Ranking of Top Performing Bowlers in Men's ODIs: Fast bowler stands out as the best in 42 years, climbing into West Indies' all-time top three ranks
Top Bowling Figures in Men's ODIs: A Look Back and Forward
In the world of cricket, a standout performance by a bowler can change the course of a match. Over the years, several cricketers have etched their names in the annals of ODI history with remarkable bowling figures. Here are some of the top performances:
- Chaminda Vaas of Sri Lanka holds the record for the best bowling figures in ODI history with his 8/19 against Zimbabwe in Colombo in 2001. This performance remains one of the best in ODI history.
- Rashid Khan of Afghanistan delivered a stellar performance with 7/18 against Ireland in Dehradun in 2018, a figure that ranks among the best in recent times.
- Shane Bond of New Zealand and Ajantha Mendis of Sri Lanka also made their mark with 6/19 and 6/13 respectively. Bond against India in Bulawayo in 2005, and Mendis against India in the Asian Cup in Karachi in 2008.
While these figures are impressive, it's important to note that there are many other cricketers who have achieved impressive figures. Players like Chris Gayle, Waag bhatt, and Imran Tahir, to name a few, have also made their mark.
In more recent times, Keshav Maharaj of South Africa rose to the top of the ODI bowling rankings with his career-best 5 for 33 against Australia in Cairns. However, these figures do not match up to the all-time top bowling performances.
Glenn McGrath's 7-15 for Australia against Namibia in Potchefstroom in 2003 are the third-best bowling figures in men's ODIs. Jayden Seales of the West Indies recently made headlines with his 6-18 in the third ODI against Pakistan, a performance that helped the West Indies to a victory. This figure is the joint 28th-best bowling figures across all men's ODIs.
It's worth noting that Seales made a strong start to his first five overs, dismissing the first four Pakistan batters. This is an impressive feat, especially considering that Winston Davis' 7-51 for the West Indies against Australia in Leeds in 1983 are the only seven-wicket haul in men's ODIs until 1991.
Seales' 6-18 in the third ODI against Pakistan in 2025 are also the best ever for the West Indies against Pakistan. They are the third-best in West Indies ODI history, surpassed only by Colin Croft's 6-15 for the West Indies against England in Kingstown in 1981.
The West Indies scored 294-6 in the third ODI of the series against Pakistan, with Justin Greaves scoring an unbeaten 43 runs. Shai Hope also made a significant contribution with an unbeaten 120 runs. Pakistan were 23-4, 61-4, and 92-7 at different stages during their innings, highlighting the impact of Seales' bowling.
In a more recent development, Wanindu Hasaranga of Sri Lanka achieved 7-19 against Zimbabwe in Premadasa in 2024, a performance that ranks as the fifth-best bowling figures in men's ODIs. These are just a few examples of the remarkable bowling performances that have graced the world of cricket. For a comprehensive list, including all top figures, you may need to consult ICC records or cricket databases.
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