Bowling Records

Most Wickets in ODI Cricket

The all-time leading wicket-takers in One Day International cricket, featuring the greatest bowlers who mastered the 50-over format.

All-Time Records

Top 10 Wicket-Takers in ODI Cricket

Career wicket tallies of the greatest ODI bowlers in history

RankPlayerCountryMatchesWicketsAverageEconomyBest
1Muttiah MuralitharanSri Lanka35053423.083.937/30
2Wasim AkramPakistan35650223.523.895/15
3Chaminda VaasSri Lanka32240027.534.188/19
4Shahid AfridiPakistan39839534.514.627/12
5Shaun PollockSouth Africa30339324.503.676/35
6Glenn McGrathAustralia25038122.023.887/15
7Brett LeeAustralia22138023.364.765/22
8Anil KumbleIndia27133730.894.306/12
9Javagal SrinathIndia22931528.084.445/23
10Daniel VettoriNew Zealand29530531.714.145/7

Muttiah Muralitharan dominates the ODI wicket-taking charts just as he does in Tests, with 534 wickets across 350 matches. Wasim Akram, the Sultan of Swing, remains the only fast bowler to take 500+ ODI wickets. The list showcases a remarkable mix of pace and spin, with bowlers from the subcontinent and the southern hemisphere featuring prominently. Glenn McGrath boasts the best average on the list at 22.02, reflecting his extraordinary accuracy in the 50-over format.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has the most wickets in ODI cricket?+

Muttiah Muralitharan holds the record with 534 ODI wickets in 350 matches, making him the leading wicket-taker in both Test and ODI cricket.

Who is the highest wicket-taking fast bowler in ODIs?+

Wasim Akram of Pakistan is the highest wicket-taking fast bowler in ODI history with 502 wickets. His ability to swing the ball both ways, especially with the old ball, made him virtually unplayable in ODI cricket.

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