Who Has the Most Wickets in ODI Cricket? Full List and Stats

Cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties, but some records stand so far above the rest that they seem almost impossible to break. One Day International (ODI) cricket has witnessed some of the greatest battles between bat and ball over the last five decades. While batters often grab the headlines with centuries and sixes, bowlers are the ones who change the course of a match with crucial breakthroughs. Taking wickets in ODI cricket is not easy. Bowlers have just 10 overs to make an impact while dealing with fielding restrictions, aggressive batting, and changing match situations. That is why the names at the top of the ODI wicket charts are considered among the greatest bowlers in cricket history.

So, who has the most wickets in ODI cricket? The answer is Sri Lankan spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan. He finished his ODI career with a remarkable 534 wickets in 350 matches, the highest by any bowler in the format. With a bowling average of 23.08 and an economy rate of 3.86, Muralitharan combined wicket-taking ability with exceptional control. His famous doosra and consistent performances made him a match-winner for Sri Lanka for nearly two decades. In this article, we look at the players with the most wickets in ODI cricket, their career stats, and the records that have earned them a place among the format’s greatest bowlers.

The Top 10 Highest Wicket-Takers in ODI History

While Muralitharan’s record is safe for the foreseeable future, the battle for the remaining spots on the top 10 list is filled with legendary names. From the deadly reverse swing duo of Pakistan to the metronomic accuracy of Australian pacemen, here is a look at the bowlers who have taken the most wickets in ODI history.

Rank	Player	Country	Matches	Wickets
1	Muttiah Muralitharan	Sri Lanka	350	534
2	Wasim Akram	Pakistan	356	502
3	Waqar Younis	Pakistan	262	416
4	Chaminda Vaas	Sri Lanka	322	400
5	Shahid Afridi	Pakistan	398	395
6	Shaun Pollock	South Africa	303	393
7	Glenn McGrath	Australia	250	381
8	Brett Lee	Australia	221	380
9	Lasith Malinga	Sri Lanka	226	338
10	Anil Kumble	India	271	337

Read More: Longest Six in Cricket History

1. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) – 534 Wickets

Born: April 17, 1972

Sitting undisputed at the very top of the mountain is the Sri Lankan spin wizard. Muralitharan finished his illustrious career with a staggering 534 wickets in 350 ODIs. With his mysterious spin, incredible control, and a bowling average of 23.08, he didn’t just take wickets; he strangled opposition batting line-ups. He also holds the record for the most five-wicket hauls in the format (10), cementing his legacy as the undisputed king of ODI bowling.

2. Wasim Akram (Pakistan) – 502 Wickets

Born: June 3, 1966, in Lahore, Pakistan

Known as the “Sultan of Swing,” Wasim Akram is the highest wicket-taker among fast bowlers in ODI history. The Pakistani legend took 502 wickets in just 356 matches. With the ability to swing the ball both ways at blistering pace, Akram was a complete fast-bowling package. He also made history by becoming the first bowler ever to cross the 500-wicket mark in ODI cricket.

3. Waqar Younis (Pakistan) – 416 Wickets

Born: November 16, 1971, in Vehari, Pakistan

You cannot talk about Wasim Akram without mentioning his legendary partner-in-crime, Waqar Younis. Waqar claimed 416 wickets in 262 ODIs. Famous for his lethal inswinging yorkers that shattered stumps and toes alike, Waqar boasts one of the best bowling averages and strike rates in ODI history, proving his sheer dominance as a match-winner.

4. Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka) – 400 Wickets

Born: January 27, 1974, in Mattumagala, Sri Lanka

Chaminda Vaas is the ultimate symbol of consistency for Sri Lanka. The left-arm fast bowler took exactly 400 wickets in 322 ODIs. Vaas is most famous for his unbelievable spell of 8 wickets for just 19 runs against Zimbabwe in 2001, which remains the best bowling figure in ODI World Cup history and one of the best in the format overall.

5. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – 395 Wickets

Born: March 1, 1980, in Khyber Agency, Pakistan

“Boom Boom” Afridi was primarily known for his explosive batting, but his leg-spin bowling was a massive asset for Pakistan. Over a marathon career spanning 398 ODIs, Afridi picked up 395 wickets. His ability to chip in with crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs made him one of the most valuable all-rounders the game has ever seen.

6. Shaun Pollock (South Africa) – 393 Wickets

Born: July 16, 1973, in Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Shaun Pollock was the backbone of the South African bowling attack for over a decade. A master of seam and swing, Pollock took 393 wickets in 303 ODIs. His incredible economy rate of 3.67 is a testament to how difficult he was to score off, making him one of the most restrictive and effective bowlers in the history of the game.

7. Glenn McGrath (Australia) – 381 Wickets

Born: February 9, 1970, in Dubbo, Australia

If consistency had a face in cricket, it would be Glenn McGrath. The Australian metronome took 381 wickets in 250 ODIs. McGrath didn’t rely on extreme pace; instead, he used his impeccable line and length on off-stump to frustrate batters. He was the leading wicket-taker in three separate World Cups and was instrumental in Australia’s dominant era.

8. Brett Lee (Australia) – 380 Wickets

Born: November 8, 1976, in Wollongong, Australia

Right behind his bowling partner, McGrath is the fiery Brett Lee. With his express pace, Lee took 380 wickets in 221 ODIs. His ability to bowl at 150+ kph consistently made him a fan favourite and a feared opponent. Lee also holds the record for being the fastest bowler to reach 200 and 300 ODI wickets.

9. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) – 338 Wickets

Born: August 28, 1983, in Galle, Sri Lanka

The original “Yorker King,” Lasith Malinga, revolutionised death bowling in ODI cricket. With his unorthodox slinging action, Malinga claimed 338 wickets in 226 matches. He is the only bowler in the history of international cricket to take four wickets in four consecutive deliveries, a testament to his lethal precision.

10. Anil Kumble (India) – 337 Wickets

Born: October 17, 1970, in Bangalore, India

Rounding out the top 10 is India’s greatest match-winning spinner, Anil Kumble. Though more famous for his heroics in Test cricket, Kumble was a vital cog in India’s ODI setup, taking 337 wickets in 271 matches. His relentless accuracy and ability to extract turn from flat tracks made him a nightmare for opposition batters in the subcontinent.

Most Wickets in a Single ODI World Cup

While career aggregates show longevity, performing at the ICC ODI World Cup is what truly cements a bowler’s legacy. The legendary Australian pacer Glenn McGrath holds the record for the most wickets in a single edition of the ODI World Cup. During the 2007 World Cup, McGrath was absolutely unplayable, picking up 26 wickets in just 11 matches. His pinpoint accuracy dismantled every batting lineup he faced.

Close behind is India’s Mohammed Shami, who had a miraculous 2023 ICC ODI World Cup on home soil. Shami scalped an astonishing 24 wickets in just 7 matches, including a historic seven-wicket haul in the semi-final. Other notable mentions include Zaheer Khan (21 wickets in 2011) and Mitchell Starc (22 wickets in 2019), proving that peak tournament performances are just as vital as career longevity.

Fascinating Records and Milestones in ODI Bowling

Beyond the total number of wickets, the history of ODI cricket is filled with incredible bowling milestones that highlight the sheer brilliance of these athletes.

1. Most Five-Wicket Hauls: Taking five wickets in a single ODI innings is a monumental task. Muttiah Muralitharan leads this chart with 10 five-wicket hauls. Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis are tied for second among fast bowlers, with 6 and 5 five-fors, respectively.
2. Best Bowling Figures in an Innings: Sri Lanka’s Chaminda Vaas holds the record for the best bowling figures in ODI history, having taken a phenomenal 8 wickets for just 19 runs against Zimbabwe in 2001
3. Fastest to 300 ODI Wickets: Australian speedster Brett Lee reached the 300-wicket milestone in just 171 ODIs, showcasing his incredible wicket-taking pace
4. Leading Active Wicket-Taker: While the legends of the past dominate the all-time list, Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan is currently the highest wicket-taker among active players in ODI cricket, with 317 wickets to his name. Mitchell Starc is the leading active fast bowler, steadily climbing the ranks with over 240 ODI wickets.

Conclusion

The history of ODI cricket is beautifully woven with the incredible achievements of these bowling maestros. When asked, “Who has the most wickets in ODI cricket?” the answer will forever be Muttiah Muralitharan, a titan of the game whose 534 wickets may never be surpassed. From the fiery pace of Wasim Akram and Brett Lee to the unplayable spin of Anil Kumble and Shahid Afridi, these bowlers have defined eras of cricket.

Whether you are a die-hard cricket statistician or a casual fan, these records serve as a testament to the skill and artistry required to dominate the 50-over format. The next time you watch an ODI match, appreciate the bowlers running in, knowing they are chasing the ghosts of these legends.

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