Top 3 players with highest wickets in ODI cricket

The impact of bowlers in ODI cricket has been both profound and lasting. Over the decades, they have crafted their own legacy, shaping the sport with sheer skill, consistency, and flair. Whether it’s the blistering pace and bounce of fast bowlers or the guile and turn of world-class spinners, these players have consistently challenged batters and changed the course of matches. In a format often dominated by big-hitting and high scores, these legendary bowlers have managed to leave their mark by maintaining accuracy, exploiting conditions, and outsmarting the best in the world.

With remarkable control over line and length, they’ve helped their teams secure memorable victories and built reputations as some of the finest cricketers the world has seen. From match-winning spells to record-breaking hauls, their contributions have elevated the role of bowling in limited-overs cricket. Their staggering wicket tallies, often achieved under pressure, are a testament to their brilliance and adaptability. These bowlers haven’t just been performers—they’ve been game-changers, innovators, and ambassadors of their craft. Here’s a closer look at the top 3 greatest ODI bowlers of all time, whose dominance with the ball has added depth, excitement, and taking the highest wickets in ODI cricket.

Best three bowlers with highest wickets in ODI cricket

1. Muttiah Muralitharan

Sri Lankan spin maestro Muttiah Muralitharan stands tall as the highest wicket-taker in ODI cricket history. Representing his nation in 350 matches, Murali claimed an astonishing 534 wickets, showcasing unmatched consistency and control. With a stellar bowling average of 23.08 and an economy rate of just 3.93 runs per over, he remained a constant threat to batters throughout his career. His unorthodox action, subtle variations, and relentless accuracy made scoring against him an uphill task.

Muralitharan delivered one of the finest ODI spells in 2000 when he dismantled India with remarkable figures of 7 for 30. His ability to produce match-winning performances was further highlighted by his 10 five-wicket hauls and 15 instances of taking four wickets in an innings. A true legend of the game, Murali’s legacy in ODI cricket is defined not only by numbers but by the fear he instilled in opposition line-ups across the globe.

2. Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram, famously known as the "Sultan of Swing," is widely regarded as one of the greatest bowlers in ODI cricket history. The legendary Pakistani left-arm pacer featured in 356 ODIs, collecting an impressive 502 wickets over a distinguished 19-year international career. He ranks second on the all-time ODI wicket-takers list, just behind Muttiah Muralitharan. With a remarkable bowling average of 23.53 and an exceptional economy rate of 3.90, Akram consistently troubled batters with his mastery of swing, pace, and control.

His best ODI figures came against the West Indies in 1990, where he took 5 for 15 in a spellbinding display. He claimed five-wicket hauls on six occasions and four-wicket hauls 23 times in ODIs. Akram’s influence on the game remains unmatched, and while modern-day stars like Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah show promise, they still have a long way to go to reach his legendary stature.

3. Waqar Younis

Waqar Younis is celebrated as one of Pakistan’s greatest fast bowlers and a true legend of ODI cricket. Over the course of his career, he played 262 One Day Internationals and claimed an impressive 416 wickets. Known for his blistering pace and lethal reverse swing, Waqar maintained a solid bowling average of 23.84 and an economy rate of 4.69 runs per over. His finest performance came against England in 2001, where he produced magical figures of 7 for 36—one of the best in ODI history.

Waqar was a master of toe-crushing yorkers and unplayable late swing, making life difficult for batters across the world. He secured five-wicket hauls 13 times in ODIs, underlining his match-winning ability. Alongside Wasim Akram, he formed a fearsome pace duo that redefined fast bowling in the 1990s, and their partnership remains one of the most iconic in cricketing history.