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In a cricket match, the batters are accountable to retain the dignity of the team with a successful win. The magnate cricket batters have to encounter the fierce bowlers to find their ways for scoring runs. Bowlers hold the capability to compel the batters to leave the pitch with zero runs.
With a huge fan base, cricket is admired among people from all walks of life. Being a global sport, this sport has evolved with time, favouring millions of people. From the traditional form, Test cricket, it is now played in T20 and One Day International (ODI) formats as well. Among all these, ODI is the most played cricket format in International cricket.
Despite the batters playing their game, many times, it's the bowlers who bring an interesting turn in the match. Let’s take a look at the top bowlers who have ruled the batters in ODI matches as per
In many countries, cricket not only seems like a game, but a religion, and the players are revered like gods. Every shot is a thrilling experience for the onlookers, and the most exciting thing that can happen is a sixer.
Muttiah Muralitharan is the top name in the history of ODI cricket for taking maximum wickets. He added to the grandeur of his team Sri Lanka in ODI cricket matches from 1993-2011, being one of the toughest bowlers to face.
In 350 ODI cricket matches, Murali has taken 534 wickets for his country. Moreover, with an impressive average of 23.08, he has grabbed 10 fifers. His key performance led the island nation to win the World Cup in 1996. Murali is also one of the best spin bowlers in the cricket world.
Wasim Akram is the second-highest wicket-taker in the ODI format. Devoting his skills, this left-arm fast bowler has played ODI for 19 years (1984-2003) for Pakistan. Wasim was known for his incredible swing balls to knock out the best batters on the field. He was named Sultan of Swing for his commendable bowling capability.
In 1992, when Pakistan won the World Cup for the first time, Akram took the most number of wickets. In the ODI matches, he delivered 18186 balls and gave 11812 runs.
Waqar Younis is popular as the King of Reverse Swing and acquires 3rd spot for taking the highest wickets in ODIs. He drew down his hands from cricket after giving tough bowling to the batters for 14 years. Waqar has appeared in 262 matches and grabbed 416 wickets.
With average bowling at 23.94, Waqar outperformed the mark of 5 wickets 13 times in the ODI format. The Pakistani legend delivered 9919 runs in 12698 balls. He is considered one of the best bowlers for being fiercely against the batters.
Chaminda Vaas is the Sri Lankan bowler who is the 4th highest wicket-taker in ODI history, taking 400 wickets. Played from 1996-2008, the veteran bowler is known for his swing balls. Vaas is one of the few bowlers to take 350+ wickets in both the test and ODI matches. His 8/19 against Zimbabwe is the best bowling figure in ODI history.
During his ODI cricket career, Vaas has given 11014 runs and 15775 balls. With a bowling average of 27.53, he is the only bowler to take 8 wicket haul in ODI matches.
Being among the top bowlers, Afridi holds 5th place for taking the highest wickets in ODIs. Shahid was an all-rounder bowler who appeared on the pitch for 19 years from 1996 to 2015. He was known for outstanding googly bowling and he scalped 395 wickets in 398 matches, averaging 34.51.
Shahid Afridi gave 8064 runs in 369 innings in the ODIs. Despite giving a tough stand, Afridi couldn’t bag the World Cup 2011 title against India.
Chaminda Vaas is the Sri Lankan bowler who is the 4th highest wicket-taker in ODI history, taking 400 wickets. Played from 1996-2008, the veteran bowler is known for his swing balls. Vaas is one of the few bowlers to take 350+ wickets in both the test and ODI matches. His 8/19 against Zimbabwe is the best bowling figure in ODI history.
During his ODI cricket career, Vaas has given 11014 runs and 15775 balls. With a bowling average of 27.53, he is the only bowler to take 8 wicket haul in ODI matches.
Shaun Pollock is the South African bowler who holds 6th place for taking 393 wickets in 303 ODI matches. He devoted 12 years (1996-2008) and has won only one ICC event, the Champions Trophy in 1998. Pollock had a bowling speed of 125-130 kph but his line, length, and swing troubled the batter to hit.
Glen Macgrath is the former right-arm medium-fast bowler, holding 7th place to take the highest wickets in ODI matches. He played for 14 years (1993-200) during his international career, scalping 381 wickets in 250 ODI matches. With average bowling at 22.02, probably, he is the only bowler to bag the 1999, 2003, and 2007 World Cups.
Brett Lee is the 8th highest wicket-taker in ODI history. The right-arm fast bowler choked the batter with his raw pace. Represented Australia for 12 years, the heartthrob Brett Lee scalped 380 wickets in 221 ODI matches. With an average bowling average of 23.26, Brett used to give frequent breakthroughs to his team.
Cricket is a sport recognized globally and it is intriguing to watch your favourite teams or players win. The Cricket world has wonderful bowling pacers. Taking the highest wickets in the ODI cricket matches, the former bowlers are idols for the players in upcoming cricket matches. With terrific bowling at a significant speed, the top bowlers have set high standards.
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