Top 10 Best Career Bowling Averages in ODI Cricket History

In cricket, a bowler’s career bowling average is the total number of runs they have conceded divided by the number of wickets they have taken over their entire career. A lower bowling average means the bowler gives away fewer runs per wicket, which is a sign of high effectiveness. The Top 10 Best Career Bowling Averages in ODI Cricket History show the players who have been the most economical and successful wicket-takers in One Day Internationals ODI.

List of 10 Best Career Bowling Averages in ODI Cricket History

10. CEH Croft

Colin Croft ranks tenth in the Best Career Bowling Averages in ODI due to his impactful but brief ODI career. Playing from 1977 to 1981, Croft appeared in just 19 matches but made a strong impression with his fast bowling. His ability to maintain pressure on batsmen helped him secure 30 wickets, with a remarkable bowling average of 20.66. Despite playing fewer matches than many others on this list, Croft’s best performance of 6 wickets for 15 runs shows why he remains in the top 10 for career bowling averages. His economy rate of 3.47 further highlights how tough he was to score against in ODI cricket Best Career Bowling Averages in ODI.

Player	Span	Matches	Runs	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy
CEH Croft	1977-1981	19	620	30	6/15	20.66	3.47

9. Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan, a modern-day star, ranks ninth in the Best Career Bowling Averages in ODI. Since his debut in 2015, Rashid has dazzled cricket fans with his sharp leg-spin and excellent control. Over 114 matches, he has taken 199 wickets at an outstanding average of 20.40. Rashid’s best figures, 7 wickets for 18 runs, reflect his match-winning capabilities. He bowls with an economy rate of 4.24, which is exceptional for a spinner, especially in the high-scoring ODI format. Rashid Khan’s consistency and skill have earned him a top spot on this list.

Player	Span	Matches	Runs	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy
Rashid Khan	2015-2025	114	4060	199	7/18	20.40	4.24

8. AME Roberts

Andy Roberts is eighth on the list of the Best Career Bowling Averages in ODI. His career spanned from 1975 to 1983, during which he played 56 ODI matches. Roberts’ ability to consistently trouble batsmen earned him 87 wickets at a strong average of 20.35. His best bowling figures, 5 for 22, demonstrate his ability to dismantle batting lineups. Roberts was known for his aggressive pace and sharp bouncers, which made scoring off him very difficult. His economy rate of 3.40 further emphasizes his value in the ODI format.

Player	Span	Matches	Runs	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy
AME Roberts	1975-1983	56	1771	87	5/22	20.35	3.40

7. LS Pascoe

Len Pascoe holds the seventh position among the Best Career Bowling Averages in ODI. Representing Australia between 1977 and 1982, Pascoe took 53 wickets in just 29 matches. His bowling average of 20.11 reveals his accuracy and wicket-taking ability. Pascoe’s best ODI bowling was 5 wickets for 30 runs, showcasing his knack for breakthrough spells. His ability to swing the ball combined with his pace made him a challenging bowler. His economy rate of 4.07 also reflects his efficiency in limited-overs cricket.

Player	Span	Matches	Runs	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy
LS Pascoe	1977-1982	29	1066	53	5/30	20.11	4.07

6. Sandeep Lamichhane

Sandeep Lamichhane ranks sixth in the Best Career Bowling Averages in ODIdue to his impressive wicket-taking ability for Nepal. Since 2018, he has featured in 62 ODIs and taken 127 wickets. Lamichhane’s bowling average of 19.78 is excellent for a modern-day spinner. His best bowling figures of 6 for 11 demonstrate his ability to decimate opposing teams. Along with an economy rate of 4.48, Lamichhane regularly keeps the run rate down while taking crucial wickets. His clever leg-spin is a major threat in the ODI format.

Player	Span	Matches	Runs	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy
S Lamichhane	2018-2025	62	2513	127	6/11	19.78	4.48

5. Bernard Scholtz

Bernard Scholtz secures the fifth spot in the Best Career Bowling Averages in ODI with his consistent performances for Namibia. Since 2019, Scholtz has played 61 matches and taken 92 wickets. His bowling average of 19.56 is outstanding, and his tight bowling style is reflected in his economy rate of 3.35. Scholtz’s best figures of 5 wickets for 22 runs highlight his ability to change the game. His control and accuracy have made him a reliable bowler in the ODI arena.

Player	Span	Matches	Runs	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy
BM Scholtz	2019-2025	61	1800	92	5/22	19.56	3.35

4. Mike Hendrick

Mike Hendrick holds the fourth position in the Best Career Bowling Averages in ODI. Between 1973 and 1981, Hendrick played 22 ODIs and took 35 wickets at a superb average of 19.45. His best bowling figures of 5 for 31 show his match-winning potential. Hendrick was famous for his disciplined bowling, maintaining an economy rate of just 3.27. His ability to bowl tight spells made scoring difficult for opponents, establishing his place among the top bowlers in ODI history.

Player	Span	Matches	Runs	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy
M Hendrick	1973-1981	22	681	35	5/31	19.45	3.27

3. AH Gray

Anthony Gray ranks third in the Best Career Bowling Averages in ODI due to his strong performances for the West Indies from 1985 to 1991. He took 44 wickets in 25 matches with an excellent average of 18.97. Gray’s best bowling was 6 wickets for 50 runs, underlining his ability to make breakthroughs. With a decent economy rate of 3.94 and a strike rate of 28.86, Gray was a dependable bowler who contributed significantly to his team’s success.

Player	Span	Matches	Runs	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy
AH Gray	1985-1991	25	835	44	6/50	18.97	3.94

2. RJ Harris

Ryan Harris is second on the list of the Best Career Bowling Averages in ODI despite his relatively short ODI career. From 2009 to 2012, Harris played only 21 matches but took 44 wickets at a superb average of 18.90. His best figures were 5 for 19, showing his ability to strike quickly and effectively. Harris’s economy rate was 4.84, and his strike rate of 23.43 reflects his wicket-taking prowess. His short but powerful ODI career secured his spot as one of the best in terms of bowling average.

Player	Span	Matches	Runs	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy
RJ Harris	2009-2012	21	832	44	5/19	18.90	4.84

1. Joel Garner

Joel Garner holds the top position in the Best Career Bowling Averages in ODI. Playing for the West Indies between 1977 and 1987, Garner appeared in 98 matches and took 146 wickets. His imposing height and lethal yorkers made him very difficult for batsmen to score against. Garner’s bowling average of 18.84 is the best among players who bowled more than 1,000 balls in ODI cricket. His best bowling figures of 5 for 31 and an economy rate of 3.09 demonstrate his dominance in the format. Garner’s skill and consistency have earned him the highest place in this prestigious list.

Player	Span	Matches	Runs	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy
J Garner	1977-1987	98	2752	146	5/31	18.84	3.09

The Best Career Bowling Averages in ODI feature a remarkable group of bowlers who have made significant impacts in One Day Internationals. These bowlers, from different countries and eras, have consistently kept runs low while taking wickets regularly. Their bowling averages show their skill, discipline, and ability to perform under pressure. Whether fast or spin bowlers, they all share the quality of being extremely hard to score against. This list honors their achievements and highlights the importance of a low bowling average in ODI cricket success.