Most Career Wickets in ODI Cricket. (This image is AI-generated)
In ODI cricket, runs and sixes usually steal the spotlight but it’s the wickets that ultimately secure victories. Regardless of how much the batting shines, the number of wickets taken is the real indicator of a bowler’s influence. Muttiah Muralitharan holds the record for the Most Career Wickets in ODI, taking 534 wickets in 350 matches for Sri Lanka.
Top 5 Players with Most ODI Career Wickets
| Player | Span | Matches | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muttiah Muralitharan (SL) | 1993-2011 | 350 | 534 |
| Wasim Akram (PAK) | 1984-2003 | 356 | 502 |
| Waqar Younis (PAK) | 1989-2003 | 262 | 416 |
| Chaminda Vaas (SL) | 1994-2008 | 322 | 400 |
| Shahid Afridi (PAK) | 1996-2015 | 398 | 395 |
Muttiah Muralitharan – 534 ODI Wickets
Muttiah Muralitharan holds the record for the most wickets in ODIs with a total of 534. Known for his exceptional off-spin and doosra, he played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s victory in the 1996 World Cup and also participated in the finals of 2007 and 2011. His incredible consistency and numerous records establish him as the top wicket-taker in international cricket.
Wasim Akram – 502 ODI Wickets
Wasim Akram, famously known as the “Sultan of Swing,” took 502 ODI wickets. His mastery of reverse swing and deadly yorkers made him one of the most feared fast bowlers in cricket history. His greatest achievement was during the 1992 World Cup final where he led Pakistan to their sole ODI championship.
Waqar Younis – 416 ODI Wickets
Waqar Younis was recognized as a pace legend in Pakistan and achieved 416 ODI wickets. He is known for holding the record for the most five-wicket hauls in ODIs with his best figures being 7/36. Renowned for his swinging yorkers, he was instrumental in Pakistan’s success in the 1992 World Cup and formed a powerful duo with Wasim Akram.
Chaminda Vaas – 400 ODI Wickets
Chaminda Vaas cemented his ODI legacy with 400 wickets to his name. His outstanding performance of 8/19 against Zimbabwe still stands as the second-best in ODI history. As a winner of the 1996 World Cup, he teamed up with Muralitharan to create a formidable partnership.
Shahid Afridi – 395 ODI Wickets
Shahid Afridi has taken 395 wickets in ODIs which positions him as the top leg-spin wicket-taker in this format. His best performance was 7/12 against the West Indies and he continues to be one of the most significant all-rounders in the sport.
