ODI cricket has seen some of the greatest bowlers leave an indelible mark on the game with their outstanding performances. From magical spinners like Muttiah Muralitharan to swing kings like Wasim Akram, these players have redefined the art of bowling. Each of them brought unique skills to the table, mesmerizing cricket fans worldwide. With exceptional averages, incredible strike rates, and record-breaking spells, these bowlers turned matches in their team’s favor. In this article, we highlight the careers of five legendary bowlers who dominated ODI cricket: Muttiah Muralitharan, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Chaminda Vaas, and Shahid Afridi. Let’s dive in!
List Of Legendary ODI Bowlers Who Redefined Cricket
| Player | Span | Matches (Mat) | Wickets (Wkts) | Best Bowling (BBI) | Average (Ave) | Economy (Econ) | Strike Rate (SR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M Muralitharan (Asia/ICC/SL) | 1993-2011 | 350 | 534 | 7/30 | 23.08 | 3.93 | 35.22 |
| Wasim Akram (PAK) | 1984-2003 | 356 | 502 | 5/15 | 23.52 | 3.89 | 36.22 |
| Waqar Younis (PAK) | 1989-2003 | 262 | 416 | 7/36 | 23.84 | 4.68 | 30.52 |
| WPUJC Vaas (Asia/SL) | 1994-2008 | 322 | 400 | 8/19 | 27.53 | 4.18 | 39.43 |
| Shahid Afridi (Asia/ICC/PAK) | 1996-2015 | 398 | 395 | 7/12 | 34.51 | 4.62 | 44.73 |
1. Muttiah Muralitharan: The Spin Wizard
Muttiah Muralitharan is considered one of the greatest bowlers in ODI history. He played 350 matches and took an incredible 534 wickets. His best bowling figures were 7/30. With an economy of just 3.93, his bowling average was 23.08, and his strike rate stood at 35.22. Muralitharan’s ability to consistently take wickets made him an irreplaceable part of Sri Lankan cricket. He also achieved 15 four-wicket hauls and 10 five-wicket hauls, showing his dominance in world cricket.
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2. Wasim Akram: The Sultan of Swing
Wasim Akram, also known as the “Sultan of Swing,” was the first fast bowler to take 502 wickets in ODIs. He played 356 matches between 1984 and 2003. His best bowling figures were 5/15. Akram had an impressive bowling average of 23.52 and an economy of 3.89. Known for his deadly swing bowling, especially in death overs, he delivered match-winning performances consistently. He also recorded 17 four-wicket hauls and 6 five-wicket hauls, making him one of Pakistan’s finest bowlers.
3. Waqar Younis: The Yorker Specialist
Waqar Younis was famous for his lethal yorkers and reverse swing. He played 262 matches and took 416 wickets, with his best figures being 7/36. Waqar’s bowling average was 23.84, with an economy of 4.68. His ability to bowl fast and accurate yorkers made him a nightmare for batsmen. He achieved 14 four-wicket hauls and 13 five-wicket hauls in his career. Waqar’s performances helped Pakistan secure many memorable wins, earning him a spot among the best ODI bowlers.
4. Chaminda Vaas: Sri Lanka’s Reliable Pacer
Chaminda Vaas was one of Sri Lanka’s most dependable fast bowlers. He played 322 matches and took 400 wickets. His best figures of 8/19 remain one of the best bowling performances in ODI history. Vaas had a bowling average of 27.53, an economy of 4.18, and a strike rate of 39.43. Known for his ability to take wickets with both new and old balls, Vaas often delivered match-winning spells. He recorded 9 four-wicket hauls and 4 five-wicket hauls in his career.
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5. Shahid Afridi: The All-Round Bowler
Shahid Afridi was not just known for his explosive batting but also for his effective bowling. He played 398 matches and took 395 wickets, with his best figures being 7/12. Afridi’s bowling average was 34.51, economy 4.62, and strike rate 44.73. He had a knack for taking crucial wickets in tough situations. Afridi managed 4 four-wicket hauls and 9 five-wicket hauls in his career, making him an essential bowler in the middle overs for his team.
