In One Day Internationals (ODIs), a five-wicket haul by a bowler is as impactful as a century by a batter. Taking five wickets in a match means the bowler has dismissed half of the opposing team, often putting them under significant pressure, especially if the wickets fall quickly.
Several of the world’s top bowlers have multiple five-wicket hauls in their ODI careers. For example, Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga concluded his ODI career with eight such hauls, while Australian legend Glenn McGrath achieved seven. Among current players, New Zealand’s left-arm pacer Trent Boult has six, and India’s Mohammed Shami has five.
However, these players don’t feature in the exclusive ‘top five’ list of bowlers with the most five-wicket hauls in ODI history. Here’s a look at those who have made it to this elite group.
#5 Shahid Afridi (9)
Former Pakistan captain and all-rounder Shahid Afridi secured nine five-wicket hauls during his ODI career. Over 398 matches, Afridi claimed 395 wickets at an average of 34.51 with an economy rate of 4.62.
Afridi’s standout performance came against the West Indies in Providence during the first ODI in July 2013, where he recorded figures of 7-12. He bowled nine overs, including three maidens, and single-handedly reduced the West Indies to 98 all out in their chase of 225. In addition to his bowling, Afridi contributed 76 runs off 55 balls, hitting six fours and five sixes.
#4 Brett Lee (9)
Australian fast bowling icon Brett Lee also took nine five-wicket hauls in his ODI career. Lee played 221 ODIs, taking 380 wickets at an impressive average of 23.36 and an economy rate of 4.76.
Lee’s best figures in ODIs came against South Africa in Melbourne (Docklands) in January 2006, where he took 5-22. His efforts restricted South Africa to 186 while chasing 246. Notably, Lee took four of his five-wicket hauls against India, including 5-27 in Adelaide (2000) and Brisbane (2008), 5-38 in Kuala Lumpur (2006), and 5-58 in Sydney (2008).
#3 Mitchell Starc (9)
Australian left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc is another bowler with nine five-wicket hauls in ODIs. Remarkably, Starc achieved this feat in just 121 matches and remains active in international cricket, giving him the opportunity to add to his tally. He has taken 236 wickets at an average of 22.96 with an economy rate of 5.21.
Starc’s best ODI performance came against New Zealand in Auckland during the 2015 World Cup, where he claimed 6-28. His brilliant spell nearly led Australia to victory in a low-scoring match, but New Zealand managed to win by one wicket while chasing 152. Starc also took 6-43 against India in Melbourne in January 2015, helping Australia secure a four-wicket win while chasing 268.
#2 Muttiah Muralitharan (10)
Sri Lankan spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan ranks second on the list with ten five-wicket hauls in ODIs. Murali played 350 matches, taking 534 wickets at an average of 23.08 and a superb economy rate of 3.93.
Muralitharan’s best figures in ODIs were 7-30 against India in Sharjah in October 2000, which helped Sri Lanka bowl out India for 226 in a chase of 295. Another memorable performance was his 5-9 against New Zealand in Sharjah in April 2002, although Sri Lanka lost that match while chasing 219.
#1 Waqar Younis (13)
Pakistan’s fast bowling legend Waqar Younis holds the record for the most five-wicket hauls in ODIs, with 13 to his name. Despite injury setbacks, Waqar played 262 ODIs and took 416 wickets at an average of 23.84.
Waqar’s best ODI figures of 7-36 came against England at Headingley in June 2001, where his devastating spell bowled England out for 156. He also had remarkable performances such as 6-26 against Sri Lanka in Sharjah (April 1990), 6-30 against New Zealand in Auckland (March 1994), and 6-44 against New Zealand in Sharjah (November 1996).