The Greatest ODI Bowling Spells Of All Time: For so many years, the one-day international format of cricket has been one of the most challenging. There have been some really outstanding bowling performances in the limited-overs format since the emergence of the finest bowlers in the game. Here we take a look at the top bowling stats (performances) in one-day international cricket.
Each bowler brought a unique set of abilities to the lanes, but all of them had the potential to alter the result of a match. In their prime, these bowlers could wreak havoc on any batting order. One of them also holds the record for taking the most wickets in ODI history. Here are the top bowling performances in One Day International Cricket (ODI).
Chaminda Vaas, Sri Lanka (vs Zimbabwe in 2001, Colombo) – 8/19
The greatest-ever bowling performance in One-Day International cricket is Chaminda Vaas’s amazing 8/19 against Zimbabwe in 2001. The left-handed medium pacer could swing the ball in both directions, causing havoc in the batting order. The Zimbabwean batsmen had a hard time dealing with Vaas’s accurate line and seaming deliveries and could only manage a score of 38 runs. Vaas’s stint, which featured 6 maidens, still holds the record for greatest bowling stats in one-day internationals.
Shahid Afridi, Pakistan (vs West Indies in 2013, Guyana) – 7/12
In 2013, Shahid Afridi bowled a 7-for-12 against the West Indies, the 2nd-best bowling performance ever in one-day international cricket. He contributed to keeping the West Indies to 98 runs by picking them off at regular intervals. Afridi’s performance, which included two maidens, continues to stand as the greatest bowling numbers in ODI cricket by a spinner.
Glenn McGrath, Australia (vs Namibia in 2003, Potchefstroom) – 7/15
In one-day international cricket, Glenn McGrath’s 7/15 against Namibia in 2003 ranks as the third-best bowling performance. He took wickets in his first five overs bowling with remarkable precision. As a result of being bowled out for 45, Namibia lost against Australia by 256 runs. McGrath’s bowling numbers in one-day international cricket remain the greatest by an Australian, with three maidens in his spell.
Rashid Khan, Afghanistan (vs West Indies in 2017, St. Lucia) – 7/18
With 7 wickets and 18 runs conceded, Rashid Khan’s 2017 effort against the West Indies ranks as the 4th-best bowling spell in One Day International cricket. He bowled quite precisely and consistently took wickets. After being knocked out for 149, the West Indies lost against Afghanistan by 63 runs. Rashid’s performance in this ODI yielded 2 maidens and is still the best by an Afghan bowler.
Andy Bichel, Australia (vs England in 2003, Port Elizabeth) – 7/20
Bichel was a devastating bowler when he was at his best, but he was also among the most underrated players in an Australian lineup that was loaded with talent in the 2000s. To defeat the English middle order and restrict them to 204, the pacer bowled really well. He hit his lengths and made for some wild seam movement. The English batters had a difficult time scoring runs when Bichel delivered quick full-length balls during the middle overs.
Muttiah Muralitharan, Sri Lanka (vs India in 2000, Sharjah) – 7/30
One of the best ODI bowling performances by a spinner in cricket history was achieved by Muttiah Muralitharan during his 7/30 session against India in 2000. Among his many records, he also holds the record for most wickets in ODI. He has excellent variety in his bowling and took wickets at key times. With India all out for 54, Sri Lanka cruised to a 245-run victory. Muralitharan’s performance in the ODI, which included 1 maiden, is the best bowling numbers by any Sri Lankan bowler.
Tim Southee, New Zealand (vs England in 2015, Napier) – 7/33
The right-handed medium pacer has been a reliable teammate of Trent Boult’s for the last decade. Southee utilized deceptive inswingers and slower balls to fool the English batsmen. The English hitters had a hard time with his deft seam movements throughout the whole innings and were bowled out for a mere 123 runs.
Trent Boult, New Zealand (vs West Indies in 2017, Christchurch) – 7/34
At times, Boult surprised the West Indian hitters with his precise seam movements while accurately swinging the ball in both directions. It is difficult to face the left-arm pacer because of the combination of speed and swing in his bowling. WI encountered a storm as they set out to chase 326. Swing served as a spark for Trent Boult’s energy and NZ triumphed by an enormous 204 runs after his amazing spell of 7/34.
