’s Saqlain Mushtaq, who took 7 wickets for just 20 runs against Zimbabwe in 1996. Such record-breaking presentations have become indelible in the memories of crickets while being imprinted as an un-altering part of the game.
Challenges for Modern-Day Bowlers
The evolution of ODI matches has made life more challenging for bowlers:
- Powerplays: The introduction of fielding restrictions during power plays has allowed batsmen to score freely in the first 10 overs.
- Flat Pitches: Many ODI matches are played on batting-friendly surfaces, making it harder for bowlers to take dismissal.
- Aggressive Batting: Contemporary batsmen do not breathe easy until they attack a bowler, given the variety of shots being played in recent times, such as reverse sweeps and ramps.
- Death Overs: What usually comes as a bowler against set batsmen in the last over is one of the most challenging skills in any ancient game.
Despite these challenges, bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, and Mitchell Starc continue to thrive, adapting their skills to the demands of modern cricket.
The 300-Wicket Club
Getting into the list of 300 ODI wicket-takers may be considered a landmark, thus implying more of a dint of complex and consistent performances. Some notable members include:
- Shaun Pollock (South Africa): 393 wickets in 303 matches.
- Glenn McGrath (Australia): 381 dismissals in 250 games.
- Anil Kumble (India): 337 wickets in 271 matches.
- Brett Lee (Australia): 380 wickets in 221 games.
These bowlers are always remembered in the ODI format with great passion for the game.
The Evolution of Bowling in ODIs
Bowling strategies have changed significantly in the matches as the years have passed. Swing and spin were the only bowling skills possible during 1980 and 1990, respectively. However, the modern era demands more innovation:
- Variations: Bowlers now use slower balls, cutters, and knuckleballs to deceive batsmen.
- Fitness: Fitness standards have risen, and bowlers can sustain their speed line and length throughout their careers.
- Technology: The bowlers master how batsmen’s weak spots appear and how to produce them based on video sequences and other information.
Conclusion
ODI cricket has seen some brilliant bowlers who have left a mark with their exceptional skills and performances. Even though Muralitharan tops the list of most dismissals in an ODI match, there have been so many bowlers who have influenced the game.
These bowlers have taken wickets and inspired younger generations, motivating them to become better bowlers and make a name for themselves in the world of cricket. To conclude, it forecasts that in the years to come, as an ongoing populace, ODI matches will develop rapidly, so numerous bowlers’ records will be set.
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