In the rich history of One Day Internationals (ODIs), several bowlers have left an indelible mark with their exceptional performances. One of the most remarkable achievements for a bowler in an ODI match is claiming a 5-wicket haul, where they dismiss five or more opposition batsmen.
Bowlers with the Most 5 Wicket Hauls in ODI Cricket –
1. Waqar Younis – 13 Five-Wicket Hauls in 258 Innings:
Waqar Younis, known for his lethal pace and reverse swing, tops the list with an astounding 13 5-wicket hauls in his ODI career spanning 258 innings. The Pakistani fast bowler’s ability to generate pace, swing, and accuracy made him a formidable force for opposition batsmen throughout his career.
2. Muttiah Muralidharan – 10 Five-Wicket Hauls in 341 Innings:
Sri Lanka’s spin wizard, Muttiah Muralidharan, ranks second on the list with ten 5-wicket hauls in 341 innings. Muralidharan’s mastery of spin and variations, including his unorthodox bowling action, made him a nightmare for batsmen around the world. His ability to consistently take wickets played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s success in ODIs.
3. Brett Lee – 9 Five-Wicket Hauls in 217 Innings:
Australia’s fearsome paceman, Brett Lee, occupies the third spot with nine 5-wicket hauls in 217 innings. Renowned for his express pace, accuracy, and ability to generate bounce, Lee consistently troubled batsmen with his aggressive style of bowling. His remarkable performances played a pivotal role in Australia’s dominance during his career.
4. Shahid Afridi – 9 Five-Wicket Hauls in 372 Innings:
Known for his explosive batting, Shahid Afridi’s prowess as a bowler should not be overlooked. The Pakistani all-rounder claimed nine 5-wicket hauls in 372 innings. Afridi’s leg-spin and the ability to extract turn and bounce on various surfaces made him a valuable asset to the Pakistani cricket team.
5. Mitchell Starc – 9 Five-Wicket Hauls in 109 Innings:
The sole representative from the current generation, Mitchell Starc of Australia, shares the fourth position with nine 5-wicket hauls in just 109 innings. Starc’s left-arm pace and swing, combined with his ability to consistently trouble batsmen with his yorkers, have made him one of the most lethal bowlers in recent times.
The achievements of these bowlers, with their numerous 5-wicket hauls in ODIs, exemplify their exceptional skills, dedication, and impact on the game. Waqar Younis leads the pack, followed closely by the legendary Muttiah Muralidharan, while Brett Lee, Shahid Afridi, and Mitchell Starc occupy the next positions.
These bowlers have played pivotal roles in their respective teams’ successes and have left an indelible mark on the history of ODI cricket. As the game continues to evolve, new bowlers may emerge to challenge these records, but the achievements of these legends will forever remain a testament to their bowling prowess.
