Top 10 Bowlers with the Most ODI Wickets in a Single Year

The phrase Top 10 Bowlers with the Most ODI Wickets in a Single Year refers to the list of bowlers who have taken the highest number of wickets in One Day Internationals (ODIs) during a single calendar year. These bowlers displayed outstanding consistency, control, and match-winning abilities, making them standout performers in ODI cricket history.

List of 10 Bowlers with the Most ODI Wickets in a Single Year

10. Muttiah Muralidaran

In 2001, Muttiah Muralidaran showed the world why he was one of the finest spinners in ODI history. He was accurate, intelligent, and difficult to score against, especially during the middle overs. That year, he featured in 33 ODIs and picked up 56 wickets. His bowling helped Sri Lanka control matches from the start. What made him even more dangerous was his economy rate of 3.30, proving his consistency. Among the Most ODI Wickets in a Single Year, Muralidaran’s name stands out due to his economical spells and match-turning breakthroughs Most ODI Wickets in a Single Year.

Year	Matches	Runs	Wickets	BBI	Ave	Econ	SR
2001	33	1019	56	5/30	18.19	3.30	33.05

9. Ajit Agarkar

Ajit Agarkar had a memorable year in 1998 when he became India’s most effective fast bowler. He claimed 58 wickets from just 30 matches. Known for his pace and ability to get early wickets, Agarkar often gave India the perfect start with the ball. Though his economy rate of 5.12 was slightly higher, he was still highly effective in finishing games. As one of the Most ODI Wickets in a Single Year, Agarkar’s sharp spells in 1998 remain a highlight of his career.

Year	Matches	Runs	Wickets	BBI	Ave	Econ	SR
1998	30	1378	58	4/35	23.75	5.12	27.81

8. Waqar Younis

Waqar Younis delivered outstanding performances for Pakistan in 1996, using his deadly reverse swing to great effect. Playing 35 matches, he secured 60 wickets and was a consistent threat to all batting lineups. He bowled fast and accurately, and his average of 22.46 shows how crucial he was to his team’s success. Being among the Most ODI Wickets in a Single Year is a reflection of Waqar’s excellence and fierce competitiveness.

Year	Matches	Runs	Wickets	BBI	Ave	Econ	SR
1996	35	1348	60	6/44	22.46	4.69	28.68

7. Abdul Razzaq

In 2000, Abdul Razzaq impressed everyone with his steady bowling and wicket-taking ability. He played 38 matches and claimed 61 wickets, making him an asset in the middle overs. His ability to maintain pressure with tight bowling helped Pakistan in many key games. Abdul Razzaq earned his place among the Most ODI Wickets in a Single Year thanks to his balance of control and aggression.

Year	Matches	Runs	Wickets	BBI	Ave	Econ	SR
2000	38	1370	61	5/48	22.45	4.35	30.96

6. Shaun Pollock

Shaun Pollock was South Africa’s bowling mainstay in 2000. Known for his precision and control, Pollock bowled with remarkable discipline across 38 matches and picked up 61 wickets. His economy rate of 3.97 was outstanding, showing how difficult he was to score off. His inclusion among the Most ODI Wickets in a Single Year is well-deserved due to his reliability and ability to swing the ball under all conditions.

Year	Matches	Runs	Wickets	BBI	Ave	Econ	SR
2000	38	1319	61	5/20	21.62	3.97	32.60

5. Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble had a dream run in 1996, taking 61 wickets in 32 ODIs with his clever leg-spin. He used bounce and sharp turn to deceive batsmen, and his ability to keep things tight made him a dependable bowler. With an economy rate of just over 4 and an average of 20.24, Kumble proved his worth in every match. As part of the Most ODI Wickets in a Single Year, Kumble’s 1996 season remains one of India’s best.

Year	Matches	Runs	Wickets	BBI	Ave	Econ	SR
1996	32	1235	61	4/12	20.24	4.06	29.91

4. Shane Warne

Shane Warne’s influence in ODI cricket reached a peak in 1999 when he collected 62 wickets from 37 matches. Warne’s cunning spin and ability to apply pressure kept opponents in check. Although he didn’t have any five-wicket hauls that year, his consistent wicket-taking made him a reliable force for Australia. As a member of the Most ODI Wickets in a Single Year, Warne proved that smart bowling can be just as effective as pace or power.

Year	Matches	Runs	Wickets	BBI	Ave	Econ	SR
1999	37	1443	62	4/29	23.27	4.38	31.85

3. Saeed Ajmal

Saeed Ajmal became a nightmare for batters in 2013 with his unique bowling style and variations. His doosra was particularly difficult to pick. Playing 33 matches, Ajmal snatched 62 wickets and played a major role in Pakistan’s bowling strength. His average of 20.45 and his ability to create pressure made him a top spinner. As one of the Most ODI Wickets in a Single Year, Ajmal’s performance in 2013 is still remembered for its skill and mystery.

Year	Matches	Runs	Wickets	BBI	Ave	Econ	SR
2013	33	1268	62	5/24	20.45	4.13	29.66

2. Saqlain Mushtaq

Saqlain Mushtaq had a breakout year in 1996 where his spin magic gave Pakistan a real edge. He took 65 wickets in 33 ODIs, combining clever bowling with tight lines. His ability to bowl at any stage of the game made him invaluable. The Most ODI Wickets in a Single Year list wouldn’t be complete without Saqlain’s name for this performance.

Year	Matches	Runs	Wickets	BBI	Ave	Econ	SR
1996	33	1269	65	5/29	19.52	4.39	26.67

1. Saqlain Mushtaq

In 1997, Saqlain Mushtaq took his performance to the next level by claiming 69 wickets in 36 matches. This record still stands as the highest number of wickets taken by a bowler in a single calendar year in ODIs. His mix of control, turn, and deception made him a deadly bowler. As the number one name among the Most ODI Wickets in a Single Year, Saqlain’s 1997 performance remains a gold standard in ODI bowling history.

Year	Matches	Runs	Wickets	BBI	Ave	Econ	SR
1997	36	1293	69	5/38	18.73	4.11	27.33

The Most ODI Wickets in a Single Year list highlights those who consistently delivered match-winning performances throughout one calendar year. These bowlers not only took wickets regularly but also played crucial roles in their teams’ successes. From spin wizards like Saqlain Mushtaq and Muttiah Muralidaran to pace greats like Waqar Younis and Ajit Agarkar, each name on this list has made a lasting mark in ODI history.