One Day Internationals (ODIs) have witnessed some of the finest bowlers in cricket history. These players have excelled in taking wickets and have been instrumental in their teams’ successes.
One of the finest bowlers in ODI history has been Sri Lankan spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan. He is the highest wicket-taker in ODIs, with a remarkable 534 wickets in 350 matches in a career that spanned nearly two decades.
India’s Anil Kumble is also among the bowlers who won matches with their bowling. Here, we look at the top 10 bowlers who have taken the most wickets in ODIs.
List of 10 Most Wicket Takers in ODI
| Rank | Player Name | Country | Career | Matches | Wickets | Average | Strike Rate | Economy |
| 1 | Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | 1993-2011 | 350 | 534 | 23.08 | 35.22 | 3.93 |
| 2 | Wasim Akram | Pakistan | 1984-2003 | 356 | 502 | 23.52 | 36.22 | 3.89 |
| 3 | Waqar Younis | Pakistan | 1989-2003 | 262 | 416 | 23.84 | 30.52 | 4.68 |
| 4 | Chaminda Vaas | Asia/Sri Lanka | 1994-2008 | 322 | 400 | 27.53 | 39.43 | 4.18 |
| 5 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 1996-2015 | 398 | 395 | 34.51 | 44.73 | 4.62 |
| 6 | Shaun Pollock | South Africa | 1996-2008 | 303 | 393 | 24.50 | 39.97 | 3.67 |
| 7 | Glenn McGrath | Australia | 1993-2007 | 250 | 381 | 22.02 | 34.04 | 3.88 |
| 8 | Brett Lee | Australia | 2000-2012 | 221 | 380 | 23.36 | 29.43 | 4.76 |
| 9 | Lasith Malinga | Sri Lanka | 2004-2019 | 226 | 338 | 28.87 | 32.35 | 5.35 |
| 10 | Anil Kumble | Asia/India | 1990-2007 | 271 | 337 | 30.89 | 43.01 | 4.30 |
1. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka)
Muttiah Muralitharan is widely regarded as one of the greatest spinners in cricket history. His career spanned over 18 years, from 1993 to 2011, during which he played 350 ODIs and took 534 wickets.
Known for his unique bowling action and ability to turn the ball sharply, Muralitharan was a constant threat to batsmen around the world. His best bowling figures of 7/30 exemplify his match-winning capabilities. With an average of 23.08, an economy rate of 3.93, and a strike rate of 35.22, Muralitharan’s consistency and skill have earned him a lasting legacy in the cricketing world. He also boasts 15 four-wicket hauls and 10 five-wicket hauls.
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2. Wasim Akram (Pakistan)
Wasim Akram, the ‘Sultan of Swing,’ is one of the most celebrated fast bowlers in cricket history. From 1984 to 2003, Akram played 356 ODIs, taking 502 wickets. He was known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, making him a nightmare for batsmen.
His deadly yorkers and sharp bouncers were instrumental in Pakistan’s success in the 1992 World Cup. Akram’s best figures of 5/15 highlight his devastating potential. He maintained an average of 23.52, an economy rate of 3.89, and a strike rate of 36.22, along with 17 four-wicket hauls and 6 five-wicket hauls.
3. Waqar Younis (Pakistan)
Waqar Younis, known for his express pace and deadly reverse swing, played 262 ODIs from 1989 to 2003, taking 416 wickets. His ability to bowl toe-crushing yorkers at high speed made him one of the most feared bowlers of his time. Waqar’s best bowling figures of 7/36 reflect his ability to single-handedly destroy batting line-ups.
With an average of 23.84, an economy rate of 4.68, and a strike rate of 30.52, he was a key player for Pakistan. He also recorded 14 four-wicket hauls and 13 five-wicket hauls, forming a lethal partnership with Wasim Akram.
4. Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka)
Chaminda Vaas was the spearhead of Sri Lanka’s bowling attack for over a decade. Playing from 1994 to 2008, he took 400 wickets in 322 ODIs. Vaas was known for his ability to swing the ball and maintain a tight line and length.
His best bowling performance of 8/19 remains one of the most memorable spells in ODI history. Vaas’s average of 27.53, economy rate of 4.18, and strike rate of 39.43, along with 9 four-wicket hauls and 4 five-wicket hauls, underscore his consistency and reliability.
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5. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)
Shahid Afridi, known for his explosive batting, was also a highly effective leg-spinner. Over his career from 1996 to 2015, he took 395 wickets in 398 ODIs. Afridi’s best bowling figures of 7/12 show his ability to turn games with the ball.
With an average of 34.51, an economy rate of 4.62, and a strike rate of 44.73, Afridi’s knack for taking crucial wickets made him a valuable player for Pakistan. He recorded 4 four-wicket hauls and 9 five-wicket hauls.
6. Shaun Pollock (South Africa)
Shaun Pollock was a model of consistency and precision in South African cricket. Playing from 1996 to 2008, he took 393 wickets in 303 ODIs. Pollock was known for his impeccable line and length, with best bowling figures of 6/35.
He maintained an average of 24.50, an economy rate of 3.67, and a strike rate of 39.97. Pollock’s 12 four-wicket hauls and 5 five-wicket hauls highlight his ability to maintain pressure on batsmen. His contributions with both bat and ball made him one of the most valuable all-rounders in the game.
7. Glenn McGrath (Australia)
Glenn McGrath is renowned for his accuracy and relentless pressure on batsmen. From 1993 to 2007, he took 381 wickets in 250 ODIs, with best figures of 7/15. McGrath’s ability to consistently hit the right areas and exploit any weakness in the batsman’s technique made him a formidable bowler.
With an average of 22.02, an economy rate of 3.88, and a strike rate of 34.04, McGrath’s contributions were pivotal in Australia’s dominance in world cricket. He recorded 9 four-wicket hauls and 7 five-wicket hauls.
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8. Brett Lee (Australia)
Brett Lee, known for his express pace, took 380 wickets in 221 ODIs from 2000 to 2012. Lee’s aggressive bowling and ability to bowl at speeds exceeding 150 km/h made him one of the most exciting bowlers to watch.
His best bowling figures of 5/22 demonstrate his ability to deliver match-winning performances. Lee’s average of 23.36, economy rate of 4.76, and strike rate of 29.43, along with 14 four-wicket hauls and 9 five-wicket hauls, were crucial for Australia in numerous victories.
9. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)
Lasith Malinga, with his distinctive slingy action, took 338 wickets in 226 ODIs from 2004 to 2019. Known for his deadly yorkers and ability to bowl in the death overs, Malinga was a key player for Sri Lanka. His best bowling figures of 6/38 highlight his match-winning capabilities.
With an average of 28.87, an economy rate of 5.35, and a strike rate of 32.35, Malinga’s unorthodox style and effectiveness made him one of the most feared bowlers in the shorter formats of the game. He also achieved 11 four-wicket hauls and 8 five-wicket hauls.
10. Anil Kumble (India)
Anil Kumble, India’s leading wicket-taker in ODIs, played 271 matches from 1990 to 2007, taking 337 wickets. Known for his accuracy and ability to extract bounce and turn, Kumble’s best bowling figures of 6/12 are a testament to his match-winning capabilities.
Kumble’s average of 30.89, economy rate of 4.30, and strike rate of 43.01, along with 8 four-wicket hauls and 2 five-wicket hauls, show his consistency and effectiveness. His contributions were instrumental in many of India’s victories.
FAQs about Most Wickets in ODI
Q) Which bowler has the most wickets in ODI?
A) Muttiah Muralitharan holds the record for the most wickets in ODI cricket. He took 534 wickets in 350 matches, playing from 1993 to 2011. Known for his unique bowling action and sharp turn, Muralitharan’s best bowling figures in an innings are 7/30.Â
Q) Who has the most wickets in ODI cricket?
A) Muttiah Muralitharan has the most wickets in ODI cricket. With 534 wickets in 350 ODIs, Muralitharan leads the list of wicket-takers in this format. His career spanned from 1993 to 2011
Q) Who is India’s highest wicket-taker in ODIs?
A) Anil Kumble is India’s highest wicket-taker in ODIs. He took 337 wickets in 271 matches from 1990 to 2007. Known for his accuracy and ability to extract bounce and turn, Kumble’s best figures of 6/12 highlight his match-winning capabilities.
Q) Who is Australia’s highest wicket-taker in ODIs?
A) Glenn McGrath is Australia’s highest wicket-taker in ODIs. He took 381 wickets in 250 matches, playing from 1993 to 2007.
