200 wickets are a lot of dismissals for a bowler. This is an even bigger feat in one day internationals as bowlers are given just 10 overs to prove their worth and impact the match. By and large, the wicket-taking stars of the game have made sure they get the limelight when it comes to eliminating the score raising players of the opponent team and contribute to winning the match for their arsenal. By doing so several distinguished players have become record-holders in different formats of the game.
Below is the list of bowlers who have been fastest to take 200 ODI wickets:
1. Saqlain Mushtaq:
Pursuing the record of the fastest 200 wickets in the ODI format, Saqlain Mushtaq made sure his position stays intact for years to come. It was back in 1999 when Mushtaq achieved this feat displaying an outstanding game against the Proteas on 5th June in Nottingham. The legendary off-spinner required just 104 matches for this accomplishment. Moreover, he also is the fastest 250 wickets taker in the 50-over format.
2. Brett Lee:
Brett Lee has always been a rocket of a bowler. He once held the record of being the fastest bowl to be bowled in an ODI until it was surpassed by Shoiab Akhtar. Whenever he got down in the field, Brett Lee ensured to make his opponent batsman fret with his bullet speed bowling. Regarded as one of the fastest bowlers in the history of cricket, Lee runs short of 8 matches from acquiring the top spot in this list. The former Australian pacer hit the target of taking the second quickest 200 wickets in ODI at The Oval against England on 12 July 2005.
3. Allan Donald:
South Africa’s “White Lightning” ranks 3rd in making the fastest double century in terms of wickets in the ODI format. He hunted down his 200th wicket during the knockout between South Africa and Zimbabwe in 1999, his 117th ODI match. Allan Donald is one of the few players to play for two separate countries, New Zealand and South Africa.
4. Waqar Younis:
One of the most successful and lethal bowlers in the 80s and 90s for Pakistan. He was fast, pacey and deadly. Before Allan Donald surpassed him, the swing master held the record of the fastest 200 wickets in ODI landmark, attaining the title in the span of 118 matches. Since he had a knack for delivering aggressive attacks, Younis was counted as one of the most formidable bowlers on the international stage during his time. In the interim of his 15-year-long playing career, his high paced reverse-swing was his USP. His strike rate of 43.50 is just the second-highest after Dale Steyn with 42.0. Moreover, Younis continues to serve his national side as the bowling coach of the Pakistan national team.
5. Shane Warne:
With his beautiful wrist spin action, Shane Warne established himself as an eminent bowler. As a result of his faultlessly delivered leg breaks, the former Australian had few difficulties in grasping the 200 wickets mark in ODI. The legendary cricketer achieved the feat of taking the fastest 200 wickets in ODI format in 125 matches in 1999 while playing the match against Pakistan. Warne played a crucial role in contributing to the glory of the Australian national team, and under his captaincy in ODI, Australia was famed as the “greatest ever ODI team”. Shane Warne has transcended spin bowling to different dimensions. He was as feared as any fast bowler in the world. He also holds the title of bowling “ the bowl of the century”.
