In a previous article we talked about the players who have faced the most number of balls in ODI cricket and there were some legendary batters who were in that list and it showed that they liked playing in the middle and scoring lots of runs. Similarly now we will talk about the bowlers who have bowled the most number of balls in ODI cricket and there are some absolute legends in this list as well.
Getting wickets is not easy for bowlers as they have to bowl a lot of balls to get wickets and the more number of balls they bowl in their career the more number of wickets they will get and the experience they will get is so much more as well. So, let’s see who are the Top 10 Players who have bowled the most number of balls in ODI cricket.
1. Muttiah Muralidaran (18811):
Just like in the case of Sachin Tendulkar being the batter with the most balls faced, no one should be surprised with Muthiah Muralidaran being at the number 1 spot in this list and the fact that he has the most number of wickets in ODI cricket is also proof that he has bowled so well throughout his career. An absolute champion of a bowler in both formats.
2. Wasim Akram (18196 Balls):
The second name on this list should not also be a surprise and the fact that a fast bowler is number 2 on this list is staggering and proof of his consistency and he was the king of swing as well. Wasim Akram is only among the 2 players who have picked 500+ ODI wickets and he was a treat to watch and will always be remembered by all fans.
Also Read | Greatest Fast Bowlers Of All Time
3. Shahid Afridi (17670 Balls ):
The third name on this list is a name that will shock a lot of fans as it is a name that is not that common with bowling although he is an all rounder. Shahid Afridi is a once in a lifetime cricketer and his longevity in the game is amazing and he has also taken 395 wickets in ODIs.
4. Chaminda Vaas (15775 Balls):
The second player from Sri Lanka to feature on this list and it is someone that is a living legend of not just Sri Lankan cricket and a great left arm pace bowler as well along with Wasim Akram. Chaminda Vaas has got 400 wickets and he will always be celebrated by all cricket fans forever.
5. Shaun Pollock (15712 Balls):
Just behind Chaminda Vaas is the great fast bowler for South Africa known as Shaun Pollock. He was one of the best Bowlers to come out from the nation of South Africa and he made full use of his talent and he has got 393 wickets in his ODI career and is an inspiration for young fast bowlers from South Africa.
Also Read | India’s All Time ODI 11
6. Sanath Jayasuriya (14874 Balls):
Player number 3 from Sri Lanka just in the Top 6 shows that the bowlers from Sri Lanka just loved Bowling lots of balls in ODI cricket and as a result got a lot of wickets as well for their efforts and Sanath Jayasuriya was no different as he was one of the most important players of that Sri Lankan team and he is in both the lists of most balls faced and most balls bowled.
7. Anil Kumble (14496 Balls):
The lone Indian in this list is the greatest Anil Kumble and he is one of the biggest match winners that India has ever seen. He is one of the best leg spinners ever in the game and he has taken 337 wickets in his career and he will never be forgotten for his contributions to this game.
8. Daniel Vettori (14060 Balls):
He is the only player from New Zealand who is on this list and it a spinner who is beloved by all and is one of the most skilled left arm spinners ever to play the game of cricket and he has taken a lot of wickets and is a living legend of New Zealand cricket for many years.
9. Glenn McGrath (12970 Balls):
It is surprising to see that Glenn McGrath is the only player from Australia who is on this list and it is one of the best ever to do it. He could bowl balls in one spot for overs and get lots of wickets for his consistency and this is what makes him such a legend of the game.
10. Waqar Younis (12698 Balls):
The third player from Pakistan to feature on the Top 10 of this list and this bowler was one of the fastest ever to bowl with a cricket ball and he was feared by all the batters and he got 417 wickets for his efforts. A visual delight.
