Cricket is a game of skills where both batsmen and bowlers have their own roles to play. While batsmen often get much of the attention for scoring runs, bowlers are the ones who break partnerships, control the game, and turn the match around. In One Day International (ODI) cricket, bowlers have only 10 overs to make an impact. This makes their achievements even more special when they take hundreds of wickets over their careers Greatest Wicket Takers in ODI Cricket.
Over the years, many world class bowlers have played ODI cricket, but only a few have reached the highest levels of success by taking the Greatest Wicket Takers in ODI Cricket. Let’s take a closer look at the top five bowlers who have dominated ODI cricket by taking the most wickets.
List of 5 Greatest Wicket Takers in ODI Cricket History
1. Muttiah Muralitharan
Muttiah Muralitharan is not just the Greatest Wicket Takers in ODI Cricket history but also one of the most respected cricketers worldwide. Born in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Muralitharan made his ODI debut in 1993 and soon became the heart of Sri Lanka’s bowling attack. His unusual bowling action allowed him to generate massive turn even on flat pitches.
What made Muralitharan so dangerous was his variety. Apart from his classic off-spin, he mastered the doosra, which spun the opposite way and confused even the best batsmen. His sharp spin, flight, and bounce made him almost unplayable at times. He could bowl long spells without losing accuracy, making him a captain’s dream.
Muralitharan was a key part of Sri Lanka’s golden era, which included winning the 1996 World Cup. Even after years of playing, batsmen continued to struggle against his bowling. His fitness and mental toughness allowed him to play consistently at the highest level for nearly two decades Greatest Wicket Takers in ODI Cricket.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| ODI Debut | 1993 |
| Last ODI | 2011 |
| ODI Matches | 350 |
| Total Wickets | 534 |
| Bowling Average | 23.08 |
| Economy Rate | 3.93 |
| Best Bowling Figures | 7/30 |
| 5-Wicket Hauls | 10 |
2. Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram is widely considered the Greatest Wicket Takers in ODI Cricket history. Known as the “Sultan of Swing,” Akram could swing the ball both ways with incredible control. Whether bowling with the new ball or the old ball, Wasim was equally effective. His ability to bowl deadly yorkers, slower balls, and sharp bouncers made him one of the most complete fast bowlers ever.
Wasim made his ODI debut in 1984, and from the very beginning, his skill was evident. He played an important role in Pakistan’s famous 1992 World Cup victory, where his swing bowling dismantled the best batsmen. Akram’s cricketing brain allowed him to read batsmen and conditions quickly, adjusting his bowling accordingly.
Apart from his bowling, Wasim was also a handy lower order batsman who could score quick runs. His leadership skills later saw him become the captain of Pakistan, where he inspired many young bowlers Greatest Wicket Takers in ODI Cricket.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | Pakistan |
| ODI Debut | 1984 |
| Last ODI | 2003 |
| ODI Matches | 356 |
| Total Wickets | 502 |
| Bowling Average | 23.52 |
| Economy Rate | 3.89 |
| Best Bowling Figures | 5/15 |
| 5-Wicket Hauls | 6 |
3. Waqar Younis
Waqar Younis was another legendary fast bowler from Pakistan who made his name with raw pace and deadly reverse swing. While Wasim Akram focused on swing and accuracy, Waqar was known for his brutal pace and toe crushing yorkers. His nickname “Toe Crusher” perfectly describes the damage he did to batsmen’s toes with his full length, inswinging deliveries Greatest Wicket Takers in ODI Cricket.
Waqar made his debut in 1989 and quickly formed one of the most feared bowling pairs in ODI history alongside Wasim Akram. The two became known as the “Two Ws” and destroyed many batting line ups together.
Waqar’s reverse swing was his biggest weapon. Even when the ball got old, he could swing it at high speed, often turning the game in Pakistan’s favor. His aggression, athleticism, and never give up attitude made him a favorite among fans Greatest Wicket Takers in ODI Cricket.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | Pakistan |
| ODI Debut | 1989 |
| Last ODI | 2003 |
| ODI Matches | 262 |
| Total Wickets | 416 |
| Bowling Average | 23.84 |
| Economy Rate | 4.68 |
| Best Bowling Figures | 7/36 |
| 5-Wicket Hauls | 13 |
READ MORE: Top 5 Most Successful Cricket Captains in History
4. Chaminda Vaas
Chaminda Vaas was the cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s pace attack for more than a decade. Although Sri Lanka is known for its spinners, Vaas provided the perfect balance with his skillful seam and swing bowling. His ability to move the ball both ways and maintain excellent control made him extremely effective Greatest Wicket Takers in ODI Cricket.
Vaas was particularly dangerous with the new ball, often breaking opening partnerships and putting pressure on the opposition early. Even on slow subcontinental pitches, Vaas’s cutters and slower balls allowed him to remain effective throughout his career.
One of his most famous performances came against Zimbabwe, where he took 8 wickets for just 19 runs the best bowling figures ever in Greatest Wicket Takers in ODI Cricket.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| ODI Debut | 1994 |
| Last ODI | 2008 |
| ODI Matches | 322 |
| Total Wickets | 400 |
| Bowling Average | 27.53 |
| Economy Rate | 4.18 |
| Best Bowling Figures | 8/19 |
| 5-Wicket Hauls | 4 |
5. Shaun Pollock
Shaun Pollock was South Africa’s Greatest Wicket Takers in ODI Cricket during his time. Unlike some others who relied on express pace, Pollock focused on accuracy, swing, and discipline. His tight line and length frustrated batsmen, often forcing them into mistakes.
Pollock’s ability to swing the ball both ways, especially in helpful conditions, made him South Africa’s go to bowler for many years. He also captained South Africa and was known for his calm and composed leadership.
Besides his bowling, Pollock was also a valuable lower order batsman, scoring many useful runs for South Africa Greatest Wicket Takers in ODI Cricket.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | South Africa |
| ODI Debut | 1996 |
| Last ODI | 2008 |
| ODI Matches | 303 |
| Total Wickets | 393 |
| Bowling Average | 24.50 |
| Economy Rate | 3.67 |
| Best Bowling Figures | 6/35 |
| 5-Wicket Hauls | 5 |
The world of ODI cricket has seen many Greatest Wicket Takers in ODI Cricket, but these five legends stand tall with their extraordinary records and long lasting impact on the game. Muralitharan’s spin wizardry, Wasim Akram’s deadly swing, Waqar Younis’s reverse swing yorkers, Chaminda Vaas’s mastery of seam, and Shaun Pollock’s remarkable accuracy each of them brought a unique style that made ODI cricket exciting Greatest Wicket Takers in ODI Cricket.
Their records may stand for many more years, and their careers continue to inspire young cricketers worldwide who dream of becoming future bowling greats.