Best Bowling Average In ODIs: The introduction of white balls for ODI cricket completely changed the game. It tilted the balance in the batsmen’s favour. As the game kept evolving the new rules too didn’t help the bowlers. But there have always been a few exceptions who have stood out from the rest. These bowlers not only picked up timely wickets but conceded runs at a premium. Batters tried to negate them looking to play them off cautiously but even these bowlers found ways to outsmart the batters:
We look at the 5 Best Bowling Average In ODIs:
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[Minimum – 200 wickets]
#5 Muttiah Muralitharan – 23.08
He is the highest wicket-taker in the ODIs. Muttiah Muralitharan has picked 534 wickets in 350 games in a career spanning over 18 years. He was part of Sri Lanka’s World Cup-winning team in 1996. Murali always spun a web around batters. He made an impact in all conditions barring Australia. Muralitharan’s numbers are a testimonial to his greatness. He conceded 23.08 runs for every wicket he picked. His best bowling figures of 7-30 remain a dream for many bowlers.
#4 Mitchell Starc – 22.13
He is one of the contemporary greats of the format. Mitchell Starc has been an absolute beast, especially in the ODI World Cups. He has been the highest wicket-taker in two consecutive editions-2015 and 2019. Starc was also awarded the player of the World Cup in 2015. He has picked 211 wickets in just 107 games. Starc’s economy rate might be higher as compared to others on this list but he is lethal when it comes to picking up wickets. His average of 22.13 is fourth best among bowlers who have picked more than 200 wickets.
#3 Glenn McGrath – 22.02
He is among the greatest bowlers of all time across formats. There have been very few bowlers who have shown discipline over such a long career. McGrath was synonymous with hitting impeccable lines and lengths. He troubled the best of batters with his aggressive yet effective bowling. McGrath picked 381 wickets in 250 ODIs at a fantastic average of 22.02. McGrath much like Starc was awarded the player of the World Cup in 2007. He continues to remain an inspiration for young fast bowlers.
#2 Allan Donald – 21.78
He was called the white lightning. Allan Donald had a fearsome impact on the game. He once almost knocked the head off UAE’s captain who had dared to bat without a helmet against Donald. The South African pacer was one of the genuine quick bowlers in the 90s. He matched speed with discipline keeping batters honest at all times. Donald picked 272 wickets in 164 games at a top average of 21.78. His bowling action was revered across the world for the pure visceral joy it provided.
#1 Saqlain Mushtaq – 21.78
He was the trailblazer behind the art of ‘mystery spin’. Saqlain Mushtaq always had a trick up his sleeve to bamboozle batsmen. He was the one who discovered the term ‘doosra’ for an off-spinner. The delivery was meant to take the ball away from the right-handers rather than the conventional one that comes in.
Mushtaq has a bowling average that is eerily similar to that of Donald-21.78. But he tops Donald when it comes to the strike rate and in the number of 5-wicket hauls picked. He was arguably one of the best limited-overs spinners of all time. Which makes him to be in the list of Best bowler with Best Bowling Average In ODIs
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