Best Bowling Figures in ODIs History

Every bowler dreams of making it to the list of the best bowling figures in ODI or any other format of the game. It is a prestigious list which has bowlers from all over the world. The list is headed by Sri Lanka’s Chaminda Vaas, who picked up eight wickets for just 19 runs against Zimbabwe in Colombo in 2001. 

The second-best bowling figures in ODI cricket history were recorded by Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi against the West Indies in 2013. The top 10 list comprises both pace and as well as spin bowlers.

List of 10 Best Bowling Figures in ODI Cricket

1. Chaminda Vaas – 8/19

Sri Lankan bowler Chaminda Vaas delivered a memorable performance, taking 8 wickets for 19 runs against Zimbabwe in Colombo on December 8, 2001. This remains the best bowling figures in ODI international. This spell helped Sri Lanka bowl out Zimbabwe for a mere 38 runs in 15.4 overs. In reply, the hosts chased down the target in only 4.2 overs, with Sanath Jayasuriya and Marvan Atapattu remaining unbeaten on 13 and 23 each. 

Read More: Most Wickets in ODI: List of Top 10 Most Wicket Takers in ODI

2. Shahid Afridi – 7/12

Pakistan’s flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi produced a mesmerizing bowling performance against the West Indies at Providence on July 14, 2013. His variations and ability to deceive the batsmen with flight and turn were on full display as he claimed 7 wickets for a mere 12 runs. Pakistan successful defended 224 runs, thanks to Afridi’s spell. Afridi announced his retirement from international cricket in May 2018. 

3. Glenn McGrath – 7/15

Australian pace legend Glenn McGrath stamped his authority on the game with a dominant display against Namibia in Potchefstroom on February 27, 2003. Renowned for his impeccable line and length, McGrath exploited the favourable conditions to perfection, claiming 7 wickets for just 15 runs. Batting first, Australia posted 301 runs on the board, after which they bowled out Namibia for just 45 runs on the back of McGrath’s spell. McGrath is Australia’s all-time leading wicket-taker in ODIs, with 381 wickets from 1993 until his retirement in 2007. 

4. Rashid Khan – 7/18

Afghanistan’s spin sensation Rashid Khan announced himself on the world stage with a mesmerizing spell against the West Indies in Gros Islet on June 9, 2017. At just 18 years old, Rashid showcased maturity beyond his years, bamboozling the West Indian batsmen with his variations and deceptive googlies. Afghanistan won by the match by 63 runs after bowling out the West Indies for 149. The remaining three wickets were taken by Dawlat Zadran (2) and Gulbadin Naib (1). 

Suggested Read: Which Team Has Scored Most Runs in ODIs? Highest Team Totals in ODIs

5. Wanindu Hasaranga – 7/19

Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga delivered a match-winning performance against Zimbabwe in Colombo on January 11, 2024. Hasaranga’s spell yielded 7 wickets for just 19 runs. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 96 runs, which Sri Lanka chased down in 16.5 overs after Kusal Mendis scored an unbeaten half-century.

6. Andy Bichel – 7/20

Australian fast bowler Andy Bichel left a lasting impact with a memorable spell against England in Gqeberha on March 2, 2003. He took 7 wickets for 20 runs. Batting first, England posted a total of 204 for 8, in reply to which Australia struggled before eventually chasing down the target with two balls remaining. Bichel played a crucial role with the bat too, scoring 34 runs down the order. The right arm pacer played 19 Tests and 67 ODIs for Australia from 1997 to 2004. 

Suggested Read: Highest Individual Score in ODI

7. Muttiah Muralitharan – 7/30

Sri Lankan spin maestro Muttiah Muralitharan weaved his magic against India in Sharjah on October 27, 2000. Muralitharan’s mastery of spin bowling was on full display as he claimed 7 wickets for 30 runs, bamboozling the Indian batsmen with his unplayable deliveries. Sri Lanka won the match by 68 runs after successfully defending 294 runs. Muralitharan is the leading wicket-taker in ODI cricket history. He picked up 534 wickets in 350 matches from 1993 to 2011. 

8. Ali Khan – 7/32

Representing the United States of America, Ali Khan displayed his raw pace and aggression against Jersey in Windhoek on April 4, 2023. Khan claimed 7 wickets for 32 runs. USA won the match by 25 runs after successfully defending 231. 

9. Tim Southee – 7/33

New Zealand’s Tim Southee delivered a memorable spell against England in Wellington on February 20, 2015. Southee’s ability to swing the ball both ways and maintain consistent line and length troubled the English batsmen, as he claimed 7 wickets for 33 runs. Courtesy of this spell, England were bowled out for just 123 runs, which the Kiwis chased down in 12.2 overs.

Southee is one of the finest bowlers to have emerged from New Zealand. He was the third-highest wicket-taker at the 2011 ICC World Cup, claiming 18 wickets at an average of 17.33. Southee also made a significant impact at the 2015 ICC World Cup, notably taking 7 wickets in a round-robin match against England.

10. Trent Boult – 7/34

New Zealand’s Trent Boult starred with the ball against West Indies in Christchurch on December 23, 2017. Boult claimed 7 wickets for 34 runs, which helped bowl out the West Indies for 121 runs.

New Zealand went on to win the match by a huge margin of 204 runs. Regarded as one of the best bowlers in limited-overs cricket, Boult is one of New Zealand’s leading wicket-takers. He played a crucial role in New Zealand’s triumph in the 2019–2021 ICC World Test Championship and was a key part of the New Zealand squads that finished as runners-up in the Cricket World Cup finals of 2015 and 2019.

Further Read: 10 Players with Most Runs in World Cup

Conclusion 

These 10 bowlers, who are a part of the list of best bowling figures in ODI history, have etched their names in cricketing history. From Chaminda Vaas’s record-breaking 8-wicket haul to Trent Boult’s swing mastery, each of these spells is a testament to the bowler’s talent, hard work, and dedication. While some of these players are still active in international cricket, a few of them have retired. 

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