Top 10 Most Impactful One-Spells in ODIs Since 2023

In the high-octane world of One Day Internationals, it’s often a sustained spell across ten overs that defines a bowler’s contribution. But sometimes, all it takes is a single, jaw-dropping spell, a few overs of pure brilliance, to shift momentum, derail an innings, or snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. These are the Impactful One-Spells in ODIs, not necessarily the longest, but undoubtedly the most game-defining bursts of bowling.

Since 2023, the ODI landscape has witnessed several such breathtaking spells. These weren’t just wickets; they were breakthroughs that broke partnerships, halted run-chases, or dismantled entire batting orders. Some lasted three overs, some five, but each carried seismic consequences.

In this article, we chronicle the Top 10 Most Impactful One-Spells in ODIs Since 2023, celebrating bowlers who delivered magic in short, decisive bursts. These moments proved that in ODIs, quality often triumphs over quantity, and one spell can change everything.

10. Maheesh Theekshana vs Afghanistan – Asia Cup 2023

In a must-win match, Theekshana came on during the death overs and claimed 2 wickets in 1 over to push Afghanistan out of the chase by a narrow margin. His spell at the death was pure clutch, a textbook case of Impactful One-Spells in ODIs executed under extreme pressure.

Statistics Table:

Bowler	Opponent	Date	Overs	Runs	Wickets	Phase of Spell
Maheesh Theekshana	Afghanistan	Sep 5, 2023	8	41	2	Death overs

9. Jasprit Bumrah vs South Africa – World Cup 2023

India’s pace maestro unleashed a lethal short spell, removing Markram and Klaasen in one over. The Proteas, who had been flying high, crumbled soon after. It was a microburst of magic, the hallmark of Impactful One-Spells in ODIs by a true match-winner.

Statistics Table:

Bowler	Opponent	Date	Overs	Runs	Wickets	Key Spell Feature
Jasprit Bumrah	South Africa	Nov 5, 2023	6.4	19	2	2 wickets in 1 over

8. Rachin Ravindra vs England – World Cup Opener 2023

Known for his batting, Rachin turned the game with the ball. He dismissed Joe Root just when he was set, triggering England’s stutter. His 1 for 22 doesn’t scream match-winning, but this spell shifted momentum. Sometimes a single wicket is enough, making this among the most underestimated yet Impactful One-Spells in ODIs.

Statistics Table:

Bowler	Opponent	Date	Overs	Runs	Wickets	Key Moment
Rachin Ravindra	England	Oct 5, 2023	7	22	1	Dismissed Joe Root

7. Mark Wood vs Afghanistan – World Cup 2023

Afghanistan had started well, but Mark Wood’s burst of extreme pace rattled the middle order. His 2 for 26 may appear small, but his spell in the 25-30 over window sparked a collapse. That 4-over spell dented the chase classic case of Impactful One-Spells in ODIs, where pace and pressure produced results.

Statistics Table:

Bowler	Opponent	Date	Overs	Runs	Wickets	Bowling Phase
Mark Wood	Afghanistan	Oct 15, 2023	7	26	2	Mid-overs (25th–30th)

6. Mehidy Hasan Miraz vs India – Mirpur, 2023

Defending a low score, Mehidy turned up with a magical spell, breaking India’s middle order. His 2 for 43 may look modest, but he got Shreyas and Rahul in one tight spell, choking India’s scoring in a tight finish. It’s one of those Impactful One-Spells in ODIs where the bowler didn’t need five wickets, just two at the right time.

Statistics Table:

Bowler	Opponent	Date	Overs	Runs	Wickets	Key Breakthroughs
Mehidy Hasan Miraz	India	Dec 4, 2023	10	43	2	Shreyas Iyer & KL Rahul

5. Gerald Coetzee vs England – World Cup 2023

The South African pacer delivered fire when England were chasing 400+. His spell of 3 wickets in 2 overs, including Buttler and Livingstone, crushed England’s hopes. Coetzee’s pace and aggression were crucial in dismantling a dangerous middle order, making it one of the most Impactful One-Spells in ODIs for South Africa since Steyn’s peak.

Statistics Table:

Bowler	Opponent	Date	Overs	Runs	Wickets	Key Spell Detail
Gerald Coetzee	England	Oct 21, 2023	8	35	3	Buttler & Livingstone in same spell

4. Kuldeep Yadav vs Pakistan – Asia Cup 2023

In a high-octane clash, Kuldeep Yadav ran through Pakistan’s middle order with clinical precision. His spell came in the middle overs, where he dismissed Rizwan, Shadab, and Iftikhar, effectively breaking the chase. His accuracy and guile earned him 5 wickets, but it was his single spell of 5 overs that crippled the innings, making it one of the most Impactful One-Spells in ODIs post-2023.

Statistics Table:

Bowler	Opponent	Date	Overs	Runs	Wickets	Spell Highlight
Kuldeep Yadav	Pakistan	Sep 11, 2023	8	25	5	Mid-innings collapse spell

3. Shaheen Afridi vs Bangladesh – World Cup 2023

Pakistan were desperate for a big win to boost NRR and keep semifinal hopes alive. Shaheen Afridi delivered a classic new-ball spell, snaring 3 wickets in 3 overs, including the dangerous Shanto and Litton Das. It was a demolition act that ripped through the top order. Pakistan won by 7 wickets, and Afridi’s spell was one of the most Impactful One-Spells in ODIs that tournament.

Statistics Table:

Bowler	Opponent	Date	Overs	Runs	Wickets	Spell Type
Shaheen Afridi	Bangladesh	Oct 31, 2023	9	23	3	Early burst (Powerplay)

2. Adam Zampa vs New Zealand – World Cup 2023

Australia were on the ropes after posting 388, as New Zealand started strong. But Adam Zampa’s spell in the middle overs throttled the chase. With wickets of Mitchell, Phillips, and Latham, Zampa slowed the tempo and turned the tide. His 3 for 74 doesn’t tell the full story; the spell was timed perfectly and derailed New Zealand’s momentum in a high-pressure match. It remains one of the most Impactful One-Spells in ODIs in recent World Cup history.

Statistics Table:

Bowler	Opponent	Date	Overs	Runs	Wickets	Key Victims
Adam Zampa	New Zealand	Oct 28, 2023	10	74	3	Mitchell, Phillips, Latham

1. Mohammed Siraj vs Sri Lanka – Asia Cup Final, 2023

In perhaps the most Impactful One-Spells in ODIs of the decade, Mohammed Siraj unleashed a thunderous spell that flattened Sri Lanka for just 50 runs. Within his opening burst, he claimed 4 wickets in one over, effectively ending the contest in minutes. His rhythm, swing, and seam movement were unplayable as the Lankans crumbled under pressure. Siraj’s six-wicket haul in just 7 overs turned the final into a one-sided affair and handed India the title.

Statistics Table:

Bowler	Opponent	Date	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Strike Spell Detail
Mohammed Siraj	Sri Lanka	Sep 17, 2023	7	3	21	6	4 wickets in a single over

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