In One Day Internationals (ODIs), batters often dominate headlines with towering sixes and massive totals. But every once in a while, a bowler produces a moment of magic that stuns the world and flips the match completely. These performances are remembered for years, etched in cricket history. The Best Bowling Figures in an ODI Match list celebrates such once-in-a-generation spells. These bowlers didn’t just take wickets; they destroyed lineups, turned games, and left unforgettable marks. Let’s look at the top 10 performances that truly define the phrase: Best Bowling Figures in an ODI Match, ranked from number 10 to number 1.
List of 5 Best Bowling Figures in an ODI Match
5. Wanindu Hasaranga
Wanindu Hasaranga stunned the cricketing world on January 11, 2024, when he tore through Zimbabwe’s batting order at Colombo (RPS). His 5.5-over spell returned astonishing figures of 7 wickets for just 19 runs. Hasaranga mixed sharp turn with smart changes in pace. The batters struggled to read his deliveries, resulting in soft dismissals and confused footwork. The control and aggression he displayed proved how dangerous he is in home conditions. This spell quickly became one of the Best Bowling Figures in an ODI Match, showing the dominance of spin even in modern power-hitting formats.
| Stats Type | Figures |
|---|---|
| Overs Bowled | 5.5 |
| Maidens | 1 |
| Runs Conceded | 19 |
| Wickets Taken | 7 |
| Economy Rate | 3.25 |
| Opponent | Zimbabwe |
| Venue | Colombo (RPS) |
| Match Date | 11 Jan 2024 |
| Match Innings | 1st |
| Result | Sri Lanka won |
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4. Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan’s incredible bowling against West Indies on June 9, 2017, reminded fans why he’s considered one of the best modern-day leg-spinners. He delivered 8.4 overs and claimed 7 wickets while conceding only 18 runs in Gros Islet. The Best Bowling Figures in an ODI Match from an Afghan cricketer came with classical leg-breaks, sharp googlies, and clever flight variations. The West Indies batters were completely trapped. This game turned the spotlight on Rashid globally and helped Afghanistan gain further respect in world cricket.
| Stats Type | Figures |
|---|---|
| Overs Bowled | 8.4 |
| Maidens | 1 |
| Runs Conceded | 18 |
| Wickets Taken | 7 |
| Economy Rate | 2.07 |
| Opponent | West Indies |
| Venue | Gros Islet |
| Match Date | 09 Jun 2017 |
| Match Innings | 2nd |
| Result | Afghanistan won |
3. Glenn McGrath
During the 2003 Cricket World Cup, Glenn McGrath delivered a spell that reminded everyone why he was feared around the world. He took 7 wickets for just 15 runs in only 7 overs against Namibia. The performance, full of precision, discipline, and classic McGrath consistency, became one of the Best Bowling Figures in an ODI Match in World Cup history. His ability to pitch the ball in the same spot ball after ball proved too much for the inexperienced Namibian batters.
| Stats Type | Figures |
|---|---|
| Overs Bowled | 7.0 |
| Maidens | 4 |
| Runs Conceded | 15 |
| Wickets Taken | 7 |
| Economy Rate | 2.14 |
| Opponent | Namibia |
| Venue | Potchefstroom |
| Match Date | 27 Feb 2003 |
| Match Innings | 2nd |
| Result | Australia won |
2. Shahid Afridi
Known more for his explosive batting, Shahid Afridi stunned fans when he bowled the Best Bowling Figures in an ODI Match by a Pakistani spinner in 2013. In just 9 overs, Afridi took 7 wickets for only 12 runs at Providence. His leg-spin was impossible to pick, and he combined it with deceptive pace and flight. Afridi bowled three maiden overs, breaking the back of the West Indies lineup and leading Pakistan to a historic win. This spell remains his career-best bowling performance.
| Stats Type | Figures |
|---|---|
| Overs Bowled | 9.0 |
| Maidens | 3 |
| Runs Conceded | 12 |
| Wickets Taken | 7 |
| Economy Rate | 1.33 |
| Opponent | West Indies |
| Venue | Providence |
| Match Date | 14 Jul 2013 |
| Match Innings | 2nd |
| Result | Pakistan won |
1. Chaminda Vaas
Chaminda Vaas delivered a historic bowling performance on December 8, 2001, that still stands at the top of the Best Bowling Figures in an ODI Match charts. He took 8 wickets for just 19 runs in 8 overs at Colombo (SSC), and this remains the only 8-wicket haul in ODI cricket history. Vaas used reverse swing, deadly accuracy, and clever movement off the pitch to destroy Zimbabwe’s innings. His figures are unmatched and likely to remain untouched for a long time.
| Stats Type | Figures |
|---|---|
| Overs Bowled | 8.0 |
| Maidens | 3 |
| Runs Conceded | 19 |
| Wickets Taken | 8 |
| Economy Rate | 2.37 |
| Opponent | Zimbabwe |
| Venue | Colombo (SSC) |
| Match Date | 08 Dec 2001 |
| Match Innings | 1st |
| Result | Sri Lanka won |
These unforgettable spells showcase the brilliance of fast bowlers and spinners alike. The Best Bowling Figures in an ODI Match remind us that even in high-scoring formats, bowlers can still dominate with skill, intelligence, and heart. These performances are not just records; they are stories of triumph, dominance, and cricketing excellence that will be remembered forever.