Cricket has seen several legendary bowlers dominate the shorter formats of the game. Muttiah Muralitharan, the Sri Lankan spin wizard, holds the record for the most wickets in ODIs with an astounding 534 scalps. However, another remarkable feat in this format is reaching 100 wickets in the shortest time.
The fastest to 100 ODI wickets is Nepal’s Sandeep Lamichhane, who did so in just 42 matches. India’s very own Mohammad Shami occupies the 10th spot on the list of fastest 100 ODI wickets.
Take a look at the bowlers on this elite list and the number of matches they took to achieve this feat.
Top 10 Players with Fastest 100 Wickets in ODI
| Player | Opposition | Match Date | Debut | Time | Mat |
| Sandeep Lamichhane | v Oman | 21 Apr 2023 | 1 Aug 2018 | 4y 263d | 42 |
| Rashid Khan | v West Indies | 25 Mar 2018 | 18 Oct 2015 | 2y 158d | 44 |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | v Bangladesh | 31 Oct 2023 | 21 Sep 2018 | 5y 40d | 51 |
| Mitchell Starc | v Sri Lanka | 21 Aug 2016 | 20 Oct 2010 | 5y 306d | 52 |
| Saqlain Mushtaq | v Sri Lanka | 12 May 1997 | 29 Sep 1995 | 1y 225d | 53 |
| Shane Bond | v England | 23 Jan 2007 | 11 Jan 2002 | 5y 12d | 54 |
| Mustafizur Rahman | v Pakistan | 5 Jul 2019 | 18 Jun 2015 | 4y 17d | 54 |
| Brett Lee | v England | 25 Jan 2003 | 9 Jan 2000 | 3y 16d | 55 |
| Trent Boult | v West Indies | 23 Dec 2017 | 11 Jul 2012 | 5y 165d | 56 |
| Mohammed Shami | v New Zealand | 23 Jan 2019 | 6 Jan 2013 | 6y 17d | 56 |
1. Sandeep Lamichhane
Sandeep Lamichhane, the young leg-spinner from Nepal, achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the fastest bowler to reach 100 wickets in ODIs. He accomplished this feat in just 42 matches, overtaking some of the game’s legends.
Lamichhane reached this landmark during a match against Oman at Kirtipur on 21 April 2023, just under five years after his debut on 1 August 2018. Over the years, his performances have not only brought him individual accolades but also elevated Nepal’s cricketing stature on the global stage.
Read More: Fastest Player to Reach 2000 Runs in ODI
2. Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan, the Afghan leg-spinning sensation, made headlines by becoming the second-fastest to reach 100 ODI wickets, achieving this milestone in 44 matches. Rashid’s record-breaking moment came against the West Indies in Harare on 25 March 2018, two years and 158 days after his debut on 18 October 2015.
Rashid has been a vital asset to the Afghanistan cricket team. His sharp leg-breaks and quick arm action make him a difficult bowler to pick, even for seasoned batsmen. Additionally, he has been a key player in various T20 leagues around the world, including the Indian Premier League (IPL).
3. Shaheen Afridi
Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s sensational left-arm fast bowler, reached the 100-wicket mark in ODIs in 51 matches. He accomplished this feat against Bangladesh at Eden Gardens on 31 October 2023, five years and 40 days after his debut on 21 September 2018.
Standing tall at 1.98m, his steep bounce and pace have troubled many batsmen. Shaheen’s best figures of 6 for 35 came against Bangladesh during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup.
4. Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc, the Australian pace spearhead, became the fourth-fastest to reach 100 ODI wickets, doing so in 52 matches. Starc achieved this milestone against Sri Lanka in Colombo on 21 August 2016, nearly six years after his debut on 20 October 2010.
Starc is renowned for his fiery pace, ability to swing the ball both ways, and deadly yorkers, making him one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket. His best ODI figures of 6 for 28 against New Zealand during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Suggested Read: Fastest Ball in Cricket History
5. Saqlain Mushtaq
Saqlain Mushtaq, the pioneering Pakistani off-spinner, was the fastest to reach 100 wickets in ODIs during the 1990s, achieving this in 53 matches. He reached this milestone against Sri Lanka in Gwalior on 12 May 1997, one year and 225 days after his debut on 29 September 1995.
His contributions were pivotal in many of Pakistan’s victories during the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 169 ODI matches, he took 288 wickets.
6. Shane Bond
New Zealand’s Shane Bond reached the 100-wicket mark in ODIs in 54 matches. He achieved this milestone against England in Adelaide on 23 January 2007, five years and 12 days after his debut on 11 January 2002. Bond’s career, though plagued by injuries, was marked by his express pace and ability to generate sharp bounce.
Suggested Read: Top 10 Players to Reach Fastest 6000 Runs in ODI
7. Mustafizur Rahman
Mustafizur Rahman, the Bangladeshi left-arm pacer, became the seventh-fastest to reach 100 ODI wickets, achieving this in 54 matches. Mustafizur reached this milestone against Pakistan at Lord’s on 5 July 2019, four years and 17 days after his debut on 18 June 2015.
Mustafizur’s emergence has been crucial for Bangladesh, providing them with a reliable strike bowler. His success in international cricket has also opened doors for him in various T20 leagues around the world, including the IPL.
8. Brett Lee
Brett Lee, the Australian legend, reached the 100-wicket mark in ODIs in 55 matches. He achieved this milestone against England in Melbourne on 25 January 2003, three years and 16 days after his debut on 9 January 2000.
Lee was renowned for his express pace, often clocking speeds in excess of 150 kmph. Lee played a vital role in Australia’s dominance in world cricket during the early 2000s, including their 2003 and 2007 World Cup triumphs. His partnership with Glenn McGrath formed one of the most formidable new-ball pairs in ODI history.
9. Trent Boult
New Zealand’s Trent Boult became the ninth-fastest to reach 100 ODI wickets, doing so in 56 matches. Boult reached this milestone against the West Indies in Christchurch on 23 December 2017, five years and 165 days after his debut on 11 July 2012.
Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and his precision in line and length, Boult’s contributions have been instrumental in New Zealand’s recent successes.
Further Read: Fastest 1000 Runs in ODI
10. Mohammed Shami
Last on the list is Mohammed Shami, who became the fastest Indian to reach 100 ODI wickets, doing so in 56 matches. He accomplished this milestone against New Zealand in Napier on 23 January 2019, six years and 17 days after his debut on 6 January 2013.
Shami’s ability to bowl at a consistent pace with reverse swing has made him a potent force in ODIs. He was the leading wicket-taker at the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Conclusion
From Sandeep Lamichhane’s swift rise with Nepal to Mohammed Shami’s vital contributions for India, each bowler in the list of fastest ODI 100 wickets has shown extraordinary skill and determination. These milestones highlight the ever-evolving nature of cricket, where new talents continue to emerge and redefine the benchmarks of excellence.
Download WinZO Fantasy App and get started with fantasy cricket by making your own team.
FAQs about Fastest ODI 100 Wickets
Q) Who holds the record for the fastest 100 wickets in ODIs?
A) The record for the fastest 100 wickets in ODIs is held by Sandeep Lamichhane of Nepal, who achieved this milestone in just 42 matches. He reached this landmark during a match against Oman at Kirtipur on 21 April 2023, nearly five years after his debut on 1 August 2018.
Q) Who is the fastest Pakistani bowler to 100 ODI wickets?
A) Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan’s left-arm fast bowler, reached the 100-wicket mark in ODIs in 51 matches. He achieved this milestone against Bangladesh at Eden Gardens on 31 October 2023, five years and 40 days after his debut on 21 September 2018.
Q) Who is the fastest Indian bowler to take 100 ODI wickets?
A) Mohammed Shami reached 100 ODI wickets in 56 matches, becoming the fastest Indian to do so. He accomplished this milestone against New Zealand in Napier on 23 January 2019, six years and 17 days after his debut on 6 January 2013.
