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The conversation around the greatest bowlers in ODI history is one that seems to have no end. With the evolution of cricket over decades, fans and experts alike have often debated who truly stands at the pinnacle of the game in the 50-over format. While the batters get the limelight, it is the bowlers who frequently turn the game on its head with their skill, control, and impact.
From the swing kings of the past to the fiery pacers of the modern era, the list of legendary ODI bowlers continues to grow, each with their own unique set of skills and records. Amid this ongoing debate, former cricketer Zaheer Khan, one of India’s finest fast bowlers, recently shared his personal list of the top 5 bowlers in ODI cricket, acknowledging the impact these players had on the game during their time.
Zaheer Khan lists out his top 5 bowlers in ODI cricket
In a conversation on Cricbuzz, Zaheer Khan highlighted the contributions of some of the greatest bowlers in ODI history.
The Sultan of Swing
Zaheer couldn’t overlook the legendary Wasim Akram, who he believes made an undeniable impact in ODI cricket. With his unmatched swing, accurate yorkers, and variations, Akram was a game-changer for Pakistan. Akram, who played 356 ODIs and picked up 502 wickets, was the first bowler to cross the 500-wicket mark in the format. Zaheer praised his ability to use his pace and skill to dominate, especially with his ability to bowl both around and over the wicket.
“There were a lot of the international bowlers around me, which were making a really good impact. Wasim Akram is obviously one of those names which were impactful in this format, with his variations, those yorkers, going around the wicket, over the wicket, and using those slow ones. In this format, he’s had a huge impact,” said Zaheer.
The Australian maestro
Zaheer also expressed admiration for Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath, who was known for his incredible accuracy and simplicity in action. “McGrath’s extra bounce and his ability to make an impact with the new ball were remarkable,” said Zaheer.
McGrath’s consistency, throughout his career, allowed him to maintain pressure on the batsmen and claim wickets across formats, making him one of the most reliable bowlers in ODI history.
“Another name which I really looked up to also was Glenn McGrath. With the accuracy which he had, the simplicity in the action, and that extra bounce and impact with the new ball, it is something which was very evident right throughout his career, across all formats,” explained Zaheer.
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The pace sensation of Pakistan
When talking about impact, Waqar Younis’s name is never far behind. Zaheer highlighted Younis’s ability to strike at key moments, pointing to his remarkable ODI stats, including 416 wickets in 262 matches.
“Let’s talk about Waqar Younis. You talk about the strike rate; you talk about the impact. If you look at his numbers (416 wickets in 262 ODIs) also, they are right up there, and especially the number which is striking is the number of fifers (13) he has taken in ODI format right throughout his career. So, the impact was phenomenal in terms of having that striking ability,” added Zaheer.
The Sri Lankan legend
Zaheer also recognized Sri Lanka’s Chaminda Vaas for his consistency and control, especially in subcontinental conditions. Vaas was known for his accuracy with the new ball, and his ability to keep the pressure on the batsmen with his disciplined line and length made him an impactful player for Sri Lanka. His control allowed his team to gain crucial breakthroughs, especially in critical moments.
“Chaminda Vaas is another bowler who I feel has to be right up there. His impact, if you go to see, was pretty much with the new ball. In subcontinental conditions, to have that kind of accuracy, keeping things simple, and he was very impactful in giving that control to his team with line length, accuracy, and consistency,” stated the Indian pace legend.
The South African superstar
Finally, Zaheer couldn’t leave out South Africa’s Dale Steyn, who was known for his fiery approach and fast outswingers. Steyn’s pace, combined with his ability to get through the crease quickly, made him one of the most feared fast bowlers in ODI cricket. Zaheer highlighted Steyn’s ability to maintain his intensity and impact throughout his career, making him a constant threat for opposition batters.
“Dale Steyn is someone who we all know with his fiery approach, with his fast outswingers, is something, you know, which impact was always there. He used to get through that crease very fast and had impact through and through,” Zaheer added further.
