Cricket is a sport that has fascinated millions of people worldwide. One of the most interesting aspects of cricket is the art of bowling. A good bowler can change the course of a game and win it for their team. In One Day International (ODI) cricket, there have been many outstanding performances by bowlers over the years. In this article, we will look at some of the best ODI bowling figures in the game’s history.
Introduction
The introduction of ODI cricket in 1971 revolutionized the sport, becoming a popular game format. Over the years, many bowlers have taken incredible figures in a single ODI match and have etched their names in the history of cricket. This article will take a closer look at the best ODI bowling figures of all time.
1. Shahid Afridi – 7/12
Shahid Afridi, the former Pakistani all-rounder, is known for his aggressive batting and leg-spin bowling. He has taken many wickets in his career, but his best performance came against West Indies in 2013. He took seven wickets for just 12 runs in 9 overs, helping his team win the match by 126 runs.
2. Glenn McGrath – 7/15
Glenn McGrath, the former Australian fast bowler, was one of cricket’s most accurate and consistent bowlers. In the 2003 World Cup match against Namibia, he took seven wickets for just 15 runs in his seven overs, setting the record for an Australian’s best ODI bowling figures.
3. Chaminda Vaas – 8/19
Chaminda Vaas, the former Sri Lankan left-arm fast-medium bowler, was known for swinging the ball both ways. He achieved his best figures against Zimbabwe in 2001, taking eight wickets for 19 runs in 8 overs. Vaas is the only bowler to take eight wickets in an ODI match.
4. Rashid Khan – 7/18
Rashid Khan, the Afghan leg-spinner, is considered one of the best bowlers in the world at present. He achieved his best figures against West Indies in 2019, taking seven wickets for just 18 runs in 8.4 overs. He also became the youngest player to take a five-wicket haul in World Cup history.
5. Andy Bichel – 7/20
Andy Bichel, the former Australian medium-fast bowler, is remembered for his match-winning performances in the 2003 World Cup. In the Super Sixes match against England, he took seven wickets for just 20 runs in his ten overs. His performance helped Australia win the match by two wickets.
6. Muttiah Muralitharan – 7/30
Muttiah Muralitharan, the former Sri Lankan off-spinner, is considered one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history. He achieved his best figures against India in 2000, taking seven wickets for just 30 runs in his ten overs. He also became the first Sri Lankan bowler to take 400 ODI wickets.
7. Anil Kumble – 6/12
Anil Kumble, the former Indian leg-spinner, was known for his accuracy and variations. He achieved his best figures against West Indies in 1993, taking six wickets for just 12 runs in his 6.1 overs.
8. Waqar Younis – 7/36
Waqar Younis, the former Pakistani fast bowler, was known for his lethal reverse swing and ability to take wickets. He achieved his best figures against England in 2001, taking seven wickets for just 36 runs in his ten overs. His performance helped Pakistan win the match by 108 runs.
9. Trent Boult – 7/34
Trent Boult, seven New Zealand fast bowlers, achieved his best figures against the West Indies in 2019, taking 7 wickets for just 34 runs in his ten overs. His performance helped New Zealand win the match by 143 runs.
10. Gary Gilmour – 6/14
Gary Gilmour, the former Australian left-arm medium-fast bowler, is remembered for his match-winning performance in the 1975 World Cup semi-final against England. He took six wickets for just 14 runs in his 12 overs, helping Australia win the match by four wickets.
11. Lasith Malinga – 6/38
Lasith Malinga, the former Sri Lankan fast bowler, is known for his unique bowling action and ability to take wickets. He achieved his best figures against Kenya in the 2011 World Cup, taking six wickets for just 38 runs in his 8.4 overs. His performance helped Sri Lanka win the match by nine wickets.
12. Imran Tahir – 7/45
Imran Tahir, the South African leg-spinner, achieved his best figures against the West Indies in 2016, taking seven wickets for just 45 runs in his nine overs. His performance helped South Africa win the match by 139 runs.
13. Mitchell Starc – 6/28
Mitchell Starc, the Australian left-arm fast bowler, achieved his best figures against New Zealand in the 2015 World Cup final, taking six wickets for just 28 runs in his 8.5 overs. His performance helped Australia win the match by seven wickets.
14. Ajit Agarkar – 6/42
Ajit Agarkar, the former Indian fast bowler, achieved his best figures against Australia in 2004, taking six wickets for just 42 runs in his ten overs. His performance helped India win the match by five wickets.
15. Shane Bond – 6/23
Shane Bond, the former New Zealand fast bowler, is remembered for his raw pace and ability to take wickets. He achieved his best figures against India in 2003, taking six wickets for just 23 runs in his ten overs. His performance helped New Zealand win the match by four wickets.
Conclusion
The art of bowling has always been an integral part of cricket, and the ODI format has provided a stage for bowlers to showcase their skills. The best ODI bowling figures are a testament to the talent and hard work of the bowlers who have achieved them. These performances will always be remembered as some of the greatest in the game’s history.
FAQs
- Who holds the record for the best ODI bowling figures?
Chaminda Vaas holds the record for the best ODI bowling figures, having taken eight wickets for just 19 runs.
- Who is the youngest player to take a five-wicket haul in World Cup history?
Rashid Khan is the youngest player to take a five-wicket haul in World Cup history. He achieved the feat at the age of 18 years and 244 days during the 2015 World Cup.
- Who has taken the most five-wicket hauls in ODI cricket?
Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan holds the record for the most five-wicket hauls in ODI cricket, having taken the feat 68 times in his career.
- How many bowlers have taken a hat-trick in ODI cricket?
As of 2023, 49 bowlers have taken a hat-trick in ODI cricket.
- Who is the fastest bowler to reach 100 ODI wickets?
Pakistani fast bowler Saqlain Mushtaq is the fastest to reach 100 ODI wickets, achieving the feat in 53 matches.
In conclusion, some of the greatest bowlers in the game’s history have achieved the best ODI bowling figures. These performances have been instrumental in helping their teams win matches and have provided some unforgettable moments for cricket fans worldwide. As the game continues to evolve, we can only hope to witness more such incredible bowling performances in the future.
