Many excellent bowlers have dominated One Day International (ODI) cricket with their skill, consistency, and ability to take important wickets. Here, we mark the top 10 players with the most wickets in ODI cricket, highlighting their amazing careers and contributions to the sport.
Muttiah Muralidaran (Asia/ICC/SL) – 534 Wickets
Muttiah Muralidaran, a famous Sri Lankan off-spinner, leads the record with an astounding 534 most wickets in ODI cricket matches. His distinctive bowling movement and exceptional ability to spin the ball both ways made him a terror for batsmen. Muralidaran played 350 ODI matches between 1993 and 2011, with a remarkable economy rate of 3.93. His ability to capture wickets in the middle over was critical to Sri Lanka triumphs.
Wasim Akram (PAK) – 502 Wickets
Wasim Akram, the “Sultan of Swing” ranks second with 502 wickets. Akram known for his devastating swing and seam movement was a fearsome force in one-day international cricket. Between 1984 and 2003, he played 356 matches with an economy rate of 3.89. Akram ability to bowl lethal Yorker and reverse swing made him an invaluable player for Pakistan, particularly in the death over.
Waqar Younis (PAK) – 416 Wickets
Waqar Younis, another Pakistani fast-bowling legend, ranks third with 416 wickets. Waqar fast pace and toe-crushing Yorker made him one of the most feared bowlers of his age. From 1989 to 2003, he played 262 ODIs and had a 4.68 economy rate. Waqar and Wasim Akram formed one of the most deadly bowling combinations in cricket history.
Chaminda Vaas (Asia/SL) – 400 Wickets
Chaminda Vaas, a Sri Lanka left-arm fast-medium bowler, ranks fourth with 400 wickets. Vaas was well-known for his accuracy, swing, and ability to take advantage of situations. Between 1994 and 2008, he played 322 ODIs with an economy rate of 4.18. Vaas’ ability to bowl in tight stints and grab early wickets made him an invaluable asset to Sri Lanka.
Shahid Afridi (Asia/ICC/PAK) – 395 Wickets
Shahid Afridi, renowned for his aggressive batting, was also a highly productive leg-spinner with 395 wickets. Afridi ability to mislead batsmen with his variations and rapid arm motion made him an effective bowler. From 1996 to 2015, he played 398 One-Day Internationals with an economy rate of 4.62. Afridi versatility made him one of the most interesting performers in ODI cricket.
Shaun Pollock (Afr/ICC/SA) – 393 Wickets
Shaun Pollock, a South African all-rounder, ranks sixth with 393 wickets. Pollock controlled line and length, along with his ability to move the ball, enabled him to take wickets consistently. From 1996 to 2008, he played 303 ODIs with a 3.67 economy rate. Pollock contributions with the bat and ball were critical to South Africa win.
Glenn McGrath (AUS/ICC) – 381 Wickets
Glenn McGrath, one of cricket history most accurate bowlers, ranks eighth with 381 wickets. McGrath metronomic precision and ability to extract bounce made him an extremely effective bowler. From 1993 to 2007, he played 250 ODI with a 3.88 economy rate. McGrath ability to execute under pressure in critical matches was a defining feature of his career.
Brett Lee (AUS) – 380 Wickets
Brett Lee known for his quick pace, ranks sixth with 380 wickets. Lee ability to bowl at high speeds and throw devastating Yorkers made him a formidable strike bowler. Between 2000 and 2012, he played 221 ODI with an economy rate of 4.76. The aggressive bowling style and ability to take wickets made him a crowd favorite.
Lasith Malinga (SL) – 338 Wickets
Lasith Malinga, with his trademark slinging movement, ranks tenth with 338 wickets. Malinga propensity to deliver lethal Yorkers, particularly in the death over, established him as one of the top limited-over bowlers. From 2004 to 2019, he played 226 One-Day Internationals with an economy rate of 5.35. Malinga unconventional style and consistent wicket-taking skills transformed him into a game-changer.
Anil Kumble (Asia/IND) – 337 Wickets
Anil Kumble, India known leg-spinner completes the top ten with 337 wickets. Kumble accuracy, versatility, and determination made him a formidable bowler. Between 1990 and 2007, he played 271 ODIs with an economy rate of 4.30. Kumble ability to execute on various surfaces, as well as his match-winning performances, helped him become an important player for India.
These ten bowlers have made an indelible imprint by taking most wickets in ODI cricket with their incredible performances. Their ability to take wickets consistently and perform under duress has cemented their status as cricket legends. From Muralidaran spellbinding spin to Akram and Waqar devastating pace, each of these bowlers has a distinct tale and style that has improved the game of cricket. Their contributions have not only elevated their teams but have also encouraged future generations of bowlers to replicate their success.