In One Day Internationals (ODIs), best bowling averages play a crucial role in determining a bowler’s effectiveness. It measures the average number of runs conceded per wicket taken, showcasing a bowler’s ability to dismiss batsmen while controlling the scoreboard. The lower the bowling average, the more successful the bowler has been at limiting runs and claiming wickets. Let’s take a look at the tabulated list of bowlers with the best bowling averages in ODI cricket history:
Summary of Key Stats:
| Player | Matches | Balls | Runs | Wickets | Best | Average | Economy | Strike Rate | 4-Wicket | 5-Wicket |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joel Garner | 98 | 5330 | 2752 | 146 | 5/31 | 18.84 | 3.09 | 36.50 | 2 | 3 |
| Dennis Lillee | 63 | 3593 | 2145 | 103 | 5/34 | 20.82 | 3.58 | 34.88 | 5 | 1 |
| Shane Bond | 82 | 4295 | 3070 | 147 | 6/19 | 20.88 | 4.28 | 29.21 | 7 | 4 |
| Ajantha Mendis | 82 | 4010 | 3134 | 148 | 6/13 | 21.17 | 4.68 | 27.09 | 7 | 3 |
| Michael Holding | 102 | 5473 | 3034 | 142 | 5/26 | 21.36 | 3.32 | 38.54 | 5 | 1 |
| Sir Richard Hadlee | 115 | 6182 | 3407 | 158 | 5/25 | 21.56 | 3.30 | 39.12 | 1 | 5 |
| Allan Donald | 164 | 8561 | 5926 | 272 | 6/23 | 21.78 | 4.15 | 31.47 | 11 | 2 |
| Saqlain Mushtaq | 169 | 8770 | 6275 | 288 | 5/20 | 21.78 | 4.29 | 30.45 | 11 | 6 |
| Glenn McGrath | 250 | 12970 | 8391 | 381 | 7/15 | 22.02 | 3.88 | 34.04 | 9 | 7 |
| Saeed Ajmal | 113 | 6000 | 4182 | 184 | 5/24 | 22.72 | 4.18 | 32.60 | 6 | 2 |
The list of Top 10 Bowlers With Best Bowling Averages in ODI History with their description is given below:
1. Joel Garner
Joel Garner, famously known as “Big Bird,” is regarded as one of the most intimidating bowlers in the game. With the Best Bowling Averages in ODI history of 18.84, Garner took 146 wickets in 98 matches. His best figures of 5/31, combined with an economy rate of 3.09, make him one of the most economical bowlers in the format. Garner’s towering presence and consistent pace were key to his success in maintaining such a low average.
ALSO SEE: Top 5 Fastest Bowlers in International Cricket History
2. Dennis Lillee
Dennis Lillee, one of Australia’s finest fast bowlers, had one of the Best Bowling Averages in ODI cricket at 20.82. In just 63 matches, he took 103 wickets with his aggressive and fiery bowling. His best performance of 5/34 reflects his match-winning abilities. Alongside a respectable economy rate of 3.58, Lillee’s average reflects his significant impact during his time as one of the premier fast bowlers in world cricket.
3. Shane Bond
New Zealand’s Shane Bond is one of the fastest bowlers the world has seen, and his Best Bowling Averages in ODI of 20.88 ranks him among the elites. With 147 wickets in 82 matches, Bond had an incredible strike rate of 29.21, taking wickets regularly. His best figures of 6/19, combined with his economy rate of 4.28, underline how Bond’s pace and aggression made him one of the most dangerous bowlers during his career.
4. Ajantha Mendis
Ajantha Mendis, Sri Lanka’s mystery spinner, holds a remarkable Best Bowling Averages in ODI of 21.17. In his 82-match career, Mendis took 148 wickets and produced some of the best spin bowling performances, including his career-best figures of 6/13. Known for his variety, Mendis was able to baffle batsmen and maintain an excellent average, making him one of Sri Lanka’s top bowlers in limited-overs cricket.
ALSO READ: Top 5 Greatest Cricketers of All Time
5. Michael Holding
Michael Holding, nicknamed “Whispering Death” due to his quiet run-up, boasted one of the Best Bowling Averages in ODI cricket at 21.36. Holding took 142 wickets in 102 matches for the West Indies. His ability to generate pace and bounce while maintaining control over his line made him a lethal fast bowler, as seen from his career-best figures of 5/26 and an economy rate of 3.32.
6. Sir Richard Hadlee
New Zealand’s Sir Richard Hadlee, widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket, also boasts one of the Best Bowling Averages in ODI cricket with 21.56. With 158 wickets in 115 matches, Hadlee’s career-best figures of 5/25 reflect his dominance with the ball. His consistent line and length made him an incredibly effective bowler, helping him maintain a low economy rate of 3.30 and a commendable average.
7. Allan Donald
Allan Donald, often referred to as “White Lightning,” was one of the fastest bowlers to ever represent South Africa. His Best Bowling Averages in ODI of 21.78 reflect his prowess, with 272 wickets in 164 matches. Donald’s best figures of 6/23 demonstrate his ability to destroy batting line-ups with his express pace. His low average combined with a strike rate of 31.47 proves how effective he was at taking key wickets throughout his career.
8. Saqlain Mushtaq
Saqlain Mushtaq, the Pakistani spin wizard, holds one of the Best Bowling Averages in ODI cricket at 21.78. Known for his “doosra,” Saqlain took 288 wickets in 169 matches. His best bowling figures of 5/20 highlight his knack for turning matches in Pakistan’s favor. Saqlain’s clever variations and control over his spin helped him maintain this impressive average, making him one of the most successful spinners in ODI history.
READ MORE: Top 10 Leading Wicket-Takers in Vitality T20 Blast History
9. Glenn McGrath
Australian legend Glenn McGrath, known for his pinpoint accuracy, stands out with one of the Best Bowling Averages in ODI cricket at 22.02. In 250 matches, McGrath claimed 381 wickets with a remarkable economy rate of 3.88. His best figures of 7/15 reflect his match-winning abilities, and his ability to maintain such a low bowling average across a long career solidifies his place as one of the best bowlers in ODI history.
10. Saeed Ajmal
Saeed Ajmal, one of Pakistan’s finest spinners, recorded one of the Best Bowling Averages in ODI cricket with 22.72. In 113 matches, Ajmal claimed 184 wickets, with his best figures being 5/24. Ajmal’s sharp turn and ability to bowl under pressure made him one of the toughest bowlers to face, especially in the middle overs. His impressive average and consistent performances place him among the best bowlers in ODI cricket.
SEE MORE:
