In the high-octane world of ODI cricket, bowlers often have to craft their performances across multiple spells, balancing between control and aggression. But now and then, a bowler produces a masterclass in destruction, a spell so lethal and unrelenting that it rewrites the script of the match within a matter of overs. In these instances, the bowler took a 5-wicket haul in just one uninterrupted spell, leaving no room for the opposition to recover.

Such spells are rare and iconic. They demand precision, rhythm, and a ruthless streak all condensed into one continuous burst. This article celebrates the top 10 ODIs where a bowler took a 5-wicket haul without needing a second spell. These are not just bowling performances; they are surgical strikes that transformed games, broke partnerships, and etched names into cricketing folklore.

Let’s dive deep into these one-spell wonders, where the phrase “took a 5-wicket haul” resonates with a different kind of dominance.

10. Ajit Agarkar – 6/42 vs Australia (2004)

Top 10 ODIs Where One Bowler Took a 5-Wicket Haul But Bowled in Only One Spell

In the heart of Melbourne, Ajit Agarkar produced a mesmerising fast-bowling spell. He took a 5-wicket haul and one extra all-in-one spell that stunned the Aussie crowd. His movement and bounce on a lively pitch ensured he didn’t need a second chance.

Match	Opponent	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Economy	Venue	Year
India vs Australia	Australia	9.3	1	42	6	4.42	Melbourne	2004

9. Mitchell Starc – 5/46 vs West Indies (2019)

With the new ball swinging viciously, Starc took a 5-wicket haul in just one spell. His fast, full-length deliveries rattled the West Indies’ top and middle order. It was raw pace and accuracy that turned the tide in Australia’s favour in a crucial World Cup game.

Match	Opponent	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Economy	Venue	Year
Australia vs West Indies	West Indies	10	0	46	5	4.6	Nottingham	2019

8. Andy Bichel – 7/20 vs England (2003)

While most remember this game for Michael Bevan’s calm finish, it was Bichel who truly stole the show. He took a 5-wicket haul and even more in one of the greatest World Cup spells. Bichel bowled unchanged and single-handedly dismantled England’s batting line-up, reducing them to a sub-par score.

Match	Opponent	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Economy	Venue	Year
Australia vs England	England	10	2	20	7	2.0	Port Elizabeth	2003

7. Shaun Pollock – 5/20 vs Pakistan (2000)

Pollock was the epitome of consistency, but in this match, he was sheer venom. In just 7 overs, he took a 5-wicket haul without conceding a single boundary. Bowling unchanged, Pollock exploited the early morning conditions perfectly, tearing through Pakistan’s top order.

Match	Opponent	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Economy	Venue	Year
South Africa vs Pakistan	Pakistan	7	2	20	5	2.85	East London	2000

6. Mustafizur Rahman – 5/50 vs India (2015)

In a sensational ODI debut, Mustafizur took a 5-wicket haul against the mighty Indian batting line-up. Using cutters with surgical precision, the left-arm dismantled India’s chase in just one spell. Bowling his full quota uninterrupted, the Fizz shocked India with his variations and pace deception.

Match	Opponent	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Economy	Venue	Year
Bangladesh vs India	India	10	0	50	5	5.0	Mirpur	2015

5. Mujeeb Ur Rahman – 5/50 vs Scotland (2021)

Afghanistan’s mystery spinner took a 5-wicket haul in a single spell during the T20 World Cup but repeated the feat in ODIs as well. Against Scotland, his spell spun the Scottish side out of the contest within minutes. Mujeeb’s control and variation proved too much to handle in a spell that lasted barely over 6 overs.

Match	Opponent	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Economy	Venue	Year
Afghanistan vs Scotland	Scotland	6.3	0	50	5	7.69	Sharjah	2021

4. Kuldeep Yadav – 5/25 vs England (2018)

In a series where spin dominated pace, Kuldeep’s wrist-spin magic was on full display. He took a 5-wicket haul in just 10 overs, all bowled in one spell. The English batters had no clue, especially against his deceptive googlies. From middle overs strangulation to quick wickets, this one-spell masterclass changed the game completely.

Match	Opponent	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Economy	Venue	Year
India vs England	England	10	3	25	5	2.5	Nottingham	2018

3. James Faulkner – 5/36 vs England (2014)

Australia were staring at defeat until James Faulkner stepped up, not with the bat, but the ball. In a precise 7-over spell, he took a 5-wicket haul that ripped through England’s batting order. Faulkner’s clever change of pace and pinpoint yorkers made sure the English side couldn’t recover. It was a perfect example of pace bowling intelligence executed in one go.

Match	Opponent	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Economy	Venue	Year
Australia vs England	England	7	0	36	5	5.14	Brisbane	2014

2. Shahid Afridi – 5/35 vs Sri Lanka (2011)

Primarily known for his batting heroics, Afridi reminded everyone of his bowling prowess in the 2011 World Cup. In this particular match, he took a 5-wicket haul in a devastating spell of leg-spin that ripped through Sri Lanka’s middle order. Bowling unchanged through his 8-over spell, Afridi spun a web with googlies and quicker deliveries. It was an all-in-one spell that tilted the momentum in Pakistan’s favour.

Match	Opponent	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Economy	Venue	Year
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka	Sri Lanka	8	0	35	5	4.37	Colombo	2011

1. Stuart Binny – 6/4 vs Bangladesh (2014)

It remains one of the most bizarre and breathtaking ODI spells ever. India was bowled out for a meagre 105, and it looked like a Bangladesh win was inevitable. But Stuart Binny, coming in with nothing to lose, took a 5-wicket haul and then some in one of the most remarkable turnarounds in ODI history. Within a span of just 4.4 overs, Binny destroyed Bangladesh’s middle and lower order with relentless seam and swing under overcast skies.

Match	Opponent	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Economy	Venue	Year
India vs Bangladesh	Bangladesh	4.4	2	4	6	0.85	Mirpur	2014

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