Top 10 Bowlers with the Best Career Strike Rates in ODI

Bowlers with the Best Career Strike Rates in ODI cricket have always played a key role in deciding matches. In this format, the strike rate for a bowler shows the average number of balls they need to take a wicket. A lower strike rate means the bowler strikes more often, making them extremely valuable in a team’s attack. Over the years, certain bowlers have mastered this art, consistently dismissing batters quickly and breaking partnerships at crucial moments. Whether it is through sheer pace, skillful swing, or clever spin variations, these bowlers have used their abilities to outsmart some of the best batters in the game. This list ranks the top 10 Bowlers with the Best Career Strike Rates in ODI history, starting from number 10 and moving to the all-time best at number 1.

List of 10 Bowlers with the Best Career Strike Rates in ODI History

10. Naseem Shah

Naseem Shah, one of Pakistan’s brightest young talents, is already recognized among the Bowlers with the Best Career Strike Rates in ODI. Despite his relatively short career, Naseem has shown extraordinary skill, combining pace, swing, and bounce to trouble even experienced batters. His bowling style is aggressive, often aiming to take early wickets and disrupt the opposition’s plans. Naseem is particularly effective in the early overs when the new ball allows him to swing and seam, and he has also shown remarkable control in the middle overs to maintain pressure. His fast bouncers and sharp yorkers make him a nightmare for lower-order batters. The young pacer has proven time and again that his strike rate is reflective of his ability to consistently take wickets. In addition to his pace, his calm temperament and tactical awareness make him a rising star among the Bowlers with the Best Career Strike Rates in ODI today.

Player	Matches	Mdns	Wkts	Econ
Naseem Shah	30	4	55	5.48

9. Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc is widely regarded as one of the most lethal fast bowlers in ODI history and deserves his spot among the Bowlers with the Best Career Strike Rates in ODI. Known for his left-arm pace, ability to swing the ball both ways, and devastating yorkers, Starc has been a consistent threat in all conditions. His skill set allows him to excel in the powerplay and at the death, which makes him a versatile bowler capable of changing matches almost single-handedly. Starc has repeatedly delivered match-winning performances in ICC tournaments, including the World Cup, where his ability to pick early wickets or break critical partnerships under pressure has been remarkable. His strike rate proves that he rarely allows batters to settle, often forcing mistakes within a few deliveries. Starc’s combination of pace, accuracy, and mental strength ensures that he remains a dominant force among the Bowlers with the Best Career Strike Rates in ODI.

Player	Matches	Mdns	Wkts	Econ
M. Starc	127	55	244	5.26

8. Josh Davey

Josh Davey might not be as well-known globally, but he is one of the most effective Bowlers with the Best Career Strike Rates in ODI cricket. Representing Scotland, Davey has impressed with his disciplined line and movement off the pitch. His ability to swing the ball both ways keeps batters guessing, and he is known for delivering crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs. Despite playing fewer ODIs than many on this list, his impact per match is undeniable, and his strike rate shows that he makes the most of every opportunity with the ball.

Player	Matches	Mdns	Wkts	Econ
J. Davey	31	18	49	4.99

7. Sandeep Lamichhane

Sandeep Lamichhane has become Nepal’s cricketing sensation and a prominent name among the Bowlers with the Best Career Strike Rates in ODI. As a leg-spinner, Lamichhane’s variations especially his well-disguised googly make him a constant threat. His calmness under pressure and ability to deceive batters with flight and turn have helped Nepal compete against top teams. He has delivered in both group stages and big matches, proving his skills on the global stage. Lamichhane’s strike rate reflects his talent for taking wickets regularly and putting pressure back on the opposition.

Player	Matches	Mdns	Wkts	Econ
S. Lamichhane	62	31	127	4.48

6. Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami’s place among the Bowlers with the Best Career Strike Rates in ODI is well-earned. Known for his pace, seam movement, and ability to generate reverse swing, Shami has been India’s strike bowler for years. His knack for breaking partnerships at critical times has often shifted matches in India’s favor. Shami has also been one of the most consistent performers in ICC tournaments, producing memorable spells that have dismantled strong batting line-ups. His strike rate shows how often he delivers breakthroughs, whether with the new ball or in the death overs.

Player	Matches	Mdns	Wkts	Econ
M. Shami	108	52	206	5.58

5. Shaheen Shah Afridi

Shaheen Shah Afridi has become one of Pakistan’s most feared pacers and a strong contender among the Bowlers with the Best Career Strike Rates in ODI cricket. His tall build, high-arm action, and ability to generate bounce make him a nightmare for batters. Afridi’s early breakthroughs with the new ball and lethal yorkers at the death have won Pakistan several matches. His strike rate of around 25 balls per wicket underlines his role as a match-winner who thrives in pressure situations.

Player	Matches	Mdns	Wkts	Econ
S.S. Afridi	66	28	131	5.66

4. Bilal Khan

Bilal Khan is a standout left-arm pacer for Oman and holds his place among the Bowlers with the Best Career Strike Rates in ODI. His accuracy, ability to move the ball, and consistent pressure on the opposition have made him one of the most reliable wicket-takers in associate cricket. Bilal’s performances in ICC qualifying tournaments have been crucial for Oman’s progress, and his strike rate reflects his attacking approach every time he bowls.

Player	Matches	Mdns	Wkts	Econ
B. Khan	49	30	101	5.06

3. Corey Anderson

While Corey Anderson is more famous for his explosive batting, he also deserves recognition among the Bowlers with the Best Career Strike Rates in ODI. His medium pace and clever changes of speed often caught batters by surprise, making him an effective partnership breaker. Anderson’s strike rate shows that he could make key breakthroughs in the middle overs, giving New Zealand a strategic advantage. His all-round abilities made him a valuable asset in ODI cricket.

Player	Matches	Mdns	Wkts	Econ
C. Anderson	49	10	60	6.06

2. Dilshan Madushanka

Dilshan Madushanka’s rise has been rapid, and he has quickly become one of the Bowlers with the Best Career Strike Rates in ODI. His aggressive pace and ability to bowl challenging spells have earned him a spot among Sri Lanka’s key bowlers. Whether swinging the new ball or delivering at the death, Madushanka has shown the ability to trouble even world-class batters. His strike rate underlines how quickly he can make an impact in any match.

Player	Matches	Mdns	Wkts	Econ
D. Madushanka	26	11	45	6.15

1. Ryan Harris

Ryan Harris tops the list of Bowlers with the Best Career Strike Rates in ODI history. Despite his career being cut short by injuries, Harris’s relentless accuracy, seam movement, and aggressive bowling made him one of the most dangerous bowlers in the format. His ability to dismiss batters every 23 balls on average is unmatched in ODI history. Harris’s performances were marked by skill, discipline, and a never-say-die attitude, making him one of the finest fast bowlers of his generation.

Player	Matches	Mdns	Wkts	Econ
R. Harris	21	13	44	4.84

The Bowlers with the Best Career Strike Rates in ODI cricket showcase a unique blend of skill, speed, and precision. Whether it’s the young guns like Naseem Shah and Dilshan Madushanka, the seasoned campaigners like Mitchell Starc and Mohammed Shami, or the short but impactful careers of players like Ryan Harris, all of them have made a lasting mark. Their ability to take wickets quickly not only disrupts the rhythm of the batting side but also tilts the match in their team’s favor. These bowlers prove that in ODIs, the power to strike often can be just as decisive as scoring runs, and their records will continue to inspire future generations of fast and spin bowlers alike.

Top 10 Bowlers with the Best Career Strike Rates in ODI History