The phrase Top 10 Best Bowling Figures by Captains in ODI Cricket History refers to the most successful bowling performances, measured by wickets taken and runs conceded, by players who were also leading their team as captains during that ODI match. These performances are rare and special because they combine leadership with individual brilliance.
List of 10 Best Bowling Figures by Captains in ODI Cricket History
10. Shahid Afridi
Shahid Afridi was already famous for his explosive hitting, but during the 2011 World Cup against Kenya, he showed his brilliance with the ball. As captain of Pakistan, Afridi stunned Kenya’s batters by taking 5 wickets for just 16 runs in 8 overs, including 3 maidens. His leg-spin deliveries were too tough for the opposition, showing how smartly he used his variations. This match is one of the Best Bowling Figures by Captains in ODI because of Afridi’s dominance and accuracy under pressure. His spell turned the game completely in Pakistan’s favor Best Bowling Figures by Captains in ODI.
| Player | Overs | Mdns | Runs | Wkts | Econ | Team | Opponent | Ground | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shahid Afridi | 8.0 | 3 | 16 | 5 | 2.00 | Pakistan | Kenya | Hambantota | 23 Feb 2011 |
READ MORE: Top 10 Fastest Bowlers to Reach 50 Wickets in ODI History
9. Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram, one of the most dangerous left-arm pacers ever, led Pakistan against South Africa in 1993. Bowling in East London, he produced a fiery spell of fast bowling that earned him 5 wickets for just 16 runs. He bowled with deadly swing and control, leaving the South African batters clueless. His inspiring performance deserves a firm spot in the Best Bowling Figures by Captains in ODI, showing how a leader can deliver under pressure through pure skill and determination.
| Player | Overs | Mdns | Runs | Wkts | Econ | Team | Opponent | Ground | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wasim Akram | 6.1 | 0 | 16 | 5 | 2.59 | Pakistan | South Africa | East London | 15 Feb 1993 |
8. Wasim Akram
Just a few months later, Wasim Akram proved once again why he’s a legend. Playing in Karachi against Zimbabwe, he bowled another brilliant spell as captain, taking 5 wickets for only 15 runs. His control and aggression overwhelmed the visiting team. This effort places him in the Best Bowling Figures by Captains in ODI again, underlining his consistency and ability to deliver top-class performances on different occasions and against different teams.
| Player | Overs | Mdns | Runs | Wkts | Econ | Team | Opponent | Ground | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wasim Akram | 7.0 | 1 | 15 | 5 | 2.14 | Pakistan | Zimbabwe | Karachi | 24 Dec 1993 |
7. Greg Chappell
Greg Chappell was mostly known as a classy batsman, but in 1981, he surprised everyone by taking 5 wickets for just 15 runs against India. Playing at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Chappell delivered 5 maiden overs and showed sharp accuracy with his bowling. His unexpected heroics ensured Australia’s win. His efforts remain among the Best Bowling Figures by Captains in ODI, as it’s rare for a batting captain to dominate with the ball in such fashion.
| Player | Overs | Mdns | Runs | Wkts | Econ | Team | Opponent | Ground | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS Chappell | 9.5 | 5 | 15 | 5 | 1.52 | Australia | India | Sydney | 08 Jan 1981 |
6. Daniel Vettori
Daniel Vettori bowled one of the most economical spells ever in ODIs when New Zealand played Bangladesh in Queenstown. As captain, he took 5 wickets for only 7 runs in 6 overs, with 2 maiden overs included. His left-arm spin was unplayable, and Bangladesh couldn’t build any momentum. This match stands out in the Best Bowling Figures by Captains in ODI because of Vettori’s precise bowling and his outstanding economy rate of just 1.16.
| Player | Overs | Mdns | Runs | Wkts | Econ | Team | Opponent | Ground | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DL Vettori | 6.0 | 2 | 7 | 5 | 1.16 | New Zealand | Bangladesh | Queenstown | 31 Dec 2007 |
5. Waqar Younis
Waqar Younis was always aggressive with the ball, and in 2001, he showed his fire against Australia. Bowling in Nottingham, he picked up 6 wickets in just 8 overs. Although he gave away 59 runs, his attacking bowling style paid off. He struck key wickets when Pakistan needed them most. His effort earns its place among the Best Bowling Figures by Captains in ODI due to his fierce pace and unwavering determination to lead from the front.
| Player | Overs | Mdns | Runs | Wkts | Econ | Team | Opponent | Ground | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waqar Younis | 8.0 | 0 | 59 | 6 | 7.37 | Pakistan | Australia | Nottingham | 19 Jun 2001 |
4. Gulbadin Naib
In 2019, Gulbadin Naib pulled off a game-changing spell against Ireland while leading Afghanistan. He bowled 9.2 overs and picked up 6 wickets for 43 runs. His bowling was tight, smart, and well-executed, especially during the middle overs. This standout spell belongs in the Best Bowling Figures by Captains in ODI because it was not just about taking wickets it turned the whole game around for his team.
| Player | Overs | Mdns | Runs | Wkts | Econ | Team | Opponent | Ground | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulbadin Naib | 9.2 | 0 | 43 | 6 | 4.60 | Afghanistan | Ireland | Belfast | 21 May 2019 |
3. Dwayne Bravo
Dwayne Bravo, well known for his T20 flair, produced an excellent bowling performance as captain against Zimbabwe in 2013. He bowled his full 10-over quota, taking 6 wickets while conceding just 43 runs. Bravo’s smart use of slower deliveries and yorkers made him difficult to score off. His disciplined and thoughtful bowling ranks among the Best Bowling Figures by Captains in ODI, especially considering the limited opportunities captains have to bowl complete spells these days.
| Player | Overs | Mdns | Runs | Wkts | Econ | Team | Opponent | Ground | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DJ Bravo | 10.0 | 1 | 43 | 6 | 4.30 | West Indies | Zimbabwe | St George’s | 24 Feb 2013 |
READ MORE: Top 10 Highest Individual Scores in Asia Cup ODI History
2. Vivian Richards
Sir Vivian Richards shocked everyone by taking 6 wickets against India in Delhi, a ground known for spin-friendly conditions. Even though he was mostly famous for his batting, Richards showed he could also destroy teams with the ball. He bowled 9.4 overs, took 6 wickets, and gave away only 41 runs. This extraordinary performance earns him a special place in the Best Bowling Figures by Captains in ODI, proving his all-round brilliance and leadership skills.
| Player | Overs | Mdns | Runs | Wkts | Econ | Team | Opponent | Ground | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IVA Richards | 9.4 | 0 | 41 | 6 | 4.24 | West Indies | India | Delhi | 23 Oct 1989 |
1. Waqar Younis
At the very top of the Best Bowling Figures by Captains in ODI list is Waqar Younis with a mind-blowing 7-wicket haul against England in 2001. Playing at Leeds, Waqar bowled 10 full overs and conceded just 36 runs. His reverse swing, pace, and deadly accuracy completely dismantled England’s batting order. This match remains one of the most iconic examples of a captain leading by action, not just words.
| Player | Overs | Mdns | Runs | Wkts | Econ | Team | Opponent | Ground | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waqar Younis | 10.0 | 0 | 36 | 7 | 3.60 | Pakistan | England | Leeds | 17 Jun 2001 |
The Top 10 Best Bowling Figures by Captains in ODI Cricket History show how rare and powerful it is when a team leader performs exceptionally with the ball. These captains not only made tactical decisions but also turned matches around with their own bowling efforts. From Waqar Younis to Daniel Vettori, these figures remain inspirational examples of true all-round leadership in cricket.