Bowling in a limited-over game is not something every bowler has the ability to ace. It requires high energy, skill, and ability to master the art of bowling in this format. As of 2023, the top 5 all-time wicket-taker in one-day internationals are all Asian bowlers.

Highest Wicket Taker in ODI Cricket: Top 10 Bowlers with Most ODI Wickets

Sri Lanka's spinner M. Muralitharan is the most wicket-taker in ODI cricket history. He has taken 534 wickets in 350 matches at an average of 23.08 and an economy rate of just 3.93. Muralitharan is one of the two bowlers, alongside Pakistan's Wasim Akram, to take more than 500 wickets in ODI cricket history.  

Below is the list of bowlers who have etched their names in the cricket history books forever for being extraordinary bowlers in ODI Cricket and taking the most wickets.

Every bowler listed here is a legend of the sport. Now its time for you to become a legend and win big prizes on the Howzat fantasy cricket app!

Muttiah Muralitharan | 534 wickets in 350 matches

Muttiah Muralitharan is one of the best cricketers in the Sri Lanka Cricket team. His charismatic skills have made him an incredible player and have lasting impressions on fans and other players. He is one of the two players to have 1000 international dismissals and remains one of the finest and highest wicket-taker in ODI.

Wasim Akram | 502 wickets in 356 matches

Wasim Akran made his ODI debut against New Zealand and was a match-winner in both Test and ODI formats for 19 glorious years. Akram retired in 2003 with a massive 502 wickets to his name, making him one of the best-left arm bowlers and highest wicket-taker in ODI for the Pakistan Cricket team.

Also read: Best Wicket Keepers in the World

Waqar Younis | 416 wickets in 262 matches

Waqar Younis is a Pakistani Cricket Coach and a former captain of the Pakistan national cricket team. He is a right-arm fast bowler and is one of the greatest bowlers ever to play cricket. In over 262 ODI matches, he has 416 wickets under his name.

Chaminda Vaas | 400 wickets in 322 matches

Chaminda Vaas is one of the finest new-ball bowlers the Sri Lanka Cricket team has ever produced. He swings and knocks down the batter with the right strategy. He was an expert reverse swinger making him one of the most consistent ODI bowlers. In 322 ODI matches played, he has 400 wickets to his name.

Shahid Afridi | 395 wickets in 398 matches

Pakistan's all-rounder Shahid Afridi started his international journey in 1996 at 16 years old. Since then, he has set many records for his country, making him recognizable in the list of highest wicket-taker in ODI. Bowling right-arm leg breaks, Afridi played till 2015 and took 395 ODI wickets.

Also read: Best Batsmen in the World All Time

Most ODI Wickets for India- Men & Women

Anil Kumble - 337 ODI wickets for India

Anil Kumble, one of the finest Indian cricket players, was known for good old-school spin bowling. Despite having limitations to his bowling skills, he had always been a dedicated and hard-working cricketer who maintained his calm and composure during his bowling spells. Kumble played from 1990 till 2007 and took 337 wickets in 271 ODI matches.

Jhulan Goswami - 250 ODI wickets for India Women

On the other hand, we have our very own Jhulan Goswami, who has made India proud by holding the top spot on the ODI bowling leaderboard. She is the 1st female cricketer to have 250 wickets under her name. She started her journey in 2002 and announced her retirement in 2022 from all cricket formats after a magnificent two-decade-long international career.

Also read: Best Finisher in the World Cricket

FAQs

Who is World No. 1 ODI bowler?

Mohammad Siraj is the World No 1 ODI bowler. He has taken 53 wickets in 29 ODIs at an average of 19.63 and an economy rate of 4.86. Siraj took 6 for 21 in the 2023 Asia Cup Final against Sri Lanka.

Who has the most ODI wickets for India?

Anil Kumble holds the title of the highest wicket-taker in ODI for India. He took 337 wickets in 271 ODIs at an average of 30.89 and an economy rate of 4.3.

Who holds the most wickets in women's ODI?

Jhulan Goswami from India is the 1st female cricketer ever to hold the title of most wickets in ODI. She has taken 250 wickets in 204 ODI matches at an average of 22.04.

Who has the record for the highest wicket number in ODI cricket history?

Former Sri Lankan player, Muttiah Muralitharan is the leading wicket taker in ODI cricket, with 534 wickets in 350 matches at an economy rate of 3.93.

Who has taken the fastest 100 wickets in ODI cricket? 

Afghanistan cricket team's star spinner Rashid Khan is the fastest to 100 wickets in ODI cricket. He reached the landmark in just 44 matches. Australia's pace bowler Mitchell Starc is the next best, reaching 100 wickets in 52 games.