Top Ten Teams With Most Wickets In ODIs

Since the inception of ODI cricket, we have witnessed many top-class bowlers to graced the cricket field and won it for their teams. With the ICC World Cup 2019 going on, the bowlers will play a significant role in helping their side lift the illustrious trophy at the historic Lord’s balcony on July 14.

There is saying, ‘ batsman wins you matches and bowlers win you tournament.’ We have witnessed this statement to be justified over the years, and the ongoing marquee event will be no different. Many teams have relied mostly on their bowling, and this time, the likes of India, South Africa, and England have the best attacks going into the World Cup. They have done significantly well in the past few and have picked a lot of wickets leading to the tournament.

On that context, let us take a look at the top ten teams with most wickets in ODI cricket:

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10 – BANGLADESH (2196 wickets)

Since their inclusion in the ODI format, Bangladesh have played 373 matches taking 2196 wickets at an average of 36.61. Over the years, the Tigers have produced some of the quality left-arm spinners namely Shakib Al Hasan who is currently the top-ranked all-rounder.

131 cricketers have come together in picking all these wickets which includes 58 four-wicket hauls and 19 fifers. With 2196 wickets, they find themselves in the tenth spot in the list of highest wickets taken by teams in ODIs.

9 – ZIMBABWE (2951 wickets)

Zimbabwe Cricket Team, over the years have featured in 521 ODI games picking 2951 wickets at an average of 38.98.

Since 1983 when Zimbabwe made their ODI debut, 140 players have contributed in claiming 2951 wickets which is the ninth highest in the list of most wickets taken by a team in ODIs.

8 – SOUTH AFRICA (4324 wickets)

South Africa have produced some of the world-class fast bowlers since their emergence in the ODIs after the apartheid era. From Allan Dolland to Dale Steyn to current generations Kagiso Rabada, some of the greatest pacers have worn the Proteas jersey.

Since 1991, South Africa have featured in 619 ODI matches claiming 4324 wickets, 1373 more than Zimbabwe. 133 cricketers have come together to achieve these wickets which is the eighth best among highest wickets taken by a team in this format.

7 – ENGLAND (4820 wickets)

England has played 743 ODI matches since 1971 claiming 4820 wickets at an average of 32.48. 254 cricketers have come together to claim all these scalps which include 144 four-wicket hauls and 35 five-wicket hauls.

As a result, they are seventh in the list of most wickets taken by a team in ODIs.

6 – NEW ZEALAND (4865 wickets)

From Richard Hadlee to Danny Morrison to Trent Boult, New Zealand have witnessed some classical fast bowlers don their jersey and rule the cricketing world. The bowlers have done outstandingly well in their country and have enjoyed good success over the globe as well.

So far, the Kiwis have played 768 ODI games picking 4865 wickets, 45 more than England which takes them to the sixth spot in the list of most wickets taken by a team in ODIs.

5 – WINDIES (5104 wickets)

Windies have gifted some of the top-notch bowlers mostly during the 1980-90s and early part of the 2000s. Their fast bowlers were known for bowling quick and lethal bouncers and thus terrorising the batters.

Although their performance has gone down significantly, the team from the Caribbean still enjoys a good success in the limited over formats. Over the years, Windies have 808 ODI matches, picking 5104 wickets including 52 five-wicket hauls. Thus, they occupy the fifth spot in the list of most wickets taken by a team in ODIs.

4- SRI LANKA (5187 wickets)

From fast bowlers to spinners, Sri Lanka have enjoyed significant success depending on them, especially during the 1996 World Cup. From Chaminda Vaas to Muttiah Muralitharan to current generation Lasith Malinga, the Lankans have benefitted from them for an extended period.

So far, they have 847 ODI matches, picking 5187 wickets at an average of 33.83. As a result, they overtake Windies by 83 wickets to occupy the fourth spot in the chart of most wickets taken by a team in ODIs.

3 – PAKISTAN (5993 wickets)

Pakistan is well-known for producing quality fast bowlers and over the years, they had one of the best fast bowling attacks across the globe. From Imran Khan to Waqar Younis to Wasim Akram, Pakistan have a rich history in giving world-class seamers. Meanwhile, they don’t lack quality in the spin department as well as they have had the likes of Saqlain Mushtaq and Abdul Qadir.

The Men in Greens are third in the list of most wickets taken by a team in ODIs with 5993 scalps from 925 games. Pakistan have 224 cricketers contributing to claiming all these wickets at an average of 31.20.

2- INDIA (6239 wickets)

Indian National Cricket is a hub of spinners, and from time to time, they have given quality spinners to the cricketing world. Although they lacked quality in the pace department in the early stages but have picked up and currently possess one of the strongest pace units to enter the World Cup.

From their emergence in ODI cricket in 1974, the Men in Blue have played 976 ODI matches picking 6239 wickets including 45 five-wicket hauls and 143 four-wicket hauls. They are currently second in the list of most wickets taken in ODIs.

1 – AUSTRALIA (6577 wickets)

Australia Cricket Team have picked the most wickets since the inception of ODIs and leapfrogs India by 338 wickets. The Aussies have claimed 6577 wickets from 942 games the most any team has played at an average of 29.08.

From Glenn McGrath to Brett Lee to Shane Warne, Australia have never lacked quality in the bowling unit.

(All Stats Updated Till 10th August, 2019)