Blog

This post will check out the top 10 highest wicket takers in ODI.

One of the most exciting aspects of cricket is the battle between the bowler and the batsman. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), bowlers are crucial in restricting the opposition team’s score and taking wickets to put their team in a commanding position.

Over the years, there have been several outstanding bowlers who have consistently performed well in ODIs and taken a large number of wickets.

In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 highest wicket-takers in ODI cricket. These bowlers have not only taken a large number of wickets but have also played a crucial role in their respective teams’ success.

From spinners to fast bowlers, this list includes some of the greatest bowlers to have played the game of cricket. So, let’s take a look at the top 10 highest wicket-takers in ODI cricket history.

Top 10 Highest Wicket Takers In ODI

10 Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble, the former Indian cricketer, is regarded as one of the greatest spin bowlers in the history of cricket.

He is one of the top 10 highest wicket-takers in One Day Internationals (ODIs) with a total of 337 wickets in 271 matches.

Kumble’s ODI career spanned from 1990 to 2007, during which he established himself as a master spinner and a valuable asset to the Indian cricket team.

Kumble made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in 1990 and quickly rose to prominence with his impeccable bowling skills.

He was known for his accuracy, flight, and spin, which often left the opposition batsmen in a state of confusion.

Kumble’s biggest strengths were his ability to extract bounce and turn from the pitch, which made him a nightmare for the batsmen. He was also a master of the googly and the flipper, which made him a difficult bowler to pick.

Kumble’s consistency and accuracy were the hallmarks of his career, as he often bowled long spells without conceding too many runs.

Kumble achieved an incredible feat against Pakistan in Delhi, where he bowled a mesmerizing spell of 10-74, which included the wickets of all the Pakistani batsmen. Kumble’s feat is still considered one of the greatest achievements in the history of cricket.

In conclusion, Anil Kumble’s contribution to Indian cricket is immeasurable, and his place is among the leading ODI wicket takers.

9 Lasith Malinga

Lasith Malinga is a former Sri Lankan cricketer, widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of limited-overs cricket.

He is one of the top 10 highest wicket-takers in One Day Internationals (ODIs), with 338 wickets in 226 matches at an average of 28.87 and an economy rate of 5.29.

Malinga is known for his unique slinging action and his ability to consistently deliver pinpoint yorkers, which made him a nightmare for batsmen around the world.

Malinga made his ODI debut for Sri Lanka in July 2004 against the United Arab Emirates, and he quickly established himself as a key member of the team.

He was particularly effective in the death overs, where his ability to bowl yorkers at will prove invaluable for Sri Lanka.

Malinga’s greatest ODI performance came in the 2007 World Cup, where he became the first bowler to take four wickets in four consecutive deliveries in international cricket. His victims were South Africa’s Shaun Pollock, Andrew Hall, Jacques Kallis, and Makhaya Ntini.

This achievement made him an instant hero in Sri Lanka and earned him widespread recognition around the world.

In addition to his success in ODIs, Malinga was also a prolific wicket-taker in T20 cricket, where he took 107 wickets in 84 matches at an average of 19.70 and an economy rate of 7.42.

He was a key member of the Sri Lankan team that won the 2014 ICC World Twenty20. Overall, Lasith Malinga’s contribution to Sri Lankan cricket has been immense.

His ability to take wickets in crucial moments and his never-say-die attitude made him a fan favorite and an inspiration to aspiring cricketers around the world.

8 Brett Lee

Brett Lee, the Australian fast bowler, is considered one of the most lethal pacemen in the history of cricket. He had a remarkable career spanning over a decade and was one of the most feared bowlers in the world during his prime.

Lee’s fiery pace and impeccable accuracy earned him a place among the top 10 highest wicket-takers in One Day International (ODI) cricket.

He took 380 wickets in 221 matches at an average of 23.36, making him one of the most successful bowlers in the format.

Lee made his debut for Australia in 1999 and quickly established himself as a potent weapon in the bowling arsenal. He had a remarkable ability to bowl fast and swing the ball, which made him a nightmare for the opposition batsmen.

Lee was also known for his unrelenting aggression on the field, which often intimidated the batsmen and forced them into making mistakes.

His performances helped Australia win multiple ODI tournaments, including the World Cup in 2003 and 2007.

Lee’s bowling was not just about pace and aggression; he also possessed a wide range of variations, including the slower ball, yorker, and bouncer.

His ability to mix up his deliveries and surprise the batsmen was one of the key factors that made him successful in the ODI format.

Lee also had an excellent record against the top teams, and his wickets often came at crucial moments in the game, which made him a valuable asset to the Australian team.

His legacy as top 10 ODI wicket-takers of all time in the history of the sport will undoubtedly inspire generations of cricketers to come.

7 Glenn Mcgrath

Glenn McGrath, a former Australian cricketer, is widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of the sport.

He was born on February 9, 1970, in Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia, and made his debut for the Australian cricket team in 1993.

McGrath was a dominant force in both Test cricket and One Day International (ODI) cricket, and he is among the most successful ODI bowlers.

McGrath’s career in ODI cricket spanned from 1993 to 2007. During this period, he played 250 matches and took a total of 381 wickets.

He was known for his accuracy and his ability to extract movement off the pitch, making him a formidable opponent for any batsman. McGrath’s economy rate in ODI cricket was an impressive 3.88, which is remarkable for a fast bowler.

McGrath was an integral part of the Australian team that won three consecutive World Cups in 1999, 2003, and 2007. In the 2003 World Cup, he was the leading wicket-taker with 21 wickets at an average of 16.73.

His best performance in ODI cricket came against Namibia in the 2003 World Cup, where he took 7 wickets for just 15 runs, which is the best-ever bowling figure in World Cup history.

McGrath’s ability to perform under pressure was one of his key strengths. He often took wickets at crucial stages of the game, which helped his team to win matches.

He was a key player for the Australian team during their dominance in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and his contributions to the sport will always be remembered.

6 Shaun Pollock

Shaun Pollock, the former South African cricketer, is undoubtedly one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of the game.

He was a master with both bat and ball, but it was his skills as a bowler that helped him become one of the most successful cricketers of his time.

Pollock’s consistency, accuracy, and ability to move the ball made him a nightmare for any batsman facing him.

In One Day Internationals (ODIs), Pollock’s record as a bowler is exceptional. He took a total of 393 wickets in 303 matches at an impressive average of 24.50.

This feat made him one of the top ten highest wicket-takers in the history of ODI cricket. His wicket tally includes 5 five-wicket hauls and 12 four-wicket hauls.

One of the standout features of Pollock’s bowling was his ability to swing the ball both ways. His outswinger was particularly lethal, and he often used it to dismiss top-order batsmen early in their innings.

Pollock’s mastery of the slower ball also made him a valuable asset in the death overs of an inning, where he could bamboozle batsmen with his variations in pace and length.

Pollock was also a captain’s dream in the field, with his exceptional fielding skills making him one of the best fielders in the world. His athleticism, agility, and quick reflexes allowed him to save countless runs and take some breathtaking catches.

Pollock’s ability to swing the ball both ways, master the slower ball, and his exceptional fielding skills made him one of the most complete cricketers of his time.

His contribution to South African cricket, and the game in general, will always be remembered and celebrated. Shaun Pollock is number 6 in our list of ODI’s most prolific wicket-takers.

5 Shahid Afridi

Shahid Afridi is a former Pakistani cricketer who is regarded as one of the most talented all-rounders in cricket history.

He is known for his explosive batting and wicket-taking abilities, particularly in the limited-overs format of the game. Among his many achievements, Afridi is one of the top 10 highest wicket-takers in One Day Internationals (ODIs) with 395 wickets.

His fast, accurate leg spin proved difficult for batsmen to handle, and he quickly became a regular on the Pakistani side. Over the course of his career, Afridi played in 398 ODIs and took 395 wickets at an average of 34.51 and an economy rate of 4.62.

He was also instrumental in Pakistan’s victory in the 2009 ICC World Twenty20 tournament. Afridi’s wicket-taking skills were often crucial for Pakistan in high-pressure situations, as he frequently took key wickets at crucial moments.

He had a particular talent for dismissing top-order batsmen, often breaking important partnerships and setting the stage for Pakistan to take control of the match. His ability to bowl well under pressure also made him a favorite with his teammates and fans alike.

His place among the leading wicket-takers in ODI cricket is a testament to his immense talent and dedication to the sport.

4 Chaminda Vaas

Chaminda Vaas is a former Sri Lankan cricketer and one of the most successful fast bowlers in the history of One Day International (ODI) cricket.

He is ranked among the top 10 highest wicket-takers in ODI cricket with a total of 400 wickets in 322 matches. Vaas was known for his exceptional bowling skills, particularly his ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace from a relatively short run-up.

Vaas made his ODI debut for Sri Lanka in 1994 against Pakistan and quickly established himself as a key member of the team’s bowling attack.

He was particularly effective in the early overs of the innings, often striking early to provide Sri Lanka with a crucial breakthrough.

Vaas was also known for his consistency, rarely giving away runs and maintaining a high level of accuracy throughout his career.

One of Vaas’ most memorable performances came in the 2003 World Cup, where he took a hat-trick in the first over of the match against Bangladesh, becoming the only bowler in history to achieve this feat.

Vaas’ career in ODI cricket spanned over 14 years, during which he played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s success in the format. He was a part of the team that won the 1996 World Cup and was also instrumental in their run to the final in 2007.

His record as one of the top 10 highest wicket-takers in ODI cricket is a testament to his skill and longevity, and he will always be remembered as one of the greats of the game.

3 Waqar Younis

Waqar Younis is a former Pakistani cricketer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time. He is a legendary figure in Pakistani cricket and is considered to be one of the greatest exponents of reverse swing.

Waqar Younis was also one of the top 10 highest wicket-takers in One Day International (ODI) cricket, having taken a total of 416 wickets in his career.

Waqar made his ODI debut for Pakistan in 1989 against West Indies. Throughout his career, Waqar was known for his remarkable ability to swing the ball both ways at high speeds, making him a deadly force for any batsman facing him.

He was also known for his pinpoint accuracy, which allowed him to consistently hit the stumps or beat the outside edge of the bat.

He is one of only two Pakistani bowlers to take over 400 wickets in ODI cricket, with the other being his former teammate and fellow fast bowler, Wasim Akram.

Waqar also took 14 four-wicket hauls and 13 five-wicket hauls in his ODI career, with his best bowling figures being 7/36 against England in 2001.

He formed a lethal bowling partnership with Wasim Akram and the two of them are considered to be one of the greatest fast-bowling duos in the history of cricket.

Waqar retired from international cricket in 2003, leaving behind a legacy as one of the finest fast bowlers of all time and a true inspiration to aspiring cricketers around the world.

2 Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram is a former Pakistani cricketer and is widely regarded as one of the greatest left-arm fast bowlers of all time.

He is one of the top 10 highest wicket-takers in One Day International (ODI) cricket history with 502 wickets to his name. Akram’s career spanned from 1984 to 2003 and during this period, he played in 356 ODIs for Pakistan.

Akram’s ability to swing the ball both ways at high speed and his mastery of reverse swing made him a deadly bowler in ODI cricket.

His control over the ball and his ability to execute yorkers with pinpoint accuracy made him a difficult bowler to face in any situation.

Akram was known for his uncanny ability to take wickets at crucial moments in a match, which made him an invaluable asset to the Pakistan cricket team.

Akram’s finest moment in ODI cricket came during the 1992 World Cup when he helped Pakistan win the tournament.

This included two crucial wickets in the final against England, which helped Pakistan secure a convincing victory.

Akram’s performances in the World Cup established him as one of the finest bowlers in the world and helped him cement his place as one of the top 10 highest wicket-takers in ODI cricket.

Akram’s record of 502 wickets in ODI cricket is a testament to his skill and longevity. He was able to take wickets consistently throughout his career and was particularly effective in the later stages of an inning when he could use his mastery of reverse swing to great effect.

His place among the top 10 highest wicket-takers in ODI cricket is well deserved and serves as a reminder of his exceptional talent and contributions to the sport.

1 Muttiah Muralitharan

Muttiah Muralitharan is a legendary Sri Lankan cricketer and one of the most successful spin bowlers in the history of the game.

He is widely regarded as one of the greatest spin bowlers of all time and holds numerous records in international cricket.

One of his most impressive accomplishments is being one of the top 10 highest wicket-takers in One Day International (ODI) cricket.

Muralitharan played ODI cricket for Sri Lanka from 1993 to 2011 and took a total of 534 wickets in 350 matches at an average of 23.08 and an economy rate of 3.93.

His remarkable ability to spin the ball sharply and consistently troubled many of the world’s best batsmen, making him a force to be reckoned with in the international cricket arena.

Muralitharan’s ODI record is even more impressive considering that he played in an era where the format was heavily skewed towards batsmen.

Despite this, he was able to consistently take wickets and maintain a low economy rate, making him an invaluable asset to the Sri Lankan cricket team.

His performances in the format have earned him worldwide recognition and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest cricketers of all time.