Across the decades, bowlers have played a defining role in shaping the legacy of international cricket. Some became feared for their deadly accuracy, while others baffled batters with guile. This blog celebrates those legends who recorded the most wickets in international cricket—the bowlers who left an indelible mark in every format. From world records to personal milestones, here’s a complete look at the highest wicket-taker in international cricket history.
Top 20 Bowlers with the Most Wickets in International Cricket
Over the decades, many bowlers have dazzled fans with their consistency, skill, and match-winning performances. But only a select few have reached the pinnacle of wicket-taking greatness. This section features the top 20 bowlers with the most wickets in international cricket, spanning Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. From spin wizards like Muttiah Muralitharan to pace masters like Wasim Akram, these legends are among the highest wicket-takers in all formats of the game.
| Rank | Player | Country | Matches | Wickets |
| 1 | Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | 495 | 1347 |
| 2 | Shane Warne | Australia | 339 | 1001 |
| 3 | James Anderson | England | 400+ | 990+ |
| 4 | Anil Kumble | India | 403 | 956 |
| 5 | Glenn McGrath | Australia | 376 | 949 |
| 6 | Wasim Akram | Pakistan | 460 | 916 |
| 7 | Stuart Broad | England | 340+ | 845+ |
| 8 | Shaun Pollock | South Africa | 423 | 829 |
| 9 | Harbhajan Singh | India | 367 | 711 |
| 10 | Lasith Malinga | Sri Lanka | 340+ | 546 |
| 11 | Tim Southee | New Zealand | 360+ | 550+ |
| 12 | Shakib Al Hasan | Bangladesh | 400+ | 660+ |
| 13 | Kapil Dev | India | 356 | 687 |
| 14 | Brett Lee | Australia | 322 | 718 |
| 15 | Waqar Younis | Pakistan | 349 | 789 |
| 16 | Daniel Vettori | New Zealand | 442 | 705 |
| 17 | Ravichandran Ashwin | India | 300+ | 730+ |
| 18 | Dale Steyn | South Africa | 265 | 699 |
| 19 | Imran Khan | Pakistan | 263 | 544 |
| 20 | Saqlain Mushtaq | Pakistan | 218 | 496 |
#1. Muttiah Muralitharan – The Spin Wizard from Sri Lanka
| Category | Stats |
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| International Career | 1992 – 2011 |
| Total Matches | 495 |
| Total Wickets | 1347 |
| Test Wickets | 800 |
| ODI Wickets | 534 |
| T20I Wickets | 13 |
When it comes to bowling greatness, few names resonate louder than Muttiah Muralitharan. Widely regarded as one of the finest spin bowlers in cricket history, Murali was a match-winner in every sense. His incredible career saw him become the top wicket-taker across formats, a record that still stands tall.
#2. Shane Warne – The Magician of Leg Spin
| Category | Stats |
| Country | Australia |
| International Career | 1992 – 2007 |
| Total Matches | 339 |
| Total Wickets | 1001 |
| Test Wickets | 708 |
| ODI Wickets | 293 |
| T20I Wickets | — |
Few bowlers in cricket history combined charisma, skill, and match-winning ability like Shane Warne. The Australian legend redefined leg-spin bowling in an era dominated by fast bowlers and became a global icon for his sharp turn, clever variations, and fierce competitiveness on the field.
Warne was more than just a wicket-taker—he was a game-changer who could dismantle batting line-ups with spells of brilliance. His ability to read the batter and adapt instantly made him one of the most dangerous bowlers across both Tests and ODIs.
#3. James Anderson – The Master of Swing and Longevity
| Category | Stats |
| Country | England |
| International Career | 2002 – Present |
| Total Matches | 400+ |
| Total Wickets | 990+ |
| Test Wickets | 700+ |
| ODI Wickets | 269 |
| T20I Wickets | 18 |
When it comes to fast bowling longevity, no one comes close to James Anderson. The English pacer has redefined what’s possible for seamers in the modern era. Known for his remarkable ability to swing the ball both ways, Anderson has become the most successful pace bowler in the history of international cricket.
Debuting in 2002, he continues to defy age and fitness expectations, consistently performing at the highest level—even in his 40s. His command over the red ball, especially in English conditions, has made him one of the most feared bowlers in Test history.
#4. Anil Kumble – India’s Spin General and Relentless Competitor
| Category | Stats |
| Country | India |
| International Career | 1990 – 2008 |
| Total Matches | 403 |
| Total Wickets | 956 |
| Test Wickets | 619 |
| ODI Wickets | 337 |
| T20I Wickets | — |
Anil Kumble stands tall among cricket’s greatest bowlers—not just for his staggering wicket tally, but for the grit, intelligence, and heart he brought to the game. As India’s highest wicket-taker across formats, Kumble earned a reputation for his discipline and ability to out-think batters, rather than relying on massive turn.
Unlike traditional leg-spinners who gave the ball more flight, Kumble bowled quicker through the air, relying on bounce, accuracy, and subtle variations to dismantle batting line-ups, especially on subcontinental pitches.
He became only the second player in Test history to take all 10 wickets in a single innings—a feat he achieved against Pakistan in 1999, etching his name into cricketing folklore. That moment alone made him a national hero, but his overall career was built on years of hard-earned consistency and impact.
#5. Glenn McGrath – The Metronome of Precision Pace
| Category | Stats |
| Country | Australia |
| International Career | 1993 – 2007 |
| Total Matches | 376 |
| Total Wickets | 949 |
| Test Wickets | 563 |
| ODI Wickets | 381 |
| T20I Wickets | 5 |
Glenn McGrath wasn’t the fastest, the most aggressive, or the flashiest—but he was arguably the most effective fast bowler of his time. Known for his pinpoint accuracy and relentless discipline, McGrath tormented batters with unerring consistency throughout his career. The Australian quick was a pillar of his country’s dominance in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
McGrath’s strength lay in his ability to hit the same spot over and over again, extracting bounce and movement that forced batters into mistakes. He is still remembered as one of the greatest exponents of seam bowling, particularly in helpful conditions.
McGrath was a key figure in Australia’s World Cup triumphs in 1999, 2003, and 2007. He was also the highest wicket-taker in World Cup history until it was recently surpassed.
#6. Wasim Akram – The Sultan of Swing
| Category | Stats |
| Country | Pakistan |
| International Career | 1984 – 2003 |
| Total Matches | 460 |
| Total Wickets | 916 |
| Test Wickets | 414 |
| ODI Wickets | 502 |
| T20I Wickets | — |
When it comes to left-arm fast bowling, no one did it quite like Wasim Akram. The Pakistani legend is often credited with revolutionizing the art of swing—especially reverse swing—with blistering pace and incredible control. A generational talent, Akram combined raw athleticism with a deep understanding of seam movement, making him one of the most feared fast bowlers in the game.
Over a career that spanned nearly two decades, Akram’s ability to bowl toe-crushing yorkers, sharp bouncers, and late swingers earned him a place among the bowlers with the most wickets in international cricket.
#7. Stuart Broad – England’s Big-Match Specialist
| Category | Stats |
| Country | England |
| International Career | 2006 – 2023 |
| Total Matches | 340+ |
| Total Wickets | 845+ |
| Test Wickets | 604 |
| ODI Wickets | 178 |
| T20I Wickets | 65 |
Stuart Broad carved out a remarkable career as one of England’s greatest fast bowlers. Known for his ability to produce match-turning spells, especially in high-pressure moments, Broad became a key figure in England’s bowling attack across formats. His tall frame, relentless aggression, and knack for exploiting bounce made him especially lethal in home conditions.
From taking 8 wickets for 15 runs at Trent Bridge to dismantling top-order batters with the new ball, Broad consistently delivered when it mattered most. His contribution helped England climb to the top of world cricket during his peak years.
By the time he retired in 2023, Broad had become one of only two fast bowlers in Test history to cross the 600-wicket mark, firmly placing him among the elite few with the most wickets in international cricket.
Legacy
Broad’s fierce competitiveness, especially in Ashes battles, made him a fan favorite. His famous partnerships with James Anderson redefined fast bowling longevity and success. While Anderson often played the steady role, Broad brought the fire—changing games with bursts of brilliance.
After his retirement, Broad transitioned smoothly into commentary, offering sharp insights and continuing to inspire future generations of English cricketers.
#8. Shaun Pollock – The Seam Maestro of South Africa
| Category | Stats |
| Country | South Africa |
| International Career | 1995 – 2008 |
| Total Matches | 423 |
| Total Wickets | 829 |
| Test Wickets | 421 |
| ODI Wickets | 393 |
| T20I Wickets | 15 |
Shaun Pollock was the embodiment of control and consistency. One of South Africa’s most reliable pace bowlers, he blended line, length, and swing into a lethal package. While not known for express pace, Pollock’s precision and ability to move the ball both ways made him a constant threat—especially on seaming tracks.
In addition to being a world-class bowler, Pollock was a highly capable lower-order batsman, making him one of the finest seam-bowling all-rounders of his generation.
Legacy
Pollock captained South Africa during a transitional phase and was admired for his calm leadership. More than anything, it was his metronomic accuracy that made him stand out—rarely offering anything loose, always making the batter work.
After retirement, Pollock transitioned into a successful commentator and remains a respected figure in the global cricketing community.
Read More: Highest Wicket Takers in IPL
#9. Harbhajan Singh – The Turbanator Who Took Down Giants
| Category | Stats |
| Country | India |
| International Career | 1998 – 2016 |
| Total Matches | 367 |
| Total Wickets | 711 |
| Test Wickets | 417 |
| ODI Wickets | 269 |
| T20I Wickets | 25 |
Harbhajan Singh, fondly known as “Bhajji” or “The Turbanator,” was India’s frontline off-spinner for over a decade. Known for his fiery temperament and attacking mindset, Harbhajan brought energy and aggression to spin bowling—a quality that made him stand out in both home and overseas conditions.
His quick-arm action, combined with sharp turn and bounce, made him a constant threat to even the best batters. One of his most iconic performances came in the 2001 Test series against Australia, where he claimed 32 wickets in three matches, including a hat-trick at Eden Gardens—the first ever by an Indian in Test cricket.
At his peak, Harbhajan ranked among the bowlers with the most wickets in international cricket, especially among spinners. His match-winning spells were crucial in many of India’s famous victories during the early 2000s.
Legacy
Harbhajan was more than just a spinner—he was a big-match player. Whether it was helping India win the 2007 T20 World Cup or playing a key role in the 2011 ODI World Cup triumph, his presence added depth to both bowling and morale.
Post-retirement, Harbhajan has taken up commentary, entertainment, and political roles, continuing to remain a public figure admired by millions.
#10. Lasith Malinga – The Yorker King of World Cricket
| Category | Stats |
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| International Career | 2004 – 2020 |
| Total Matches | 340+ |
| Total Wickets | 546+ |
| Test Wickets | 101 |
| ODI Wickets | 338 |
| T20I Wickets | 107 |
Lasith Malinga brought a completely new style to fast bowling. With his low-slung action and deadly accuracy, he changed the way bowlers approached the final overs in limited-overs cricket. His sharp, swinging yorkers and ability to hit the blockhole under pressure made him one of the most reliable finishers with the ball..
Though not as dominant in Tests, Malinga’s impact in ODIs and T20Is was immense. His ability to deliver under pressure made him a go-to bowler in crunch moments—be it in World Cups, IPL finals, or bilateral series.
Legacy
Lasith Malinga made history as the first bowler to claim two hat-tricks in ICC World Cup matches and remains the only player to dismiss four batters in four consecutive deliveries in international cricket.. His influence on T20 cricket, especially at the death, redefined how teams approached the final overs.
Even after retirement, Malinga continues to shape the future of Sri Lankan cricket as a bowling coach and mentor, passing on his vast experience to the next generation.
Most Wickets in Each Format: Tests, ODIs, and T20Is
Cricket is played in three international formats—Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)—and each format demands a different skillset from bowlers. While some excel with the red ball in Tests, others shine in the shorter, fast-paced limited-overs games. Let’s take a look at the top wicket-takers in each format, who’ve mastered their art across generations.
Most Wickets in Test Cricket (Top 5)
| Rank | Player | Country | Test Wickets |
| 1 | Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | 800 |
| 2 | Shane Warne | Australia | 708 |
| 3 | James Anderson | England | 700+ |
| 4 | Anil Kumble | India | 619 |
| 5 | Stuart Broad | England | 604 |
Most Wickets in ODI Cricket (Top 5)
| Rank | Player | Country | ODI Wickets |
| 1 | Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | 534 |
| 2 | Wasim Akram | Pakistan | 502 |
| 3 | Waqar Younis | Pakistan | 416 |
| 4 | Chaminda Vaas | Sri Lanka | 400 |
| 5 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 395 |
Most Wickets in T20I Cricket (Top 5)
| Rank | Player | Country | T20I Wickets |
| 1 | Rashid Khan | Afghanistan | 140+ |
| 2 | Tim Southee | New Zealand | 140+ |
| 3 | Shakib Al Hasan | Bangladesh | 140+ |
| 4 | Lasith Malinga | Sri Lanka | 107 |
| 5 | Ish Sodhi | New Zealand | 130+ |
Final Words
From Muttiah Muralitharan’s unmatchable dominance to James Anderson’s record-breaking consistency, the race for the most wickets in international cricket is filled with legendary tales of resilience, skill, and passion. These bowlers not only rewrote the record books but also shaped the very history of the game.
As cricket continues to evolve—with more matches, formats, and young talents emerging—these records will be challenged, but the legacy of these bowling greats will remain timeless. Whether you’re a cricket fan, a stats lover, or just curious about the game’s icons, this list reflects the sheer brilliance and variety that cricket has celebrated over the years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who has taken the most wickets in international cricket history?
A: Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka holds the record for the most international wickets, with a staggering 1347 wickets across Test, ODI, and T20I formats.
Q2. Who is the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket?
A: Muttiah Muralitharan also holds the record for the most Test wickets, with 800 wickets in 133 matches.
Q3. Who has the most wickets in ODI cricket?
A: Muttiah Muralitharan leads in ODIs as well, with 534 wickets. He is followed closely by Pakistan’s Wasim Akram, who has 502.
Q4. Which fast bowler has the most international wickets?
A: England’s James Anderson is the most successful fast bowler in international cricket, with 990+ wickets as of 2025.
Q5. Who has taken the most wickets in T20 Internationals?
A: As of now, Rashid Khan, Tim Southee, and Shakib Al Hasan are leading the charts with over 140 wickets each in T20Is.