Choosing the Greatest ODI Bowlers in Pakistan’s (One Day International) history can be tricky, as different fans may look at different things—like how many wickets a bowler took, how often they bowled economically, or the impact they had on matches. However, based on overall statistics and consistent performance, here are five Greatest ODI Bowlers in Pakistan’s journey.
Before we dive into ODIs, it’s worth noting that Greatest ODI Bowlers in Pakistan’s have also made significant marks in the shorter format. While the focus here is on ODIs, many of these legends have influenced T20 cricket as well.
List of 5 Greatest ODI Bowlers in Pakistan’s Cricket History
1. Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram is often considered the Greatest ODI Bowlers in Pakistan’s has ever produced in ODIs. He was known for his deadly swing and ability to bowl in both early and late stages of the game.
Category | Stats |
---|---|
Matches Played | 356 |
Wickets Taken | 502 |
Bowling Average | 23.52 |
Economy Rate | 3.89 |
Best Bowling Figures | 5/15 |
He was not only Pakistan’s highest wicket-taker in ODI but also one of the best fast bowlers in the world during his time. Interestingly, his style inspired many of the Greatest ODI Bowlers in Pakistan’s who followed in his footsteps.
2. Waqar Younis

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Waqar Younis was famous for his fast pace and deadly yorkers. He often dismissed batsmen with reverse swing and is known for his ability to clean up the tail quickly.
Category | Stats |
---|---|
Matches Played | 262 |
Wickets Taken | 416 |
Bowling Average | 23.84 |
Economy Rate | 4.68 |
Best Bowling Figures | 7/36 |
Waqar was the youngest ever to take a five-wicket haul in ODIs and is remembered for his aggressive bowling style. Many of the Greatest ODI Bowlers in Pakistan’s emulate his attacking mindset today.
3. Shahid Afridi

Although Afridi is mainly known for his explosive batting, he was also a very successful bowler in ODIs with his fast leg-spin deliveries.
Category | Stats |
---|---|
Matches Played | 398 |
Wickets Taken | 395 |
Bowling Average | 34.51 |
Economy Rate | 4.62 |
Best Bowling Figures | 7/12 |
Afridi had the ability to break partnerships and change the game with his unpredictable bowling. He’s also widely regarded as one of the Greatest ODI Bowlers in Pakistan’s for his game-changing spells in the shortest format.
4. Saqlain Mushtaq

Saqlain was a master of off-spin bowling and is known for inventing the “doosra,” a delivery that goes the other way from a regular off-spin.
Category | Stats |
---|---|
Matches Played | 169 |
Wickets Taken | 288 |
Bowling Average | 21.78 |
Economy Rate | 4.29 |
Best Bowling Figures | 5/20 |
Saqlain was one of the fastest to reach 100 and 200 ODI wickets, showing just how effective he was. His innovative style paved the way for modern spinners, including some of theGreatest ODI Bowlers in Pakistan’s in recent times.
5. Shoaib Akhtar

Known as the fastest bowler in the world, Shoaib Akhtar terrified batsmen with his pace. He could bowl consistently at over 150 km/h and was a huge threat to any batting lineup.
Category | Stats |
---|---|
Matches Played | 163 |
Wickets Taken | 247 |
Bowling Average | 24.97 |
Economy Rate | 4.76 |
Best Bowling Figures | 6/16 |
Shoaib’s speed and aggression made him a memorable part of Pakistan’s bowling attack. His legacy lives on in the current generation of the Greatest ODI Bowlers in Pakistan’s who focus on raw pace and intimidation.