Ranking 15 Greatest ODI Bowlers

Javagal Srinath

Often regarded as the greatest Indian fast-bowler of all time, Javagal Srinath was the first Indian pacer to reach 300 ODI wickets, finishing his career with a notable 315 scalps at an average of 28.08. His fast bowling is defined by speeds often exceeding 140 km/h, and he also holds the record for most World Cups played by an Indian bowler (4).

Shane Bond

While he did not win any major ICC titles with the New Zealand national side, Shane Bond is still regarded as one of the greatest ODI bowlers, renowned for his pace, combined with a late in-swing and accurate yorkers. Despite a career frequently plagued by injuries, which limited him to just 82 ODIs, Bond took 147 wickets at an exceptional average of 20.88.

Allan Donald

Best known for his fast-bowling partnership with Shaun Pollock, South African legend Allan Donald took 272 wickets in 164 ODIs at an outstanding average of 21.79, with his aggressive style and sheer pace. While a major ICC ODI trophy eluded him, Donald made a name for himself from his debut match, where he picked up a five-wicket haul.

Richard Hadlee

Often regarded as the greatest all-rounder of all time, New Zealand's Richard Hadlee was a master of swing and seam bowling, taking 158 ODI wickets in 115 matches at an excellent average of 21.56. Known for his control and accuracy, Hadlee retired as one of the finest ODI bowlers with a career-best ICC rating of 922 points.

Lasith Malinga

A deadly fast-bowler, known for his accurate yorkers, Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga is an ODI legend with 338 wickets at an average of 28.87 in 226 matches. His phenomenal record includes three ODI hat-tricks (a world record), while also being the only bowler to take four wickets off four consecutive balls in international cricket.

Shane Warne

Australian legend Shane Warne remains the greatest spin bowler in international cricket, having revolutionized the game with 293 wickets at an average of 25.73 across 194 matches, A red-ball legend, Warne employed a mix of drift, spin, and googly in the 50-over format, and was a pivotal part of Australia's 1999 ICC Cricket World Cup-winning squad.

Curtly Ambrose

Another player known for his bowling partnership, West Indies' legend Curtly Ambrose was an ODI great, known for his relentless accuracy and pace, claiming 225 wickets in 176 matches. His legacy rests on his intimidating presence and match-winning spells, forming a partnership with Courtney Walsh, though he did not win a World Cup trophy.

Waqar Younis

Pakistani cricketing legend Waqar Younis is an ODI cricketing great, known for his reverse swing and yorkers, taking 416 ODI wickets at an average of 23.84 in the format. His legacy is cemented by holding the record for the most ODI five-wicket hauls (13), and forming half of the most feared bowling partnership with Wasim Akram.

Chaminda Vaas

Sri Lanka's second highest wicket-taker in the ODIs, legendary Chaminda Vaas concluded his career with 400 ODI wickets at an average of 27.53, and a phenomenal record of 8/19, the best figures in history. He was a pillar of the 1996 Cricket World Cup winning squad, and also the first to claim a WC hat-trick off the first three balls of an over.

Brett Lee

Dubbed one of the greatest ODI fast bowlers, Brett Lee was renowned for his aggressive right-arm pace, often exceeding 150 km/h, securing 380 wickets in 221 matches at a stellar average of 23.36. A core member of Australia's dominant era, he was a key figure in the team's two ICC Cricket World Cup victories in 2003 and 2007.

Joel Garner

Known among fans as 'Big Bird' for his height, Joel Garner is one of the greatest ODI bowlers of all time with 146 wickets in 98 matches at a remarkable average of 18.84. Garner's legacy includes winning the 1979 Cricket World Cup with the West Indies national side, where he took a record 5/38 in the final, mastering the deadly yorker.

Shaun Pollock

One of the greatest medium pacers of all time, Shaun Pollock was best known for his accuracy and low economy rate across his 303 ODIs, in which he claimed 393 wickets at an average of 24.50, His legacy includes the record for the most maiden overs in ODIs (313), while he was a key member of the 1998 ICC KnockOut Trophy-winning side.

Wasim Akram

Regarded by Wisden as the greatest ODI bowler of all time, the 'Sultan of Swing' Wasim Akram took a record 502 wickets at an average of 23.52 in 356 matches, including two hat-tricks, and was a key player in Pakistan's 1992 Cricket World Cup win. His unmatched legacy as a match-winner and the first to reach 500 ODI wickets defines his greatness.

Glenn McGrath

The record-holder for the most wickets in ODI World Cup history (71), Australian icon Glenn McGrath finished his career with 381 wickets at 22.02 average. A master of 'line' and 'length', McGrath secured three consecutive World Cup titles from 1999 to 2007 with Australia, defined by his best-ever World Cup figures of 7/15 against Namibia.

Muttiah Muralidharan

The greatest ODI bowler of all time, Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralidharan claimed a record 534 wickets at an average of 23.08, the most by any bowler in the format. He employed a unique, controversial off-spin action that included the 'doosra', cemented by his key role in the Lions' 1996 Cricket World Cup triumph.