ODI cricket is one of the famous cricket league that happens in very fast pace with thrilling chases, exciting sixes and many great batting moments.
While hundreds make headlines, wicket-taking balances the match. This blog will explain what it means to take wickets in ODIs, why they count, and the bowlers who have taken the most wickets. Visit 96IN if you like cricket stats and records. If you are interested in reading more blogs about ODI matches, register on 96in site.
What Is a Wicket in ODI Cricket?
A wicket is a batsman dismissal in cricket. Bowlers have 10 overs per 50-over game to outthink and outplay batsmen in ODIs. Each wicket is coveted, changing momentum and frequently turning contests.
Why Are Wickets So Important in ODIs?
ODI bowling success depends on wickets for numerous reasons:
- Taking wickets upsets set partnerships, limiting batters from scoring big.
- Build strain: Regular wickets put strain on the batting side, causing collapses.
- Manage the Game: A few deliveries from wicket-taking bowlers can change a contest.
- Bowlers wicket taking ability, match winning time, and how they change the match nature, will largely impact the batsman century.
Top 10 Bowlers with the Most Wickets in ODI History
| Rank | Bowler | Country | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average | Economy | Career Span |
| 1 | Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | 350 | 534 | 7/30 | 23.08 | 3.93 | 1993–2011 |
| 2 | Wasim Akram | Pakistan | 356 | 502 | 5/15 | 23.52 | 3.89 | 1984–2003 |
| 3 | Waqar Younis | Pakistan | 262 | 416 | 7/36 | 23.84 | 4.68 | 1989–2003 |
| 4 | Chaminda Vaas | Sri Lanka | 322 | 400 | 8/19 | 27.53 | 4.18 | 1994–2008 |
| 5 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 398 | 395 | 7/12 | 34.51 | 4.62 | 1996–2015 |
| 6 | Shaun Pollock | South Africa | 303 | 393 | 6/35 | 24.50 | 3.67 | 1996–2008 |
| 7 | Glenn McGrath | Australia | 250 | 381 | 7/15 | 22.02 | 3.88 | 1993–2007 |
| 8 | Brett Lee | Australia | 221 | 380 | 5/22 | 23.36 | 4.76 | 2000–2012 |
| 9 | Lasith Malinga | Sri Lanka | 226 | 338 | 6/38 | 28.87 | 5.35 | 2004–2019 |
| 10 | Anil Kumble | India | 271 | 337 | 6/12 | 30.89 | 4.30 | 1990–2007 |
Most Wickets in a Single ODI Match
Chaminda Vaas has known for taking most wickets in single ODI matches, he grabbed nearly 8/19 wickets against Zimbabwe in 2001, the most in an ODI. This is not something easy and often happens; it takes lot of practice and precision. Few bowlers have taken seven wickets in a match, including Muralitharan, Waqar Younis, Afridi, and McGrath.
Highest Wicket-Takers by Country
- Sri Lanka: 4 bowlers with 300+ wickets (Muralitharan, Vaas, Malinga, Jayasuriya)
- Pakistan: 3 bowlers (Akram, Waqar, Afridi)
- Australia: 2 bowlers (McGrath, Lee)
- India: 2 bowlers (Kumble, Srinath)
Fastest to 300 Wickets
Brett Lee is known for his fastest delivery and he was able to reach 300 wickets in the overall of 171 matches.
The Only Active Member
Till July 2025, only Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan has been able to reach the target of 300 wickets and continues to stay top of the list and inspire newcomers.
Conclusion
Bowling is equally as important as batting. ODI cricket matches are very famous and important leagues. Batsman try their best to score high; even bowlers are also try their best to stop the score.
The above bowlers mentioned in the table have taken most of the wickets in ODI matches. It affected the match outcome, history and drama. Wickets are very crucial to break the partnership of two players. It will break their confidence and results in lot of dot balls.
New stars will emerge, but these wicket-taking titans will live on. Stay current with cricket legends with 96IN stats and stories. Read 96in app and site, for more informational blogs.
