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ODI cricket has seen some of the most thrilling moments, thanks to the bowlers who have dominated the game with their skills and consistency. Let’s take a look at the top bowlers who have taken the most wickets in ODI cricket, making them legends of the game.
| Player | Span | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy Rate | Best Bowling | 5-wicket Hauls |
| Muttiah Muralitharan | 1993-2011 | 350 | 534 | 23.08 | 3.93 | 7/30 | 10 |
| Wasim Akram | 1984-2003 | 356 | 502 | 23.52 | 3.89 | 5/15 | 6 |
| Waqar Younis | 1989-2003 | 262 | 416 | 23.84 | 4.68 | 7/36 | 13 |
| Chaminda Vaas | 1994-2008 | 322 | 400 | 27.53 | 4.18 | 8/19 | 4 |
| Shahid Afridi | 1996-2015 | 398 | 395 | 34.51 | 4.62 | 7/12 | 9 |
| Glenn McGrath | 1993-2007 | 250 | 381 | 22.02 | 3.88 | 7/15 | 7 |
| Shaun Pollock | 1996-2008 | 303 | 393 | 24.50 | 3.67 | 6/35 | 5 |
| Lasith Malinga | 2004-2019 | 226 | 338 | 28.87 | 5.35 | 6/38 | 8 |
| Anil Kumble | 1990-2007 | 271 | 337 | 30.89 | 4.30 | 6/12 | 2 |
| Brett Lee | 2000-2012 | 221 | 380 | 23.36 | 4.76 | 5/22 | 9 |
1. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka)
Muttiah Muralitharan tops the list with a staggering 534 wickets in 350 matches. Known for his unique bowling action and extraordinary spin, Muralitharan has baffled batsmen across the globe.
2. Wasim Akram (Pakistan)
Wasim Akram, the Sultan of Swing, has taken 502 wickets in 356 matches. His ability to swing the ball both ways made him one of the most dangerous bowlers in ODI cricket history.
3. Waqar Younis (Pakistan)
Waqar Younis, with his lethal yorkers and reverse swing, has claimed 416 wickets in 262 matches. His pace and accuracy made him a nightmare for batsmen.
4. Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka)
Chaminda Vaas has taken 400 wickets in 322 matches. Known for his control and ability to swing the ball, Vaas was a key player for Sri Lanka’s bowling attack.
5. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)
Shahid Afridi, the all-rounder, has taken 395 wickets in 398 matches. His leg-spin and fast leg-break deliveries often deceived batsmen, earning him crucial wickets.
6. Glenn McGrath (Australia)
Glenn McGrath, renowned for his precision and consistency, has taken 381 wickets in 250 matches. His disciplined line and length made him a formidable bowler.
7. Shaun Pollock (South Africa)
Shaun Pollock, with his accurate seam bowling, has taken 393 wickets in 303 matches. His ability to maintain pressure on the batsmen was his biggest strength.
8. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)
Lasith Malinga, famous for his unorthodox sling action and deadly yorkers, has claimed 338 wickets in 226 matches. His death bowling was crucial for Sri Lanka in many matches.
9. Anil Kumble (India)
Anil Kumble, with his exceptional leg-spin, has taken 337 wickets in 271 matches. Kumble’s ability to extract bounce and turn made him a vital part of India’s bowling attack.
10. Brett Lee (Australia)
Brett Lee, known for his express pace, has taken 380 wickets in 221 matches. His aggressive bowling and ability to deliver at crucial moments made him a match-winner.
Muttiah Muralitharan’s record of 534 wickets is unparalleled in ODI cricket. His ability to turn the ball on any surface and his consistency over two decades make him the greatest ODI bowler. Wasim Akram’s swing bowling and ability to take wickets at crucial moments also set him apart as one of the legends of the game.
For betting enthusiasts, predicting which bowler will take the most wickets in a match can be an exciting aspect of the game. Platforms like Lotus365 Sports Betting offer various options to place bets on individual player performances, including top wicket-taker bets. Understanding the strengths and past performances of bowlers can give bettors an edge.
