Bowlers Who Take Most 5 Wicket Haul in ODI

In One Day Internationals (ODIs), taking five wickets in a match is a significant achievement for bowlers. It showcases their skill and ability to dominate the game, turning the tide in their team’s favor. This article highlights the bowlers who have excelled in ODIs by consistently taking the most five-wicket hauls. These cricketers have etched their names in history with their remarkable performances, demonstrating exceptional talent and determination. Join us as we explore the top bowlers who have made a lasting impact in the world of cricket through their outstanding five-wicket feats.

List of Bowlers Who Take Most 5 Wicket Haul in ODI

Player	5 Wicket Haul’s	Country	Matches	Wickets
Waqar Younis	13	Pakistan	262	416
Muttiah Muralitharan	10	Sri Lanka	350	534
Brett Lee	9	Australia	221	380
Shahid Afridi	9	Pakistan	398	395
Mitchell Starc	9	Australia	121	236
Lasith Malinga	8	Sri Lanka	226	338
Glen McGrath	7	Australia	250	381
Trent Boult	6	New Zealand	114	211
Lance Klusener	6	South Africa	171	192
Saqlain Mushtaq	6	Pakistan	169	288
Wasim Akram	6	Pakistan	356	502

1. Waqar Younis

Waqar Younis, a legendary fast bowler from Pakistan, holds the record for the most five-wicket hauls in ODIs, achieving this feat 13 times. Over his 262-match career, Younis took a total of 416 wickets, demonstrating his consistent ability to dismantle batting line-ups. His impressive bowling average of 23.84 and economy rate of 4.68 reflect his effectiveness and control in limited-overs cricket.

Younis was renowned for his lethal pace and mastery of reverse swing, which allowed him to deliver devastating yorkers and sharply in-swinging deliveries. He bowled a total of 12,698 balls in ODIs, with his best performance being an astonishing 7/36. This particular match showcased his ability to single-handedly turn the tide of a game in his team’s favor. Waqar Younis’s remarkable achievements and his prowess on the field have cemented his place as one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history.

2. Muttiah Muralitharan

Muttiah Muralitharan, the legendary Sri Lankan spinner, is renowned for his exceptional skills in ODIs. He took 10 five-wicket hauls in his 350-match career, amassing a total of 534 wickets. With a bowling average of 23.08 and an economy rate of 3.93, Muralitharan consistently troubled batsmen with his unique spin and control. He bowled 18,811 balls in ODIs, with his best performance being 7/36. Muralitharan’s remarkable achievements and his ability to dominate the game with his spin have solidified his legacy as one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history.

Suggested Read: Top10 Highest Opening Partnerships in ODI

3. Brett Lee

Brett Lee, the fiery Australian fast bowler, ranks third with nine five-wicket hauls in ODIs. In his 221-match career, Lee took 380 wickets, showcasing his ability to consistently take crucial wickets. His bowling average of 23.36 and economy rate of 4.76 highlight his effectiveness and control. Over his ODI career, Lee bowled 11,185 balls, with his best performance being 5/22. Renowned for his sheer pace and aggressive style, Brett Lee’s remarkable achievements have earned him a place among the elite bowlers in cricket history.

4. Shahid Afridi

Shahid Afridi, the dynamic Pakistani all-rounder, ranks fourth with nine five-wicket hauls in ODIs. Across his 398-match career, Afridi claimed 395 wickets, demonstrating his knack for breaking partnerships. Despite a higher bowling average of 34.51, his economy rate of 4.62 indicates his ability to maintain pressure on the batsmen. He bowled a total of 17,670 balls in ODIs, with a best performance of 7/12. Known for his aggressive leg-spin and ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs, Shahid Afridi remains a significant figure in cricket history for his all-around contributions.

5. Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc, the Australian fast bowler, ranks fifth with nine five-wicket hauls in ODIs. In just 121 matches, Starc has taken 236 wickets, highlighting his ability to make a significant impact in a relatively short career. With a bowling average of 22.96 and an economy rate of 5.21, he has consistently troubled batsmen with his pace and accuracy. Starc has bowled a total of 6,240 balls in ODIs, with his best performance being 6/28. Known for his lethal yorkers and aggressive bowling style, Mitchell Starc is one of the most formidable bowlers in modern cricket.

6. Lasith Malinga

Lasith Malinga, the Sri Lankan fast bowler known for his unique sling action, ranks sixth with eight five-wicket hauls in ODIs. Over his 226-match career, Malinga took 338 wickets, showcasing his ability to consistently disrupt opposition batting line-ups. His bowling average of 28.87 and economy rate of 5.35 reflect his effectiveness and ability to maintain pressure. Malinga bowled a total of 10,936 balls in ODIs, with his best performance being 6/38. Renowned for his pinpoint yorkers and death-over expertise, Lasith Malinga remains one of the most influential bowlers in the history of cricket.

7. Glen McGrath

Glenn McGrath, the legendary Australian fast bowler, ranks seventh with seven five-wicket hauls in ODIs. Across 250 matches, McGrath took 381 wickets, demonstrating his remarkable consistency and skill. With an impressive bowling average of 22.02 and an economy rate of 3.88, he maintained exceptional control and effectiveness throughout his career. McGrath bowled a total of 12,970 balls in ODIs, with his best performance being 7/15. Known for his accuracy, relentless line and length, and ability to extract movement from the pitch, Glenn McGrath is celebrated as one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history.

8. Trent Boult

Trent Boult, the New Zealand fast bowler, ranks eighth with six five-wicket hauls in ODIs. In 114 matches, Boult has taken 211 wickets, demonstrating his ability to consistently strike. With a bowling average of 24.38 and an economy rate of 4.99, he has been effective in maintaining pressure on batsmen. Boult has bowled a total of 6,180 balls in ODIs, with his best performance being 7/34. Known for his swing and seam movement, Trent Boult is one of the most impactful bowlers in modern ODI cricket.

9. Lance Klusener

Lance Klusener, the South African all-rounder, ranks ninth with six five-wicket hauls in ODIs. Over his 171-match career, Klusener took 192 wickets, showcasing his versatility and effectiveness as a bowler. With a bowling average of 29.95 and an economy rate of 4.70, he maintained a steady impact on the game. Klusener bowled a total of 7,336 balls in ODIs, with his best performance being 6/49. Known for his aggressive seam bowling and ability to deliver in crucial moments, Lance Klusener remains a significant figure in the history of ODI cricket.

10. Saqlain Mushtaq

Saqlain Mushtaq, the Pakistani off-spinner, ranks tenth with six five-wicket hauls in ODIs. In his 169-match career, Saqlain took 288 wickets, showcasing his exceptional spin bowling skills. With a bowling average of 21.78 and an economy rate of 4.29, he consistently troubled batsmen and maintained control. Saqlain bowled a total of 8,770 balls in ODIs, with his best performance being 5/20. Known for inventing the “doosra” and his clever variations, Saqlain Mushtaq remains one of the most influential spin bowlers in the history of ODI cricket

FAQs on Bowlers with the Most 5-Wicket Hauls in ODIs