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In a thoughtful and detailed breakdown with CricTracker, former South African and Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer Wayne Parnell has unveiled his all-time ODI playing XI. The selections reflect a deep appreciation for some of the most dominant forces in the history of the game, creating a team that is not only class-heavy but also incredibly well-balanced, featuring a blend of explosive power, technical mastery, and fearsome bowling.
An unstoppable batting lineup with three ODI greats of all-time in Wayne Parnell’s ODI’s XI
Parnell’s opening combination is a perfect fusion of classical and aggressive styles, with the ‘Little Master’ Sachin Tendulkar from India and the elegant Hashim Amla from South Africa. Tendulkar’s career stats are nothing short of legendary, with a staggering 18,426 runs and 49 centuries in 463 matches, while Amla finished his career with a remarkable average of nearly 50, scoring 8,113 runs in 181 outings.
The heart of the batting order is equally imposing. Parnell placed India’s run-machine Virat Kohli at No. 3, a choice justified by Kohli’s record-breaking 51 ODI centuries and his position as the third-highest run-scorer in the format with 14,181 runs. He is followed by South African great AB de Villiers at No. 4, whom Parnell knows well from their time together.
De Villiers is the only batter in ODI history with a 50+ average and 100+ strike rate among those with at least 5,000 runs, making his inclusion a no-brainer. The lower middle-order features the Australian stalwart Michael Hussey at No. 5, known for his consistency and finishing abilities, and the incomparable MS Dhoni at No. 6, who is also selected as the team’s captain for his unparalleled tactical genius and World Cup-winning pedigree.
A world-class all-rounder and bowling attack in Parnell’s ODI’s XI
To provide balance, Parnell chose Pakistan’s fiery all-rounder Shahid Afridi at No. 7. Afridi’s ability to turn a game with both his explosive batting and his handy leg-spin makes him a crucial pick for any all-time XI. The bowling attack is where Parnell’s selections truly shine, dominated by a trio of Asian legends who collectively redefined the art of bowling. The new ball is entrusted to the legendary Pakistan duo of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, who stand second and third on the all-time ODI wicket-takers list with 502 and 416 wickets, respectively.
The spin attack is spearheaded by Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan, the all-time leading wicket-taker in ODIs with an astonishing 534 scalps. Completing this formidable bowling unit is Australia’s fearsome fast bowler Brett Lee, who picked up 380 wickets in his career. The team is a truly international mix, with three players from India, three from Pakistan, two from South Africa, two from Australia, and one from Sri Lanka, all led by the calm and composed leadership of MS Dhoni.
Also READ: No Indian player! South Africa’s Wayne Parnell reveals his all-time Test XI
