Best Bowling Figures in ODI cricket highlight the greatest spells ever bowled in the format. These records showcase bowlers who dismantled batting line-ups with exceptional skill and accuracy. Here is a detailed look at the top 10 performances, ranked from 10 to 1.
List of 10 Best Bowling Figures in ODI Cricket History
10. Tim Southee
Tim Southee delivered one of the Best Bowling Figures in ODI cricket during the 2015 World Cup against England. His ability to swing the ball both ways under helpful conditions left the English batters clueless. Southee ripped through the batting order and finished with an astonishing 7 wickets for 33 runs, helping New Zealand register a massive win in Wellington Best Bowling Figures in ODI.
| Player | Overs | Runs | Wkts | Econ | Matches | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southee | 9.0 | 33 | 7 | 3.66 | 179 | 2213 |
9. Ali Khan
Ali Khan produced one of the Best Bowling Figures in ODI history when he took 7 wickets for just 32 runs against Jersey in 2023. Using raw pace and pinpoint accuracy, he destroyed the opposition’s batting line-up, giving the USA a historic win.
| Player | Overs | Runs | Wkts | Econ | Matches | Runs |
| Ali Khan | 9.4 | 32 | 7 | 3.31 | 47 | 967 |
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8. Muttiah Muralitharan
Muttiah Muralitharan, one of cricket’s greatest spinners, recorded one of the Best Bowling Figures in ODI history by taking 7/30 against India in 2000. His sharp turn and subtle variations completely dismantled the Indian batting order.
| Player | Overs | Runs | Wkts | Econ | Matches | Runs |
| Muralitharan | 10.0 | 30 | 7 | 3.00 | 350 | 6747 |
7. Christopher Cassell
Christopher Cassell shocked the cricket world by achieving one of the Best Bowling Figures in ODI cricket with 7 wickets for 21 runs against Oman in 2024. Bowling with remarkable accuracy and control, he gave Scotland a famous victory.
| Player | Overs | Runs | Wkts | Econ | Matches | Runs |
| Cassell | 5.4 | 21 | 7 | 3.70 | 23 | 389 |
6. Andy Bichel
Andy Bichel’s unforgettable spell of 7 wickets for 20 runs against England in the 2003 World Cup remains one of the Best Bowling Figures in ODI cricket. He swung the ball beautifully and struck at regular intervals.
| Player | Overs | Runs | Wkts | Econ | Matches | Runs |
| Bichel | 10.0 | 20 | 7 | 2.00 | 67 | 493 |
5. Wanindu Hasaranga
Wanindu Hasaranga produced one of the Best Bowling Figures in ODI history when he took 7 wickets for 19 runs against Zimbabwe in 2024. His brilliant leg-spin and variations completely outclassed the opposition.
| Player | Overs | Runs | Wkts | Econ | Matches | Runs |
| Hasaranga | 5.5 | 19 | 7 | 3.25 | 79 | 1183 |
4. Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan showed why he is among the world’s best spinners by recording one of the Best Bowling Figures in ODI cricket with 7 wickets for 18 runs against the West Indies in 2017. His pace variations and accuracy made him unplayable.
| Player | Overs | Runs | Wkts | Econ | Matches | Runs |
| Rashid | 8.4 | 18 | 7 | 2.07 | 102 | 1307 |
3. Glenn McGrath
Glenn McGrath, known for his precision, achieved one of the Best Bowling Figures in ODI cricket by taking 7 wickets for 15 runs against Namibia in the 2003 World Cup. His relentless accuracy proved too much for the opposition.
| Player | Overs | Runs | Wkts | Econ | Matches | Runs |
| McGrath | 7.0 | 15 | 7 | 2.14 | 250 | 1150 |
2. Shahid Afridi
Shahid Afridi stunned everyone by delivering one of the Best Bowling Figures in ODI cricket, taking 7 wickets for just 12 runs against the West Indies in 2013. His attacking leg-spin left the opposition helpless.
| Player | Overs | Runs | Wkts | Econ | Matches | Runs |
| Afridi | 9.0 | 12 | 7 | 1.33 | 398 | 8064 |
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1. Chaminda Vaas
Chaminda Vaas holds the record for the Best Bowling Figures in ODI cricket, with 8 wickets for just 19 runs against Zimbabwe in 2001. His incredible swing bowling dismantled Zimbabwe completely.
| Player | Overs | Runs | Wkts | Econ | Matches | Runs |
| Vaas | 8.0 | 19 | 8 | 2.37 | 322 | 4013 |
Conclusion: These performances are celebrated as the Best Bowling Figures in ODI cricket history. Each spell not only changed the course of the game but also secured a special place in cricketing records. They highlight the dominance bowlers can have in a format often dominated by batters.