One Day International (ODI) cricket is becoming the famous cricket format where batters and bowlers compete rigorously with each other. As it is difficult to score century in ODI, it is also difficult to take more wickets in ODI. In One Day International bowlers are tested for both consistency and innovation. While hitters typically capture the limelight with spectacular centuries, it’s the bowlers who establish the platform for victory. In this blog, we will discuss in detail about the most wickets in ODI history, their career paths, playing styles, and the impact they have had on the game. To read more blogs on these type of ODI cricket, register on Indibet site.
Why Bowling Matters in ODIs?
ODI matches offer a mix between T20 aggression and Test match endurance. We should also consider that only 10 overs are allowed for each bowler and every delivery matters. As in batsman have time till they are out but bowlers have only limited time. They should break the well performing partnership. Bowlers who constantly top the lists for most wickets become not only match-winners but icons in their own right.
Top Wicket-Takers in ODI History
1. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) – 534 Wickets
- Span: 1993 – 2011
- Matches: 350
- Average: 23.08
- Best Bowling: 7/30
Muralitharan is one of the greatest bowler in the history of cricekt. Muralitharan is a spin magician who has terrified list of batters. With his most effective action and unequaled variations, Murali is comfortably on top of the ODI wicket-takers chart.
2. Wasim Akram (Pakistan) – 502 Wickets
- Span: 1984 – 2003
- Matches: 356
- Average: 23.52
- Best Bowling: 5/15
Wasim has taken nearly 502 wickets and in the train to become the top wicket taker in the history. The Sultan of Swing, Akram contributed flair and potency to Pakistan’s bowling lineup. His ability to reverse swing the old ball was groundbreaking.
3. Waqar Younis (Pakistan) – 416 Wickets
- Matches: 262
- Average: 23.84
- Best Bowling: 7/36
He is famous for his deadly yokers and toe-crushers. Waqar Younis was a nightmare for batters, especially in the death overs. He made many batters fear his bowling performance.
4. Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka) – 400 Wickets
- Span: 1994 – 2008
- Matches: 322
- Average: 27.53
- Best Bowling: 8/19
Vaas was Sri Lanka’s go-to pacer during a great era of their cricket. His greatest bowling numbers (8/19) remain the best by a bowler in ODIs.
5. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – 395 Wickets
- Span: 1996 – 2015
- Matches: 398
- Average: 34.51
- Best Bowling: 7/12
Afridi being one of the top wicket takers in ODIs, he is known for his explosive batting. Afridi’s leg-spin often generated vital breakthroughs.
The Future of Top Wicket Takers
While older legends lead the list, contemporary bowlers are catching up:
- Mitchell Starc and Trent Boult are among the fastest to 200 wickets and they can become the top wicket takers in short time.
- Jasprit Bumrah is performing well in his latest matches and he is on track with excellent averages and strike rates.
- With more matches and higher conditioning, today’s bowlers have better opportunities to ascend the lists.
Conclusion
ODI cricket is continually evolving and becoming one of the most entertaining leagues. Many bowlers are falling under the limelight. People start to understand how bowling is important for the cricket match.
Muralidaran and Akram, known for their great deliveries, have taught us that skill, determination, and precision matter a lot. Many bowlers are upcoming with their great performance and wicket strikes.
Whether it’s Yorkers at the death or a magical spell in the middle overs, these legends have shifted the tide of innumerable matches. As new bowlers rise, they travel the road put down by these greats – reminding us that cricket is not just about scoring runs, but also about taking wickets. For more these kinds of informative blogs, register on Indibet app.
