One Day Internationals (ODIs) have been an exciting stage for some of the best bowlers in cricket. Among them, Muttiah Muralitharan is the highest wicket-taker in ODI cricket, with a fantastic total of 534 wickets. This achievement shows his talent and consistency throughout his long career. In this article, we will look at the records and rankings of the top ODI wicket-takers and see how they have influenced the game. From spin bowlers to fast bowlers, these players have made a significant impact on the 50-over format. Let’s explore their incredible stories and what they have contributed to cricket.
Top 10 ODI Wicket-Takers
| Rank | Player | Country | Wickets | Avg | SR | Span |
| 1 | Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | 534 | 23.08 | 35.2 | 1993–2011 |
| 2 | Wasim Akram | Pakistan | 502 | 23.52 | 36.2 | 1984–2003 |
| 3 | Waqar Younis | Pakistan | 416 | 23.84 | 30.5 | 1989–2003 |
| 4 | Chaminda Vaas | Sri Lanka | 400 | 27.53 | 39.4 | 1994–2008 |
| 5 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 395 | 34.51 | 44.7 | 1996–2015 |
| 6 | Shaun Pollock | South Africa | 393 | 24.5 | 39.97 | 1996–2008 |
| 7 | Glenn McGrath | Australia | 381 | 22.02 | 36.2 | 1993–2007 |
| 8 | Brett Lee | Australia | 380 | 23.36 | 29.4 | 2000–2012 |
| 9 | Lasith Malinga | Sri Lanka | 338 | 28.87 | 32.2 | 2004–2019 |
| 10 | Anil Kumble | India | 337 | 30.89 | 39.8 | 1990–2007 |
One Day Internationals (ODIs) have shown us some of the best bowlers in cricket. These players are known for their skills, consistency, and long careers. They have made a big impact in the 50-over format. This list highlights the top 10 wicket-takers in ODI history. It looks at their achievements, including wickets taken, bowling averages, and strike rates. These bowlers have changed the game, creating pressure and making key breakthroughs. They have inspired many young cricketers to strive for greatness.
Muttiah Muralitharan – Sri Lanka
Muralitharan took 534 wickets with an average of 23.08. He was a spin wizard known for his unique off-spin. He was a key player for Sri Lanka from 1993 to 2011.
Wasim Akram – Pakistan
Known as the “Sultan of Swing,” Akram took 502 wickets with a 23.52 average. His left-arm pace and ability to reverse swing made him a nightmare for batsmen from 1984 to 2003.
Waqar Younis – Pakistan
Waqar was famous for his deadly yorkers and raw pace. He took 416 wickets at an average of 23.84. His strike rate of 30.5 shows how quickly he could take wickets.
Chaminda Vaas – Sri Lanka
Vaas was consistent, taking 400 wickets with a swing-based style. His average was 27.53, and he led Sri Lanka’s pace attack from 1994 to 2008.
Shahid Afridi – Pakistan
Afridi was aggressive and effective, taking 395 wickets with a higher average of 34.51. His leg-spin and unpredictability made him a game-changer in the middle overs.
Shaun Pollock – South Africa
Pollock was known for his discipline. He took 393 wickets with an impressive average of 24.5. His tight lines made him a consistent threat.
Glenn McGrath – Australia
McGrath’s precision earned him 381 wickets at a remarkable average of 22.02. His accuracy made it tough for even the best batsmen from 1993 to 2007.
Brett Lee – Australia
A true speedster, Lee took 380 wickets with a 23.36 average. His pace and aggression were key to Australia’s success in the 2000s.
Lasith Malinga – Sri Lanka
Malinga was known for his unique actions and deadly yorkers. He took 338 wickets at an average of 28.87. He was a specialist in the death overs from 2004 to 2019.
Anil Kumble – India
Kumble, India’s spin giant, took 337 wickets with a 30.89 average. He may not have turned the ball much, but his bounce and accuracy kept batsmen guessing for 17 years.
India’s Bowling Legends
Anil Kumble
Anil Kumble had a remarkable career in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He played 271 ODIs for India from 1990 to 2007. During this time, he took 337 wickets with an average of 30.89. Kumble was known for his accuracy and ability to bowl under pressure. One of his standout performances came during the 1996 World Cup, where he was the leading wicket-taker with 15 wickets at an average of 18.73. His best ODI bowling figures were six wickets for 12 runs against the West Indies in 1993, a record that stood for many years. Kumble’s contributions were vital in many crucial matches, especially against rivals like Pakistan. One of his most famous moments came in 1999 when he took all 10 wickets in a single innings against Pakistan in a test match.
Javagal Srinath
Javagal Srinath is another legend of Indian cricket. He was known for his fast bowling and swing mastery. Srinath took 315 wickets in One Day Internationals (ODIs), making him one of the best fast bowlers in India. He was a standout performer in the 1999 World Cup, where he took 12 wickets for Team India. His ability to bowl at high speeds and extract bounce made him a nightmare for batsmen. Srinath was also part of the Indian team that won the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy. After retiring, he became an ICC match referee, continuing his connection to the game. Both Kumble and Srinath have left a lasting legacy in Indian cricket, showcasing the importance of bowling in a sport often dominated by batsmen.
Emerging Indian Threats
Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami is a key fast bowler for India in ODIs. He has taken 206 wickets in 108 matches, with a best bowling figure of 7/57. Shami is known for his ability to swing the ball and bowl yorkers, making him a dangerous opponent. His strike rate is impressive, allowing him to take wickets at crucial moments. Shami’s performances in major tournaments have shown that he can handle pressure and deliver when it counts. He took 60 wickets in 19 ICC tournament games.
Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah is one of the most exciting bowlers in ODIs today. He has taken 149 wickets in just 89 matches, with a best bowling figure of 6/19. Bumrah is famous for his unique action and deadly yorkers, which make him very effective, especially in the final overs. His accuracy and ability to bowl under pressure have earned him a reputation as a match-winner. Bumrah’s performances in key games, including World Cups, highlight his importance to the Indian team. He is a major threat to any batting lineup.
Evolution of ODI Wicket-Taking
1970s–80s: The Birth of Specialist Bowlers
In the early days of ODIs, bowlers began to specialize in their craft. The format demanded a balance between pace and spin. Fast bowlers like Dennis Lillee and Andy Roberts dominated with raw speed, while spinners like Bishan Singh Bedi and Derek Underwood used flight and turn to outsmart batsmen. The emergence of Wasim Akram, Malcolm Marshal, and Richard Hadlee took the fast bowling to another level. This era laid the foundation for bowlers to adapt their skills to the shorter format, making wicket-taking a key strategy.
1990s: Spin Masters’ Era
The 1990s saw a revival of spin bowling in ODIs. Bowlers like Shane Warne, Saqlain Mushtaq, Anil Kumble, and Muttiah Muralitharan brought spin back into the spotlight with their incredible control and variations. At the same time, pacers like Waqar Younis and Glenn McGrath adapted by focusing on accuracy and reverse swing. This era highlighted the importance of both spin and pace, with bowlers evolving to counter-aggressive batting.
2000s: Pace Powerhouse
The 2000s marked the rise of modern fast bowling. Bowlers like Brett Lee, Shoaib Akhtar, and Lasith Malinga combined extreme pace with precision. Yorkers, bouncers, and slower balls became essential tools. This period also saw bowlers focusing on fitness and endurance to maintain their speed throughout matches, making them more effective in taking wickets.
2010s–Present: The All-Round Skillset
In recent years, bowlers have developed all-round skills to adapt to changing conditions. Variations like slower balls, knuckleballs, and cutters are now common. Death-over specialists like Jasprit Bumrah and Mitchell Starc excel with yorkers and accuracy under pressure. Fitness and adaptability have become crucial, as bowlers now face aggressive batting and flat pitches. This evolution has made ODI bowling more dynamic and strategic than ever before.
The All-Time Wicket King in ODIs
Player Profile
The all-time wicket king in One Day Internationals (ODIs) is Muttiah Muralitharan from Sri Lanka. His ODI career spanned from 1993 to 2011, during which he became a legendary figure in cricket.
Key Stats
Muralitharan took a remarkable 534 wickets in ODIs, making him the highest wicket-taker in this format. He maintained an impressive bowling average of 23.08, showcasing his effectiveness as a bowler. His strike rate was also notable, reflecting his ability to take wickets consistently throughout his career.
Signature Spells
He has multiple records in cricket, along with some brilliant spells throughout his career. Here are a few highlights of his career.
- Muralitharan’s standout performance came in 2000, when he took seven wickets for 30 runs against India, leading Sri Lanka to a crucial victory.
- He played a vital role in the 2003, 2007, and 2011 World Cups, taking key wickets that helped Sri Lanka. His total World Cup wickets are 67.
- In a match against England in 1998, he claimed five wickets for 34 runs, taking his name off the Lord’s Honors board.
- His ability to spin the ball sharply and deceive batsmen made him a constant threat, allowing him to take ten 5-wicket hauls in ODI cricket.
Muralitharan’s legacy as the all-time ODI wicket king continues to inspire bowlers around the world.
Anatomy of a Great ODI Wicket-Taker (200–220 words)
Technical Mastery
A great ODI wicket-taker masters the art of bowling, whether it’s swing, seam, or spin. Swing bowlers like Wasim Akram could move the ball both ways, troubling batsmen in any condition. Seam bowlers use the pitch to create movement, while spinners like Muttiah Muralitharan rely on turn and flight to deceive batsmen. Change-ups, such as slower balls or yorkers, are crucial in modern ODIs, especially to outsmart batsmen in the death overs. This technical variety allows bowlers to adapt to different pitches and situations.
Tactical Intelligence
Top bowlers are also brilliant tacticians. They study batsmen’s weaknesses and adjust their plans accordingly. Setting the right field is another skill, ensuring pressure is maintained on the batsman. In death overs, bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah excel by mixing yorkers, slower balls, and bouncers to restrict runs and take wickets. Tactical intelligence helps bowlers stay one step ahead of the opposition.
Physical & Mental Conditioning
Fitness is essential for ODI bowlers, as they need to maintain pace and accuracy over long spells. Rigorous fitness regimes and recovery routines keep them in peak condition. Mentally, they must handle pressure, especially in high-stakes matches. Bowlers like Glenn McGrath thrived under pressure, staying calm and focused. This combination of physical and mental strength is what separates good bowlers from great ones.
Recent Trends & Future Contenders
T20’s Influence on ODI Bowling
The rise of T20 cricket has significantly impacted ODI bowling. Bowlers are now using new variations to keep batsmen guessing. Slower balls, yorkers, and bouncers have become essential tools in their arsenal. With the shorter format emphasizing quick scoring, ODI bowlers are also adopting shorter spells, allowing them to maintain high intensity and focus. This shift has led to a better balance between pace and spin in ODIs. Fast bowlers are expected to bowl with speed and aggression, while spinners are now incorporating more variations to be effective in limited-overs cricket. Overall, T20 has pushed bowlers to be more versatile and innovative.
Next-Gen Bowlers to Watch
Shaheen Afridi
Shaheen Afridi has quickly established himself as one of the top bowlers in ODIs. As of June 2025, he has taken 127 wickets in 64 matches, with an impressive bowling average of 24.37. His best bowling figures in an ODI are 6/35, showcasing his ability to take wickets in crucial moments. Afridi’s recent performances against Australia, where he took eight wickets in three matches at an average of 12.62, helped him reclaim the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI Bowler Rankings. His left-arm pace and ability to swing the ball make him a significant threat to any batting lineup.
Maheesh Theekshana
Maheesh Theekshana has emerged as a key player for Sri Lanka in ODIs. He has taken 60 wickets in 36 matches, with a remarkable average of 20.50. Theekshana’s best bowling figures are 4/10, demonstrating his effectiveness as a spinner. His ability to bowl economically while taking wickets has made him a vital part of Sri Lanka’s bowling attack. Recently, he topped the ICC ODI Bowler Rankings, reflecting his growing influence in the format.
Ravi Bishnoi
Ravi Bishnoi is a young leg-spinner who has shown great promise in ODIs. He has taken 30 wickets in 20 matches, with an average of 18.50. His best bowling figures are 4/24, highlighting his ability to take wickets in the middle overs. Bishnoi’s variations and control make him a valuable asset for India, and he is expected to play a significant role in the future.
Fazalhaq Farooqi
Fazalhaq Farooqi has made a name for himself as a reliable pacer for Afghanistan. He has taken 45 wickets in 30 ODIs, with an impressive average of 22.00. His best bowling figures are 5/51, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Farooqi’s skill in the powerplay and death overs makes him a key player for Afghanistan’s ODI team.
Rishad Hossain
Rishad Hossain is a promising young leg-spinner from Bangladesh. He has recently started making his mark in ODIs, taking 15 wickets in 10 matches with an average of 20.00. His best bowling figures are 3/30, indicating his potential to become a key player for Bangladesh. As he gains more experience, Hossain is expected to develop into a significant contributor to his team’s bowling lineup.
Conclusion for Best ODI Wicket Taker
In conclusion, the highest wicket-taker in ODI cricket is Muttiah Muralitharan, who set an incredible benchmark with 534 wickets during his career. His unique bowling style and ability to perform under pressure have made him a legendary figure in the sport. The list of top wicket-takers, including greats like Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, showcases the evolution of bowling in ODIs, highlighting the blend of skill, strategy, and physical fitness required to excel. As the game continues to evolve, new talents like Shaheen Afridi and Jasprit Bumrah are emerging, promising to keep the spirit of wicket-taking alive. The future of ODI bowling looks bright, with these players ready to make their mark and inspire the next generation of cricketers.
FAQs
1. Who took 10 wickets in ODI?
Mahaboob Alam took a 10-wicket haul in the ODI match in the 2008 ICC World Cricket League Division Five while playing for Nepal.
2. Which bowler has 1000 wickets?
No bowler has taken 1000 wickets in any specific format. However, Murlitharan (1347) and Shane Warne (1001) are the only bowlers who took 1000+ wickets in international formats.
3. Has anyone taken eight wickets in the ODI?
Sri Lankan legendary fast bowler Chaminda Vaas took eight wickets for 19 runs against Zimbabwe in 2001.
4. Who made six wickets in one over?
No bowler has ever done it in international cricket. But Sam Morgan from Australia took six wickets in an over during a Premier League Division 3 ODI game.
5. Has anyone taken seven wickets in the ODI?
Fifteen bowlers have taken seven-wicket hauls in ODI cricket, with the best figure coming from Pakistani spinner Shahid Afridi, who took 7/12 against the West Indies.
