Bowling a maiden over in ODI cricket is a rare achievement, especially in an era dominated by aggressive batsmen and shorter boundaries. A maiden over six consecutive deliveries with no runs given shows the bowler’s skill, patience, accuracy, and ability to control the game. These bowlers used their techniques and game awareness to dry up runs, frustrate batsmen, and often force mistakes Bowlers with the Most Maiden Overs in ODI Cricket
Below is a detailed look at five legendary bowlers who have delivered the Bowlers with the Most Maiden Overs in ODI Cricket. Their stats and impact on the game make them truly special in the history of the sport
List of 5 Bowlers with the Most Maiden Overs in ODI Cricket
1. Shaun Pollock
Shaun Pollock was one of the most consistent and economical bowlers in ODI history. Born in South Africa, he served as both a reliable bowler and captain for his team. Pollock’s strength was his precise line and length. He didn’t rely much on pace but knew exactly where to bowl to keep batsmen quiet Bowlers with the Most Maiden Overs in ODI Cricket.
Even on batting friendly pitches, Pollock was able to create pressure through his disciplined bowling. He could swing the ball slightly and used variations to great effect. He wasn’t just someone who stopped runs; he also picked up wickets at crucial times. His ability to bowl dot balls, especially in the early overs, helped South Africa build pressure on the opposition Bowlers with the Most Maiden Overs in ODI Cricket.
| Field | Stats |
|---|---|
| Country | South Africa |
| Matches Played | 303 ODIs |
| Maiden Overs | 313 |
| Wickets Taken | 393 |
| Economy Rate | 3.67 |
| Career Span | 1996–2008 |
2. Glenn McGrath
Glenn McGrath was the backbone of Australia’s pace attack for over a decade. He wasn’t known for express speed but for incredible control, accuracy, and his ability to hit the same spot again and again. McGrath’s approach was simple maintain a perfect line outside off-stump and wait for the batsman to make a mistake Bowlers with the Most Maiden Overs in ODI Cricket.
He was a master of building pressure with consecutive dot balls and maiden overs. Many times, batsmen struggled to score against him, especially in the early overs when the ball was new. McGrath also played a key role in Australia’s dominance in world cricket during the late 1990s and 2000s, including winning multiple World Cups Bowlers with the Most Maiden Overs in ODI Cricket.
| Field | Stats |
|---|---|
| Country | Australia |
| Matches Played | 250 ODIs |
| Maiden Overs | 279 |
| Wickets Taken | 381 |
| Economy Rate | 3.88 |
| Career Span | 1993–2007 |
3. Chaminda Vaas
Chaminda Vaas was one of Sri Lanka’s most dependable and intelligent bowlers. He wasn’t the fastest, but he had the ability to swing the ball both ways and deliver pinpoint accuracy. Vaas was known for troubling top order batsmen, especially in the early overs Bowlers with the Most Maiden Overs in ODI Cricket.
One of his biggest strengths was his ability to adjust to different pitches and conditions. Whether playing in the subcontinent or abroad, Vaas used his variations smartly. His maiden overs were not just about dot balls they were tactical moves to break partnerships and create pressure on the batting side. He also had a cool temperament, which helped him stay focused during long spells Bowlers with the Most Maiden Overs in ODI Cricket.
| Field | Stats |
|---|---|
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| Matches Played | 322 ODIs |
| Maiden Overs | 279 |
| Wickets Taken | 400 |
| Economy Rate | 4.18 |
| Career Span | 1994–2008 |
4. Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram is often called one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time. Known for his magical swing bowling, Wasim was capable of moving the ball both ways at high speed. But what made him stand out even more was his control. He could bowl tight spells and often bowled maiden overs, especially during the middle and death overs Bowlers with the Most Maiden Overs in ODI Cricket.
Akram was unpredictable he could bowl yorkers, bouncers, and reverse swing deliveries with equal skill. Batsmen often struggled to score against him, and his pressure building overs frequently led to wickets. His role in Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup win and many other victories makes him a legend in the game Bowlers with the Most Maiden Overs in ODI Cricket.
| Field | Stats |
|---|---|
| Country | Pakistan |
| Matches Played | 356 ODIs |
| Maiden Overs | 238 |
| Wickets Taken | 502 |
| Economy Rate | 3.89 |
| Career Span | 1984–2003 |
READ MORE: Top 5 Most Highest Partnerships in ODI Cricket History
5. Kapil Dev
Kapil Dev is one of the most respected cricketers in Indian history. As an all-rounder, he was a powerful batsman and a smart fast medium bowler. He played in an era when ODI cricket was still evolving, and yet he managed to master the format with his clever bowling Bowlers with the Most Maiden Overs in ODI Cricket.
Kapil was known for bowling consistent lines and using the conditions well. He often opened the bowling for India and provided breakthroughs by frustrating batsmen with dot balls. His ability to swing the ball and bowl long spells helped him deliver many maiden overs throughout his career. He also led India to their first ever World Cup win in 1983, showing leadership both with bat and ball Bowlers with the Most Maiden Overs in ODI Cricket.
| Field | Stats |
|---|---|
| Country | India |
| Matches Played | 225 ODIs |
| Maiden Overs | 235 |
| Wickets Taken | 253 |
| Economy Rate | 3.71 |
| Career Span | 1978–1994 |
In ODI cricket, where every run counts, bowling maiden overs is a rare and valuable skill. The five bowlers listed above were not just wicket takers they were masters of control, pressure, and patience. Each of them made a long lasting impact on the game by regularly denying batsmen easy runs. Their ability to dominate matches through economical spells, especially with so many maiden overs, proves why they are considered legends of the game Bowlers with the Most Maiden Overs in ODI Cricket.