ODI cricket has always celebrated bowlers who can turn games with their wickets. Legends like M Muralitharan, Wasim Akram, and Waqar Younis have taken the game by storm with their exceptional bowling. Their records show consistency, skill, and a knack for taking crucial wickets under pressure.
From spinning the ball to delivering deadly pace, these cricketers have left a mark in cricket history. Here, we highlight the 10 highest wicket takers in ODI cricket, sharing their stats, memorable performances, and contributions to the sport.
Top 10 Highest Wicket-Takers in ODI Cricket: Stats and Achievements
Here’s a look at some of the highest wicket-taker in odi history and their key statistics:
| Player | Span | Mat. | Inn. | Overs | Wick. |
| M Muralidaran (SL) | 1993-2011 | 350 | 341 | 3135.1 | 534 |
| Wasim Akram (PAK) | 1984-2003 | 356 | 351 | 3031.0 | 502 |
| Waqar Younis (PAK) | 1989-2003 | 262 | 258 | 2116.2 | 416 |
| WPUJC Vaas (SL) | 1994-2008 | 322 | 320 | 2629.1 | 400 |
| Shahid Afridi (PAK) | 1996-2015 | 398 | 372 | 2945.0 | 395 |
| SM Pollock (SA) | 1996-2008 | 303 | 297 | 2618.4 | 393 |
| GD McGrath (AUS) | 1993-2007 | 250 | 248 | 2161.4 | 381 |
| B Lee (AUS) | 2000-2012 | 221 | 217 | 1864.1 | 380 |
| SL Malinga (SL) | 2004-2019 | 226 | 220 | 1822.4 | 338 |
| A Kumble (IND) | 1990-2007 | 271 | 265 | 2416.0 | 337 |
| ST Jayasuriya (SL) | 1989-2011 | 445 | 368 | 2479.0 | 323 |
| Shakib Al Hasan (BAN) | 2006-2023 | 247 | 241 | 2095.5 | 317 |
| J Srinath (IND) | 1991-2003 | 229 | 227 | 1989.1 | 315 |
| DL Vettori (NZ) | 1997-2015 | 295 | 277 | 2343.2 | 305 |
| SK Warne (AUS) | 1993-2005 | 194 | 191 | 1773.4 | 293 |
#1. M Muralidaran (SL)
| Player | M Muralitharan (SL) |
| Span | 1993-2011 |
| Matches | 350 |
| Overs | 3135.1 |
| Runs Conceded | 12,326 |
| Wickets | 534 |
Muttiah Muralitharan is the highest wicket taker in ODI cricket history. Playing between 1993 and 2011, he appeared in 350 matches, bowled over 3,135 overs, and claimed 534 wickets.
Known for his incredible spin and deceptive deliveries, Muralitharan consistently troubled batsmen around the world and remains one of cricket’s greatest match-winners.
#2. Wasim Akram
| Player | Wasim Akram (PAK) |
| Span | 1984-2003 |
| Matches | 356 |
| Overs | 3031.0 |
| Runs Conceded | 11,812 |
| Wickets | 502 |
Wasim Akram from Pakistan is one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history and ranks among the highest wicket takers in ODI cricket. Playing between 1984 and 2003, he featured in 356 matches, bowled 3,031 overs, and claimed 502 wickets.
Known as the “Sultan of Swing,” Akram could move the ball both ways at high speed and often took crucial wickets in key moments. His skill, consistency, and match-winning ability made him a true legend of ODI cricket.
#3. Waqar Younis
| Player | Waqar Younis (PAK) |
| Span | 1989-2003 |
| Matches | 262 |
| Overs | 2116.2 |
| Runs Conceded | 9,919 |
| Wickets | 416 |
Waqar Younis was one of Pakistan’s most feared fast bowlers, playing ODI cricket from 1989 to 2003. In his career, he appeared in 262 matches, bowled 2,116.2 overs, and took 416 wickets.
Famous for his toe-crushing yorkers and reverse swing, Waqar could dismantle even the strongest batting line-ups. His pace, skill, and ability to perform in crucial moments made him a key player for Pakistan and a true legend in world cricket.
#4. WPUJC Vaas
| Player | WPUJC Vaas (SL) |
| Span | 1994-2008 |
| Matches | 322 |
| Overs | 2629.1 |
| Runs Conceded | 11,014 |
| Wickets | 400 |
WPUJC Vaas, also known as Chaminda Vaas, was one of Sri Lanka’s finest fast bowlers, playing ODI cricket from 1994 to 2008. In his career, he featured in 322 matches, bowled 2,629.1 overs, and took 400 wickets.
Known for his accurate seam bowling, clever variations, and ability to swing the ball, Vaas was a constant threat to batsmen around the world. His consistency and skill made him a key figure in Sri Lanka’s bowling attack and a respected legend in international cricket.
#5. Shahid Afridi
| Player | Shahid Afridi (PAK) |
| Span | 1996-2015 |
| Matches | 398 |
| Overs | 2945.0 |
| Runs Conceded | 13,632 |
| Wickets | 395 |
Shahid Afridi, nicknamed “Boom Boom,” was one of Pakistan’s most dynamic all-rounders, playing ODI cricket from 1996 to 2015. In his career, he appeared in 398 matches, bowled 2,945 overs, and took 395 wickets.
Known for his aggressive batting and sharp leg-spin bowling, Afridi could change the course of a match in a few overs. His energy, skill, and ability to deliver under pressure made him a fan favorite and a key player for Pakistan for nearly two decades.
Read More: Fastest 3000 Runs in ODI Cricket
#6. Shaun Pollock
| Player | SM Pollock (SA) |
| Span | 1996-2008 |
| Matches | 303 |
| Overs | 2618.4 |
| Runs Conceded | 9,631 |
| Wickets | 393 |
Shaun Pollock represented South Africa in ODI cricket from 1996 to 2008, playing 303 matches, bowling 2,618.4 overs, and taking 393 wickets.
Known for his perfect line and length, he could control the game and consistently trouble batsmen. Pollock’s combination of pace, swing, and accuracy made him one of the most dependable bowlers of his era.
#7. Glenn McGrath
| Player | GD McGrath (AUS) |
| Span | 1993-2007 |
| Matches | 250 |
| Overs | 2161.4 |
| Runs Conceded | 8,391 |
| Wickets | 381 |
Glenn McGrath was one of Australia’s greatest fast bowlers, playing ODI cricket from 1993 to 2007. In his career, he appeared in 250 matches, bowled 2,161.4 overs, and took 381 wickets.
Known for his remarkable accuracy, relentless line and length, and ability to maintain pressure on batsmen, McGrath consistently dominated opponents. His consistency and skill made him a key figure in Australia’s bowling attack and one of the most respected bowlers in world cricket.
#8. Brett Lee
| Player | B Lee (AUS) |
| Span | 2000-2012 |
| Matches | 221 |
| Overs | 1864.1 |
| Runs Conceded | 8,877 |
| Wickets | 380 |
Brett Lee was one of Australia’s fastest and most lethal bowlers, playing ODI cricket from 2000 to 2012. In his career, he appeared in 221 matches, bowled 1,864.1 overs, and took 380 wickets.
Known for his express pace, deadly yorkers, and ability to strike early, Lee was a constant threat to batsmen. His speed, skill, and match-winning performances made him one of the most feared fast bowlers in world cricket.
#9. Lasith Malinga
| Player | SL Malinga (SL) |
| Span | 2004-2019 |
| Matches | 226 |
| Overs | 1822.4 |
| Runs Conceded | 9,760 |
| Wickets | 338 |
Lasith Malinga was Sri Lanka’s legendary fast bowler, playing ODI cricket from 2004 to 2019. In his career, he appeared in 226 matches, bowled 1,822.4 overs, and took 338 wickets.
Famous for his deadly toe-crushing yorkers, unorthodox sling action, and ability to take wickets in crucial moments, Malinga was a match-winner for Sri Lanka. His unique style and knack for delivering in pressure situations made him one of the most exciting bowlers in modern cricket.
#10. Anil Kumble
| Player | SL Malinga (SL) |
| Span | 2004-2019 |
| Matches | 226 |
| Overs | 1822.4 |
| Runs Conceded | 9,760 |
| Wickets | 338 |
India’s Anil Kumble was a legendary leg-spinner who represented the national team in 271 ODIs from 1990 to 2007. Bowling 2,416 overs and claiming 337 wickets, he was famous for his relentless accuracy and clever variations.
Kumble’s ability to bowl long, pressure-building spells made him a key player in India’s success and one of the finest spinners in ODI history.
Final Words
Records of the highest wicket taker in ODI cricket reflect the greatness of some of the sport’s finest bowlers. From Muralitharan’s spin to McGrath’s precision and Akram’s swing, these bowlers have set standards that continue to inspire fans and players alike, making their mark in cricket history unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Q1: Who is the highest wicket taker in ODI cricket?
A: Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka holds the record as the highest wicket taker in ODI cricket, with 534 wickets in 350 matches.
Q2: Who are the top 5 highest wicket-takers in ODI history?
A: The top 5 bowlers are:
- Muttiah Muralitharan (SL) – 534 wickets
- Wasim Akram (PAK) – 502 wickets
- Waqar Younis (PAK) – 416 wickets
- Chaminda Vaas (SL) – 400 wickets
- Shahid Afridi (PAK) – 395 wickets
Q3: How many wickets did Wasim Akram take in ODIs?
A: Wasim Akram took 502 wickets in 356 ODI matches for Pakistan.
Q4: Who is the highest wicket-taking fast bowler in ODIs?
A: Wasim Akram from Pakistan is widely regarded as the highest wicket-taking fast bowler in ODI cricket with 502 wickets.
Q5: How long did Muttiah Muralitharan play ODI cricket?
A: Muttiah Muralitharan played ODI cricket for 18 years, from 1993 to 2011.
Q6: Who is the highest wicket-taker for India in ODIs?
A: Anil Kumble is India’s highest wicket-taker in ODI cricket, with 337 wickets in 271 matches.
