In the history of ODI cricket, there have been numerous unforgettable rivalries between bowlers and batters. These contests have shaped matches and careers, making them the Most Iconic Bowler vs Batter Battles in ODI cricket. These battles are not just about the numbers but also about the psychological duels that defined generations. In this article, we look at the top 10 Most Iconic Bowler vs Batter Battles in ODI, ranked from 10 to 1, complete with detailed statistics and historical insights.
List of 10 Most Iconic Bowler vs Batter Battles in ODI History
10. EJ Chatfield
EJ Chatfield from New Zealand consistently troubled the legendary Australian batter Allan Border, creating one of the Most Iconic Bowler vs Batter Battles in ODI. Between 1980 and 1988, Chatfield managed to dismiss Border 10 times in 34 matches. His ability to restrict Border’s scoring while taking his wicket built a fascinating rivalry. Despite frequent dismissals, Border managed to avoid a duck, proving his grit in this memorable contest that remains one of the Most Iconic Bowler vs Batter Battles in ODI.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Bowler | EJ Chatfield (NZ) |
| Batter | Allan Border (AUS) |
| Span | 1980-1988 |
| Matches | 34 |
| Wickets | 10 |
| Average | 19.8 |
| Ducks | 0 |
| Total Runs by Border vs Chatfield | 198 |
| Highest Score vs Chatfield | 46 |
| Lowest Score vs Chatfield | 12 |
| Strike Rate | 65.4 |
READ MORE: Top 10 Highest Team Totals in ODI World Cup History
9. Mashrafe Mortaza
Mashrafe Mortaza and Hamilton Masakadza’s rivalry represents one of the Most Iconic Bowler vs Batter Battles in ODI cricket. From 2005 to 2018, Mortaza dismissed Masakadza 10 times in 32 ODIs. Mortaza’s precise bowling kept Masakadza under constant pressure, reflected in his low average of 13 against the Bangladesh pacer. Their duels epitomized the intense Most Iconic Bowler vs Batter Battles in ODI, especially with Masakadza falling for a duck once.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Bowler | Mashrafe Mortaza (BAN) |
| Batter | Hamilton Masakadza (ZIM) |
| Span | 2005-2018 |
| Matches | 32 |
| Wickets | 10 |
| Average | 13 |
| Ducks | 1 |
| Total Runs by Masakadza | 130 |
| Highest Score vs Mortaza | 40 |
| Lowest Score | 0 |
| Strike Rate | 55.8 |
8. Craig McDermott
Among the Most Iconic Bowler vs Batter Battles in ODI, the contest between Craig McDermott and Richie Richardson is memorable. McDermott managed to get Richardson out 10 times between 1985 and 1996. The Australian pacer’s control ensured Richardson had an average of just 16.6 against him. This classic rivalry in ODI cricket showcases the battles of the 80s and 90s, a true chapter in the Most Iconic Bowler vs Batter Battles in ODI.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Bowler | Craig McDermott (AUS) |
| Batter | Richie Richardson (WI) |
| Span | 1985-1996 |
| Matches | 32 |
| Wickets | 10 |
| Average | 16.6 |
| Ducks | 0 |
| Total Runs | 166 |
| Highest Score | 48 |
| Strike Rate | 62.3 |
| Balls Faced | 266 |
7. Chaminda Vaas
Chaminda Vaas’ encounters with Adam Gilchrist are well-known as the Most Iconic Bowler vs Batter Battles in ODI history. Between 1999 and 2008, Vaas dismissed Gilchrist 10 times in 27 matches. Although Gilchrist scored aggressively with an average of 38.2, Vaas still managed three ducks from the Australian opener, proving the depth of this rivalry among the Most Iconic Bowler vs Batter Battles in ODI.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Bowler | Chaminda Vaas (SL) |
| Batter | Adam Gilchrist (AUS) |
| Span | 1999-2008 |
| Matches | 27 |
| Wickets | 10 |
| Average | 38.2 |
| Ducks | 3 |
| Runs Scored | 382 |
| Highest Score | 85 |
| Balls Faced | 300 |
| Strike Rate | 127.3 |
6. Ajit Agarkar
Ajit Agarkar and Sanath Jayasuriya’s contests rank high in the Most Iconic Bowler vs Batter Battles in ODI. From 1998 to 2007, Agarkar dismissed Jayasuriya 10 times, often breaking crucial partnerships. Jayasuriya’s average against Agarkar was 27.4, reflecting Agarkar’s success. Even though Jayasuriya avoided a duck, their contests were intense and form part of the Most Iconic Bowler vs Batter Battles in ODI narrative.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Bowler | Ajit Agarkar (IND) |
| Batter | Sanath Jayasuriya (SL) |
| Span | 1998-2007 |
| Matches | 22 |
| Wickets | 10 |
| Average | 27.4 |
| Ducks | 0 |
| Runs Scored | 274 |
| Highest Score | 52 |
| Balls Faced | 245 |
| Strike Rate | 111.8 |
5. Chaminda Vaas
Chaminda Vaas’ duels with Saeed Anwar are etched as one of the Most Iconic Bowler vs Batter Battles in ODI history. From 1994 to 2002, Vaas removed Anwar 11 times in 38 matches, maintaining an average of 24.63. Despite being dismissed frequently, Anwar avoided ducks, highlighting his resilience in this chapter of the Most Iconic Bowler vs Batter Battles in ODI.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Bowler | Chaminda Vaas (SL) |
| Batter | Saeed Anwar (PAK) |
| Span | 1994-2002 |
| Matches | 38 |
| Wickets | 11 |
| Average | 24.63 |
| Ducks | 0 |
| Runs Scored | 270 |
| Highest Score | 70 |
| Balls Faced | 305 |
| Strike Rate | 88.5 |
4. Chaminda Vaas
The contests between Chaminda Vaas and Stephen Fleming represent the Most Iconic Bowler vs Batter Battles in ODI for their sheer competitiveness. Between 1994 and 2007, Vaas dismissed Fleming 11 times in 29 matches. Fleming was out for a duck on four occasions, making this one of the fiercest and Most Iconic Bowler vs Batter Battles in ODI cricket.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Bowler | Chaminda Vaas (SL/Asia XI) |
| Batter | Stephen Fleming (NZ/ICC XI) |
| Span | 1994-2007 |
| Matches | 29 |
| Wickets | 11 |
| Average | 10.09 |
| Ducks | 4 |
| Runs Scored | 111 |
| Highest Score | 30 |
| Balls Faced | 180 |
| Strike Rate | 61.7 |
3. Shaun Pollock
Shaun Pollock’s contests against Adam Gilchrist are undoubtedly part of the Most Iconic Bowler vs Batter Battles in ODI. Pollock dismissed Gilchrist 12 times between 1997 and 2007 in 43 games. With an average of 19.41 and two ducks, Pollock’s ability to curb Gilchrist’s attacking prowess makes this duel one of the Most Iconic Bowler vs Batter Battles in ODI.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Bowler | Shaun Pollock (SA/ICC XI) |
| Batter | Adam Gilchrist (AUS) |
| Span | 1997-2007 |
| Matches | 43 |
| Wickets | 12 |
| Average | 19.41 |
| Ducks | 2 |
| Runs Scored | 233 |
| Highest Score | 67 |
| Balls Faced | 287 |
| Strike Rate | 81.1 |
READ MORE: Top 10 Batsmen with the Most Runs in Cricket World Cup History
2. Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram’s rivalry with Desmond Haynes is revered as part of the Most Iconic Bowler vs Batter Battles in ODI. Akram dismissed Haynes 12 times between 1985 and 1993 in 41 ODIs. Haynes scored consistently but fell for a duck once, cementing Akram’s dominance in one of the Most Iconic Bowler vs Batter Battles in ODI cricket history.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Bowler | Wasim Akram (PAK) |
| Batter | Desmond Haynes (WI) |
| Span | 1985-1993 |
| Matches | 41 |
| Wickets | 12 |
| Average | 16.91 |
| Ducks | 1 |
| Runs Scored | 203 |
| Highest Score | 54 |
| Balls Faced | 300 |
| Strike Rate | 67.6 |
1. Waqar Younis
Topping the list of Most Iconic Bowler vs Batter Battles in ODI is Waqar Younis versus Sanath Jayasuriya. Between 1989 and 2002, Waqar dismissed Jayasuriya 13 times in 45 matches with an astonishing average of 12.76. Jayasuriya was out for a duck twice, defining this as the ultimate contest among the Most Iconic Bowler vs Batter Battles in ODI.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Bowler | Waqar Younis (PAK) |
| Batter | Sanath Jayasuriya (SL) |
| Span | 1989-2002 |
| Matches | 45 |
| Wickets | 13 |
| Average | 12.76 |
| Ducks | 2 |
| Runs Scored | 166 |
| Highest Score | 45 |
| Balls Faced | 220 |
| Strike Rate | 75.4 |
The history of ODI cricket is filled with riveting rivalries, but these ten stand out as the Most Iconic Bowler vs Batter Battles in ODI history. These duels not only defined individual careers but also shaped crucial matches for their respective teams. Every wicket, every run, and every duel added to the thrill that makes the Most Iconic Bowler vs Batter Battles in ODI an unforgettable aspect of the game.