Top 10 Bowlers with Most Caught Dismissals in ODI Cricket History

In the long journey of One Day International cricket, bowlers have always looked for ways to outsmart batters. Among the many forms of dismissals, one of the most common and significant is when the batter gets out by being caught. This can happen either in the outfield, close to the wicket, or even at slips. It not only shows the bowler’s skill but also highlights the teamwork between bowler and fielder. Over the decades, several bowlers have mastered the art of forcing batters into risky strokes, resulting in catches. That is why the record of the Most Caught Dismissals in ODI Cricket History is considered a unique achievement. In this article, we will look at the top 10 bowlers who have picked up the highest number of wickets through catches in ODIs, written in reverse order from number 10 to 1.

List of 10 Bowlers with Most Caught Dismissals in ODI Cricket History

10. Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble, India’s legendary leg-spinner, played a huge role in Indian cricket for more than a decade. He may not have been a big turner of the ball like Shane Warne or Muttiah Muralidaran, but his strength was accuracy and bounce. Batters often struggled against his consistent line and length, which forced them into false strokes. Many of those strokes resulted in catches, helping him achieve a big number of dismissals this way. His role in the Most Caught Dismissals in ODI Cricket History shows how he tricked opponents into offering chances in the field. Kumble’s partnership with Indian fielders gave the team many breakthroughs during tight games Most Caught Dismissals in ODI Cricket History.

Span	Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Caught
1990–2007	271	337	6/12	147

9. Saqlain Mushtaq

Saqlain Mushtaq, the man who invented the famous “doosra,” was one of the smartest bowlers Pakistan ever produced. Even though his ODI career lasted less than 10 years, he had a huge impact. His clever variations in flight and spin often confused batters, leading them to hit risky shots. These attempts many times ended up in the hands of fielders. His high percentage of wickets through catches confirms his place in the Most Caught Dismissals in ODI Cricket History. Saqlain was also a major reason why Pakistan’s middle overs were always dangerous for batting sides.

Span	Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Caught
1995–2003	169	288	5/20	149

8. Shahid Afridi

Shahid Afridi is mostly remembered for his six-hitting power, but he was also an excellent ODI bowler with nearly 400 wickets. His leg-spin combined with pace variations often tempted batters into big shots. Afridi’s attacking style was risky for opponents, who frequently lost their wickets by getting caught. This ability to create chances in the outfield made him one of the most important names in the Most Caught Dismissals in ODI Cricket History. His role with the ball balanced his aggressive batting, making him a match-winner with both bat and ball.

Span	Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Caught
1996–2015	398	395	7/12	150

7. Sanath Jayasuriya

Sanath Jayasuriya is widely known as the man who changed ODI batting, but his left-arm spin was equally valuable. He often bowled in the middle overs when the field was spread, forcing batters to take risks to score runs. Many of these risks ended in catches, making him a consistent wicket-taker. His presence in the Most Caught Dismissals in ODI Cricket History proves that he was not just a destructive opener, but also a very smart bowler. Jayasuriya’s contribution with both bat and ball made him a complete ODI legend.

Span	Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Caught
1989–2011	445	323	6/29	153

6. Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh, famously called the “Turbanator,” was one of India’s most trusted spin bowlers. His off-spin, bounce, and variations gave plenty of trouble to batters. He took many key wickets, often through catches, as players attempted to attack his spin. That is why he stands high in the Most Caught Dismissals in ODI Cricket History. Harbhajan’s wickets in pressure moments helped India in several big tournaments, including the 2003 World Cup and 2011 World Cup campaigns.

Span	Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Caught
1998–2015	236	269	5/31	155

5. Glenn McGrath

Glenn McGrath was the ultimate master of line and length in ODI cricket. He didn’t rely on raw pace but instead used perfect accuracy to frustrate batters. His consistency made batters attempt strokes they were not comfortable with, which resulted in plenty of catches. McGrath’s discipline and control explain his high position in the Most Caught Dismissals in ODI Cricket History. He was the kind of bowler who didn’t just take wickets but also set the stage for others to succeed.

Span	Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Caught
1993–2007	250	381	7/15	156

4. Brett Lee

Brett Lee’s raw pace made him one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket. His speed often forced batters to play hurried strokes, leading to catches in the field. Lee’s aggression and energy added to his effectiveness, making him a dangerous weapon in Australia’s bowling attack. His high number of caught dismissals secures his place in the Most Caught Dismissals in ODI Cricket History. Along with McGrath, Lee formed one of the most lethal bowling partnerships in ODI history.

Span	Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Caught
2000–2012	221	380	5/22	158

3. Chaminda Vaas

Chaminda Vaas was Sri Lanka’s master swing bowler. His control with the new ball gave trouble to the best batters in the world. Many of his wickets came from edges carried to slips, keepers, or fielders in the circle. His ability to strike early ensured Sri Lanka had a good start in most matches. His name in the Most Caught Dismissals in ODI Cricket History is a reminder of how deadly his swing bowling was during the first 15 overs.

Span	Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Caught
1994–2008	322	400	8/19	168

2. Shaun Pollock

Shaun Pollock was South Africa’s backbone in ODI cricket. His medium-fast bowling was not about raw speed but about accuracy and consistency. Pollock’s control often forced batters to take chances that ended as catches. His contribution with the ball placed him near the very top of the Most Caught Dismissals in ODI Cricket History. Besides bowling, Pollock’s leadership and all-round abilities also made him a complete cricketer.

Span	Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Caught
1996–2008	303	393	6/35	192

1. Muttiah Muralidaran

Muttiah Muralidaran stands at number one on this list, and for good reason. With his unique bowling action and the ability to spin the ball massively, he made batting a nightmare. Batters often attempted aggressive shots against him to break the pressure, but these ended up as catches. His unmatched record makes him the leader in the Most Caught Dismissals in ODI Cricket History. With over 500 wickets in ODIs, Murali’s dominance remains unmatched, and his caught dismissals are a huge part of that success.

Span	Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Caught
1993–2011	350	534	7/30	246

The record of the Most Caught Dismissals in ODI Cricket History highlights not only the brilliance of bowlers but also the importance of teamwork with fielders. From spinners like Muralidaran and Kumble to pacers like McGrath and Lee, each of these bowlers created chances that teammates converted into catches. This statistic reflects patience, discipline, and skill, showing how the art of bowling is deeply connected with fielding. These top 10 bowlers left a legacy that continues to inspire the next generation, proving that cricket is always a team effort.