Highest Wicket taker in ODI. Check complete list
Published on: Jul 19, 2023 10:53 pm IST|Updated on: Jul 19, 2023 10:53 pm IST
One Day International (ODI) cricket stands as the most extensively played format in the realm of International cricket. While numerous batsmen have achieved the remarkable feat of scoring over 10,000 runs, the true allure of this format lies in the mesmerizing performances of bowlers who can single-handedly make a match gripping and dramatically alter its course. Now, let us cast our gaze upon the illustrious bowlers who have consistently dominated and left an indelible mark on the landscape of One Day International cricket.
Highest Wicket taker in ODI
Muttiah Muralitharan
Muttiah Muralitharan, the legendary Sri Lankan cricketer, left an indelible mark on the history of One Day International (ODI) cricket, just like he did in Test cricket. Representing Sri Lanka from 1993 to 2011, he emerged as the Highest Wicket taker in ODI history. Batsmen around the world found him to be one of the most challenging bowlers to face.
Muralitharan’s astonishing record of 534 wickets in 350 ODIs speaks volumes about his skill and dominance on the field. With an impressive average of 23.08, he consistently baffled batsmen and displayed remarkable talent. The spinner’s ability to take ten five-wicket hauls further exemplified his mastery over the game. Notably, Muttiah Muralitharan was a pivotal part of the Sri Lankan team that clinched victory in the 1996 World Cup, etching his name in cricketing history as one of the all-time greats.
Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram, widely regarded as the finest left-arm fast bowler in cricket history, showcased his remarkable skills over a span of 19 years (1984-2003) while representing Pakistan in ODI cricket. Revered for his unplayable swing balls, he consistently troubled even the most renowned players until the very end of his illustrious career.
An epitome of excellence, Akram secured the second-highest number of wickets in the ODI format, a testament to his exceptional bowling prowess. His outstanding performance in the 1992 World Cup, where he claimed the most wickets, played a pivotal role in leading Pakistan to their first-ever World Cup victory. Notably, he holds the record for the highest number of 4-wicket hauls in the history of ODI cricket, a remarkable feat that underlines his dominance on the field.
Waqar Younis
Waqar Younis, hailed as the “King of Reverse Swing,” has secured an impressive 3rd place in the list of most wickets taken in One Day Internationals (ODIs). After a glorious career spanning 14 years, he gracefully retired from ODIs, leaving a lasting impact on the cricket world. Over the course of 262 matches, Waqar showcased his prowess, claiming a remarkable 416 wickets, which ranks as the 2nd highest among fast bowlers in the format. With an outstanding average of 23.94, he proved to be a formidable force for batsmen worldwide.
Waqar’s achievements stand unparalleled as he achieved the milestone of taking 5 wickets in a match an incredible 13 times, a record yet to be surpassed by any other player. The Pakistani legend’s ability to reverse swing the ball made him a nightmare for batsmen and left an indelible mark on the history of ODI cricket.
Player | Matches | Innings | Wickets | Average | Strike Rate | BBF | 4-Wickets | 5-Wickets |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M Muralitharan | 350 | 341 | 534 | 23.08 | 35.2 | 7/30 | 15 | 10 |
W Akram | 256 | 351 | 502 | 23.52 | 36.02 | 5/15 | 17 | 6 |
W Younis | 262 | 258 | 416 | 23.83 | 30.5 | 7/36 | 14 | 13 |
C Vaas | 322 | 320 | 400 | 27.53 | 39.4 | 8/19 | 09 | 4 |
S Afridi | 398 | 372 | 395 | 34.51 | 44.7 | 7/12 | 04 | 9 |
S Pollock | 303 | 297 | 392 | 24.50 | 39.9 | 6/35 | 12 | 5 |
G McGrath | 250 | 248 | 381 | 22.02 | 34.00 | 7/15 | 09 | 7 |
B Lee | 221 | 217 | 380 | 23.36 | 29.4 | 5/22 | 14 | 9 |
L Malinga | 226 | 220 | 338 | 28.87 | 32.3 | 6/38 | 11 | 8 |
A Kumble | 271 | 265 | 337 | 30.89 | 43.00 | 6/12 | 08 | 2 |
S Jayasuriya | 445 | 368 | 323 | 36.75 | 46.00 | 6/29 | 08 | 4 |
J Srinath | 229 | 227 | 315 | 28.08 | 37.8 | 5/23 | 07 | 3 |
DL Vettori | 295 | 277 | 305 | 31.71 | 46.09 | 5/7 | 08 | 2 |
S Al Hasan | 233 | 227 | 302 | 29.06 | 39.13 | 5/29 | 10 | 4 |