One of the most thrilling aspects of One Day International (ODI) cricket is the battle between bat and ball. While batsmen can score runs at a rapid pace in this format, bowlers also have the ability to change the game with their wicket-taking abilities. Over the years, we have seen some exceptional bowling spells in ODI cricket, where bowlers have single-handedly dismantled the opposition’s batting lineup.
In this article, we take a look at the top 5 ODI bowling spells of all time.
Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka) – 8/19 vs Zimbabwe, Colombo, 2001
Chaminda Vaas’s incredible bowling spell of 8/19 against Zimbabwe in 2001 is the best-ever bowling performance in ODI cricket. He bowled 10 overs on the trot and dismantled the Zimbabwe batting lineup, which was bowled out for just 38 runs. Vaas’s spell included 6 maidens and remains the best figures by any bowler in ODI cricket.
Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – 7/12 vs West Indies, Providence, 2013
Shahid Afridi’s bowling spell of 7/12 against the West Indies in 2013 is the second-best bowling performance in ODI cricket. He picked up wickets at regular intervals and helped restrict the West Indies to just 98 runs. Afridi’s spell included 2 maidens and remains the best bowling figures by a spinner in ODI cricket.
Glenn McGrath (Australia) – 7/15 vs Namibia, Potchefstroom, 2003
Glenn McGrath’s bowling spell of 7/15 against Namibia in 2003 is the third-best bowling performance in ODI cricket. He bowled with great accuracy and picked up wickets in each of his first 5 overs. Namibia was bowled out for just 45 runs, and Australia won the match by 256 runs. McGrath’s spell included 3 maidens and remains the best bowling figures by an Australian in ODI cricket.
Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) – 7/30 vs India, Sharjah, 2000
Muttiah Muralitharan’s bowling spell of 7/30 against India in 2000 is the fourth-best bowling performance in ODI cricket. He bowled with great variation and picked up wickets at crucial intervals. India was bowled out for just 54 runs, and Sri Lanka won the match by 245 runs. Muralitharan’s spell included 1 maiden and remains the best bowling figures by a Sri Lankan in ODI cricket.
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Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) – 7/18 vs West Indies, Gros Islet, 2017
Rashid Khan’s bowling spell of 7/18 against the West Indies in 2017 is the fifth-best bowling performance in ODI cricket. He bowled with great control and picked up wickets at regular intervals. The West Indies was bowled out for just 149 runs, and Afghanistan won the match by 63 runs. Rashid’s spell included 2 maidens and remains the best bowling figures by an Afghan in ODI cricket.
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In conclusion, these are the top 5 ODI bowling spells of all time. These performances have shown the world the power of bowling in cricket and have provided fans with some of the most memorable moments in ODI cricket history. It will be interesting to see if any bowler can break these records in the future and take the game to new heights.