Chaminda Vaas holds the record for the best bowling figures in men’s ODI cricket, taking 8 wickets for just 19 runs against Zimbabwe in 2001. Shahid Afridi ranks second with 7/12 against West Indies, followed by Glenn McGrath’s 7/15 against Namibia. Other legendary performances include Rashid Khan’s 7/18, Wanindu Hasaranga’s 7/19 and Andy Bichel’s 7/20.

One Day International cricket is often remembered for big centuries, explosive batting and record-breaking run chases.

But sometimes, a single bowling spell can completely change a match.

A bowler might take three wickets in an over, dismiss a team’s strongest batters or produce an incredible seven-wicket haul.

Such performances are rare because bowlers can deliver a maximum of 10 overs in a standard 50-over ODI innings.

Over the years, several fast bowlers and spinners have produced extraordinary bowling figures.

Chaminda Vaas stunned Zimbabwe with eight wickets in 2001. Shahid Afridi destroyed the West Indies batting line-up in 2013, while Glenn McGrath delivered one of the greatest World Cup bowling performances in 2003.

More recently, Rashid Khan, Wanindu Hasaranga and Charlie Cassell have joined this elite group.

So, who has the best bowling figures in ODI history? Has anyone taken eight wickets in an ODI? And which Indian bowler holds India’s ODI bowling record?

In this CricketGatha guide, we’ll explore the top 10 best bowling figures in men’s ODI cricket, including wickets, runs conceded, opponents, dates, venues, match results and important bowling records.

Last updated: 2 November 2026. This ranking covers men’s One Day Internationals and uses wickets taken first, followed by the fewest runs conceded.

What Are the Best Bowling Figures in ODI Cricket?

The best bowling figures in ODI cricket refer to the highest number of wickets taken by a bowler in a single innings, with runs conceded used to separate performances with the same wicket count.

For example, figures of 7/12 mean the bowler took seven wickets while conceding 12 runs.

A performance of 7/12 ranks above 7/15 because both bowlers took seven wickets, but the first conceded fewer runs.

Chaminda Vaas leads the all-time men’s ODI list with 8/19.

He remains the only bowler to take eight wickets in a men’s ODI innings.

Top 10 Best Bowling Figures in ODI Cricket History

Here is the complete list of the 10 best bowling spells in men’s ODI cricket as of November 2026.

The list includes five specialist fast or medium-fast bowlers and five spinners or spin-bowling all-rounders.

Sri Lanka has three players in the top 10, while Pakistan and Australia each have two.

1. Chaminda Vaas – 8/19 vs Zimbabwe (2001)

Chaminda Vaas holds the world record for the best bowling figures in men’s ODI cricket.

The Sri Lankan left-arm fast bowler took eight wickets for just 19 runs against Zimbabwe in Colombo on 8 December 2001.

His extraordinary spell helped Sri Lanka bowl out Zimbabwe for only 38 runs.

Vaas used swing, accurate line and length, and relentless pressure to dismantle the batting line-up.

He also completed a hat-trick during the innings.

Sri Lanka comfortably chased the target and won by nine wickets.

Chaminda Vaas 8/19 Bowling Figures

Why Is Chaminda Vaas’s 8/19 Special?

Vaas became the first and, as of November 2026, only bowler to take eight wickets in a men’s ODI innings.

He dismissed most of Zimbabwe’s batting line-up almost single-handedly.

His record has remained unbeaten for nearly 25 years.

2. Shahid Afridi – 7/12 vs West Indies (2013)

Shahid Afridi produced one of the most remarkable spin-bowling performances in ODI history against West Indies on 14 July 2013.

Playing for Pakistan in Guyana, Afridi took seven wickets for just 12 runs.

Pakistan had scored 224/9.

West Indies struggled badly against Afridi’s leg-spin and were dismissed for 98.

Pakistan won the match by 126 runs.

Afridi also contributed 76 runs with the bat, making it one of the greatest all-round performances in ODI cricket.

Shahid Afridi 7/12 Bowling Figures

Afridi’s 7/12 remains the best seven-wicket haul in men’s ODI cricket.

His performance showed how a leg-spinner can dominate an entire batting line-up.

3. Glenn McGrath – 7/15 vs Namibia (2003)

Glenn McGrath delivered one of the most destructive spells in Cricket World Cup history against Namibia.

The Australian fast bowler took seven wickets for 15 runs on 27 February 2003.

The match was played at Potchefstroom, South Africa.

McGrath bowled with exceptional accuracy and gave the Namibian batters very few scoring opportunities.

Australia scored 301/6 before dismissing Namibia for 45.

Australia won by 256 runs.

Glenn McGrath 7/15 Bowling Figures

Is 7/15 the Best Bowling Performance in ODI World Cup History?

Yes.

Glenn McGrath’s 7/15 remains the best bowling figures in a men’s ODI World Cup match.

The record is particularly impressive because it came during a global tournament.

4. Rashid Khan – 7/18 vs West Indies (2017)

Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan produced a sensational bowling performance against West Indies in June 2017.

The young leg-spinner took seven wickets for only 18 runs.

The match was played at Gros Islet, Saint Lucia.

Afghanistan scored 212/6 before Rashid dismantled the West Indies batting line-up.

West Indies were bowled out for 149.

Afghanistan won by 63 runs.

Rashid Khan 7/18 Bowling Figures

Rashid’s performance was a major moment in Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket.

He used googlies, changes of pace and accurate bowling to trouble the West Indies batters.

His 7/18 remains the best ODI bowling performance by an Afghan cricketer.

5. Wanindu Hasaranga – 7/19 vs Zimbabwe (2024)

Wanindu Hasaranga entered the record books on 11 January 2024.

The Sri Lankan leg-spinner took seven wickets for 19 runs against Zimbabwe in Colombo.

The match was affected by rain and reduced to 27 overs per side.

Hasaranga’s variations proved extremely difficult for Zimbabwe’s batters.

Zimbabwe were dismissed for 96.

Sri Lanka chased the target and won by eight wickets.

Wanindu Hasaranga 7/19 Bowling Figures

Hasaranga’s performance is the fifth-best bowling spell in men’s ODI history.

It is also the second-best ODI bowling performance by a Sri Lankan, behind Chaminda Vaas.

6. Andy Bichel – 7/20 vs England (2003)

Andy Bichel produced an unforgettable spell against England during the 2003 ODI World Cup.

Playing for Australia, Bichel took seven wickets for just 20 runs.

The match took place at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth on 2 March 2003.

England scored 204/8.

Bichel’s wickets kept Australia in the contest despite England building a competitive total.

Australia later found themselves in trouble during the chase.

However, Bichel contributed an unbeaten 34 runs and formed a crucial partnership with Michael Bevan.

Australia eventually won by two wickets.

Andy Bichel 7/20 Bowling Figures

Bichel’s performance is remembered not only for his seven wickets but also for his contribution with the bat.

It was one of the most important individual performances of Australia’s unbeaten 2003 World Cup campaign.

7. Charlie Cassell – 7/21 vs Oman (2024)

Scotland’s Charlie Cassell made history on his ODI debut against Oman.

On 22 July 2024, Cassell took seven wickets for 21 runs at Forthill, Dundee.

He became the first bowler to take seven wickets on ODI debut.

His remarkable spell helped Scotland dismiss Oman for 91.

Scotland chased the target and won by eight wickets.

Charlie Cassell 7/21 Bowling Figures

What Record Did Charlie Cassell Break?

Cassell broke the record for the most wickets taken by a bowler on ODI debut.

His 7/21 also became the best ODI bowling figures by a Scottish player.

The performance was especially remarkable because it came in his first international appearance in the format.

8. Muttiah Muralitharan – 7/30 vs India (2000)

Sri Lankan spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan delivered one of his greatest ODI performances against India in October 2000.

He took seven wickets for 30 runs during the Coca-Cola Champions Trophy in Sharjah.

Muralitharan’s off-spin, variations and control created constant problems for India’s batting line-up.

Sri Lanka won the match comfortably.

Muttiah Muralitharan 7/30 Bowling Figures

Muralitharan finished his ODI career with 534 wickets, the most by any bowler in the format.

His 7/30 remains one of the finest examples of attacking off-spin bowling in ODI cricket.

9. Tim Southee – 7/33 vs England (2015)

Tim Southee produced one of the most memorable bowling spells of the 2015 Cricket World Cup.

Playing for New Zealand against England in Wellington, Southee took seven wickets for 33 runs.

The match was played on 20 February 2015.

Southee swung the ball effectively and repeatedly attacked England’s stumps.

England were dismissed for 123.

New Zealand chased the target in just 12.2 overs and won by eight wickets.

Tim Southee 7/33 Bowling Figures

Southee’s seven-wicket haul is one of the best bowling performances in ODI World Cup history.

It also remains New Zealand’s best individual ODI bowling performance.

10. Waqar Younis – 7/36 vs England (2001)

Pakistan fast-bowling legend Waqar Younis completes the top 10.

He took seven wickets for 36 runs against England at Headingley, Leeds, on 17 June 2001.

Waqar was famous for his reverse swing, toe-crushing yorkers and ability to take wickets in clusters.

His performance against England was another example of his outstanding wicket-taking ability.

Waqar Younis 7/36 Bowling Figures

Waqar finished his ODI career with 416 wickets.

He remains one of Pakistan’s greatest fast bowlers.

His 7/36 is the tenth-best bowling performance in men’s ODI cricket when ranked by wickets and runs conceded.

Best ODI Bowling Figures by Indian Bowlers

No Indian bowler has taken seven or eight wickets in a men’s ODI innings.

However, several Indian bowlers have produced outstanding six-wicket hauls.

Stuart Binny holds the record for the best ODI bowling figures by an Indian.

He took six wickets for just four runs against Bangladesh in 2014.

Top Five Best ODI Bowling Figures for India

These spells demonstrate India’s long history of outstanding ODI bowling performances.

Stuart Binny 6/4 vs Bangladesh: India’s Best ODI Bowling Figures

Stuart Binny created history against Bangladesh in Mirpur on 17 June 2014.

He took six wickets for only four runs in 4.4 overs.

India had scored just 105 runs and needed an exceptional bowling performance to defend the total.

Binny delivered exactly that.

Bangladesh were dismissed for 58.

India won by 47 runs.

Stuart Binny 6/4 Match Details

Binny’s 6/4 remains India’s best bowling performance in men’s ODI cricket.

Mohammed Shami 7/57 vs New Zealand: India’s Best World Cup Bowling Figures

Mohammed Shami delivered a historic spell against New Zealand in the 2023 ODI World Cup semifinal.

He took seven wickets for 57 runs at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

India had scored 397/4.

New Zealand fought hard during the chase, but Shami repeatedly broke important partnerships.

India won by 70 runs and reached the World Cup final.

Mohammed Shami 7/57 Match Details

Important: Shami’s 7/57 is India’s best bowling performance in an ODI World Cup match. It is also India’s first seven-wicket haul in men’s ODIs, surpassing the earlier national record of 6/4.

Best Bowling Figures in ODI World Cup History

The ODI World Cup has witnessed several outstanding bowling spells.

Glenn McGrath’s 7/15 against Namibia in 2003 remains the best performance in men’s ODI World Cup history.

Top Five ODI World Cup Bowling Figures

Seven-wicket hauls are extremely rare in ODI World Cups.

These five performances are among the greatest individual bowling displays in tournament history.

Best Bowling Figures in ODI Cricket by Country

Different countries have produced exceptional ODI bowlers.

Here are some of the leading individual performances.

The table shows how exceptional bowling performances have come from both established and emerging cricket nations.

Fast Bowlers vs Spinners: Who Has Better ODI Bowling Figures?

Both fast bowlers and spinners appear in the top 10 list.

Fast bowlers such as Chaminda Vaas, Glenn McGrath and Tim Southee relied on movement, accuracy and seam bowling.

Spinners such as Shahid Afridi, Rashid Khan, Wanindu Hasaranga and Muttiah Muralitharan used variations, turn and changes of pace.

Bowling Type Comparison

The records show that no single bowling style guarantees success.

Accuracy, skill, conditions and match situations all matter.

Has Any Bowler Taken Nine or Ten Wickets in an ODI?

No bowler has taken nine or ten wickets in a men’s ODI innings as of November 2026.

Chaminda Vaas holds the record with eight wickets.

A nine- or ten-wicket haul would require an extraordinary performance.

ODI bowlers are limited to 10 overs in a standard 50-over innings, making such a record especially difficult to achieve.

Why Are Seven-Wicket Hauls Rare in ODI Cricket?

Taking seven wickets in a single ODI innings is an exceptional achievement.

There are several reasons why such performances are uncommon.

Limited Overs

In a standard ODI, a bowler can deliver only 10 overs.

This limits the number of opportunities to take wickets.

Shared Bowling Responsibilities

Teams normally use several bowlers.

Wickets are often distributed among the bowling attack.

Batting-Friendly Conditions

Modern ODI cricket frequently features aggressive batting and high-scoring pitches.

These conditions can make bowling difficult.

Changing Match Situations

Batters may attack, defend or rotate the strike depending on the score.

Bowlers must adapt their plans throughout the innings.

Competition for Wickets

Even when a bowler is performing exceptionally well, teammates may take wickets from the other end.

That makes seven- and eight-wicket hauls particularly rare.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Bowling Figures in ODI Cricket

1. Who has the best bowling figures in ODI cricket history?

Chaminda Vaas holds the men’s ODI record with 8/19 against Zimbabwe in 2001.

2. Who took eight wickets in an ODI match?

Chaminda Vaas took eight wickets for 19 runs against Zimbabwe.

3. Has anyone taken nine wickets in an ODI?

No. No bowler has taken nine wickets in a men’s ODI innings as of November 2026.

4. Has anyone taken ten wickets in an ODI?

No. A ten-wicket haul has never been recorded in a men’s ODI innings.

5. What are Shahid Afridi’s best ODI bowling figures?

Afridi’s best figures are 7/12 against West Indies in 2013.

6. What are Glenn McGrath’s best ODI bowling figures?

McGrath’s best ODI figures are 7/15 against Namibia in 2003.

7. What are Rashid Khan’s best ODI bowling figures?

Rashid Khan’s best ODI figures are 7/18 against West Indies in 2017.

8. What are Wanindu Hasaranga’s best ODI bowling figures?

His best ODI figures are 7/19 against Zimbabwe in 2024.

9. What are Andy Bichel’s best ODI bowling figures?

Bichel’s best ODI figures are 7/20 against England in 2003.

10. What are Charlie Cassell’s best ODI bowling figures?

Cassell took 7/21 against Oman on his ODI debut in 2024.

11. Who has the best ODI bowling figures on debut?

Charlie Cassell holds the men’s ODI debut record with 7/21 against Oman.

12. What are Muttiah Muralitharan’s best ODI bowling figures?

Muralitharan’s best figures are 7/30 against India in 2000.

13. What are Tim Southee’s best ODI bowling figures?

Southee’s best ODI figures are 7/33 against England in 2015.

14. What are Waqar Younis’s best ODI bowling figures?

Waqar’s best ODI figures are 7/36 against England in 2001.

15. Who has the best bowling figures for India in ODIs?

Mohammed Shami holds India’s record with 7/57 against New Zealand in 2023.

16. What were Stuart Binny’s best ODI bowling figures?

Stuart Binny took 6/4 against Bangladesh in 2014.

17. What are Anil Kumble’s best ODI bowling figures?

Anil Kumble took 6/12 against West Indies in 1993.

18. What are Jasprit Bumrah’s best ODI bowling figures?

Bumrah’s best ODI figures are 6/19 against England in 2022.

19. What are Mohammed Siraj’s best ODI bowling figures?

Siraj took 6/21 against Sri Lanka in the 2023 Asia Cup final.

20. What are Mohammed Shami’s best ODI bowling figures?

Shami’s best ODI figures are 7/57 against New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup semifinal.

21. Who has the best bowling figures in ODI World Cup history?

Glenn McGrath holds the men’s ODI World Cup record with 7/15 against Namibia in 2003.

22. Which spinner has the best bowling figures in ODIs?

Shahid Afridi holds the record among spinners with 7/12 against West Indies.

23. Which fast bowler has the best ODI bowling figures?

Chaminda Vaas holds the record with 8/19 against Zimbabwe.

24. Which Sri Lankan bowler has taken eight ODI wickets?

Chaminda Vaas achieved the milestone against Zimbabwe in 2001.

25. Which Australian bowler has the best ODI bowling figures?

Glenn McGrath holds Australia’s record with 7/15 against Namibia.

26. Which Pakistani bowler has the best ODI bowling figures?

Shahid Afridi holds Pakistan’s record with 7/12.

27. Which New Zealand bowler has the best ODI bowling figures?

Tim Southee holds New Zealand’s record with 7/33 against England.

28. Which Afghan bowler has the best ODI bowling figures?

Rashid Khan holds Afghanistan’s record with 7/18 against West Indies.

29. What does 8/19 mean in cricket?

It means a bowler took eight wickets while conceding 19 runs.

30. How many overs can a bowler bowl in an ODI?

A bowler can normally bowl a maximum of 10 overs in a 50-over ODI innings.

31. What is the difference between bowling average and economy rate?

Bowling average measures runs conceded per wicket, while economy rate measures runs conceded per over.

32. What is the best seven-wicket haul in men’s ODIs?

Shahid Afridi’s 7/12 against West Indies is the best seven-wicket haul.

33. How many bowlers have taken eight wickets in men’s ODI cricket?

Only one: Chaminda Vaas.

34. Did any bowler take seven wickets in the 2023 ODI World Cup?

Yes. Mohammed Shami took 7/57 against New Zealand in the semifinal.

35. Is Chaminda Vaas’s 8/19 ODI record still standing in 2026?

Yes. As of November 2026, Vaas still holds the men’s ODI record for the best bowling figures in an innings.

Conclusion

The best bowling figures in ODI cricket highlight some of the most extraordinary individual performances in international cricket.

Chaminda Vaas leads the all-time men’s ODI list with his historic 8/19 against Zimbabwe in 2001.

Shahid Afridi follows with 7/12 against West Indies, while Glenn McGrath’s 7/15 remains the best bowling performance in men’s ODI World Cup history.

Rashid Khan, Wanindu Hasaranga, Andy Bichel, Charlie Cassell, Muttiah Muralitharan, Tim Southee and Waqar Younis complete the top 10.

India’s best ODI bowling figures belong to Mohammed Shami, who took 7/57 against New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup semifinal.

Each of these spells shows that cricket is not only about scoring runs.

A single bowler can change the outcome of a match through accuracy, skill, movement and determination.

Chaminda Vaas’s 8/19 remains the ultimate benchmark for bowling excellence in men’s ODI cricket.

For more international cricket records, player statistics, ODI World Cup achievements and historic match performances, explore CricketGatha.

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