ODI cricket is known for its fast pace, thrilling chases, and memorable batting moments. This blog will explain what it means to take wickets in ODIs, why they count, and the bowlers who have taken the most wickets. If you are interested in reading more blogs about ODI matches, register on pb77 app.
The Record Holder: Muttiah Muralitharan (534 Wickets)
Muttiah Muralitharan has the most ODI wickets with 534 in 350 matches. The Sri Lankan off-spinner’s 1993–2011 career transformed limited-overs spin bowling.
Major Achievements:
- 534 ODI wickets – All-time record 23.08 bowling average – High efficiency
- 3.93 economy—great control
- 10 ODI five-wicket hauls
- Led Sri Lanka to 1996 World Cup win
Muralitharan’s success came from picking up turn and bounce from every surface. His revolutionary bowling action created drift, dip, and sharp turn that confused batsmen worldwide. His doosra variety threatened left- and right-handed batsmen equally.
The Sultan of Swing: Wasim Akram (502 Wickets)
Wasim Akram has 502 ODI wickets in 356 matches, second most. With his rapid two-way swing, the Pakistani left-arm fast bowler revolutionized fast bowling.
Career Highlights:
- 502 ODI wickets, 2nd highest all-time,
- 23.52 bowling average,
- 3.89 economy rate,
- 6 five-wicket hauls,
- 1992 World Cup winner and leading wicket-taker.
A master of reverse swing, Akram was unplayable in middle and death overs in subcontinent conditions. His relentless yorkers in vital closing overs made him the most feared death bowler of his time.
Top 10 Highest Wicket-Takers in ODI Cricket
| Rank | Bowler | Country | Wickets | Matches | Average | Economy |
| 1 | Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | 534 | 350 | 23.08 | 3.93 |
| 2 | Wasim Akram | Pakistan | 502 | 356 | 23.52 | 3.89 |
| 3 | Waqar Younis | Pakistan | 416 | 262 | 23.84 | 4.68 |
| 4 | Chaminda Vaas | Sri Lanka | 400 | 322 | 27.53 | 4.18 |
| 5 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 395 | 398 | 34.51 | 4.62 |
| 6 | Glenn McGrath | Australia | 381 | 250 | 22.02 | 3.88 |
| 7 | Brett Lee | Australia | 380 | 221 | 23.36 | 4.76 |
| 8 | Lasith Malinga | Sri Lanka | 338 | 226 | 28.87 | 5.35 |
| 9 | Anil Kumble | India | 337 | 271 | 30.89 | 4.30 |
| 10 | Saqlain Mushtaq | Pakistan | 288 | 169 | 21.78 | 4.29 |
Waqar Younis (416 Wickets)
Waqar Younis has 416 ODI wickets, third most. In the 1990s, the right-arm fast bowler and Wasim Akram terrorized batting lineups with their deadly bowling combo.
Bowling Specialties:
- 90+ mph toe-crushing yorkers
- Reverse swing mastery with old balls Death bowling expertise
- 23.84 bowling average 13 5-wicket hauls
Waqar excelled at death bowling, as his yorker made batsmen trying boundaries in late overs untenable. His spectacular reverse swing made him threatening in ODI innings.
Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka) – 400 Wickets
- Matches: 322
- Average: 27.53
- Best Bowling: 8/19
Chaminda Vaas was the spearhead of Sri Lanka’s bowling assault for nearly a decade. Known for his swing and accuracy, Vaas holds the record for the best bowling stats in ODIs—8 for 19 against Zimbabwe. His 400 wickets came through tireless discipline and creative variations.
Conclusion
ODI cricket is continuingly evolving the becoming one of the most entertaining leagues. Many bowlers are falling under the lime-light. For more ODI related blogs, register on pb77 site.
