In the history of One Day International (ODI) cricket, dismissing batsmen through caught and bowled is a unique skill that showcases a bowler’s quick reflexes and alertness. The Most Caught and Bowled Wickets in ODI are achieved by players who not only deliver the ball but are agile enough to catch the return shot instantly. This form of dismissal is rare compared to other modes, making it special when a bowler masters it. Let’s explore the top 10 bowlers who have recorded the Most Caught and Bowled Wickets in ODI, ranked from number 10 to number 1.
List of 10 Bowlers with Most Caught and Bowled Wickets in ODI History
10. Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan from Bangladesh has demonstrated his all-round talent in ODIs since his debut in 2006. Known for his clever spin and precise bowling, Shakib has managed to secure his place among the bowlers with the Most Caught and Bowled Wickets in ODI. He dismissed 16 batsmen via this method, showing sharp reactions and excellent hand-eye coordination. Shakib’s ability to grab quick catches off his own bowling makes him one of the finest all-rounders in modern cricket Most Caught and Bowled Wickets in ODI.
| Field | Stats |
|---|---|
| Player | Shakib Al Hasan |
| Span | 2006-2023 |
| Matches | 247 |
| Runs | 9,360 |
| Wickets | 317 |
| Caught & Bowled | 16 |
READ MORE: Top 10 Most Extras Given by a Team in World Cup ODI History
9. Roger Harpe
Roger Harper, the West Indian off-spinner, was famous not only for his disciplined bowling but also for his quick reflexes. Between 1983 and 1996, Harper took 100 wickets in ODIs, and 16 of those were achieved through caught and bowled, making his mark in the list of the Most Caught and Bowled Wickets in ODI. Harper’s swift follow-through and alert fielding allowed him to seize these opportunities, even though his overall wicket count wasn’t the highest.
| Field | Stats |
|---|---|
| Player | Roger Harper |
| Span | 1983-1996 |
| Matches | 105 |
| Runs | 3,431 |
| Wickets | 100 |
| Caught & Bowled | 16 |
8. Harbhajan Singh
Harbhajan Singh, one of India’s most successful spinners, made a notable impact with his off-spin bowling. Playing from 1998 to 2015, Harbhajan claimed 269 ODI wickets, including 17 dismissals via caught and bowled. This achievement places him among players with the Most Caught and Bowled Wickets in ODI. His spin variations and swift reactions made him a constant threat to batsmen trying to attack straight down the pitch.
| Field | Stats |
|---|---|
| Player | Harbhajan Singh |
| Span | 1998-2015 |
| Matches | 236 |
| Runs | 8,973 |
| Wickets | 269 |
| Caught & Bowled | 17 |
7. Sanath Jayasuriya
Sanath Jayasuriya, famous for his explosive batting, was also an effective part-time spinner. From 1989 to 2011, Jayasuriya picked up 323 wickets in ODIs, with 18 of those being caught and bowled. This contribution earns him a solid position in the list of Most Caught and Bowled Wickets in ODI. His athleticism and sharp fielding sense helped him field off his own bowling effectively, adding another dimension to his all-round capabilities.
| Field | Stats |
|---|---|
| Player | Sanath Jayasuriya |
| Span | 1989-2011 |
| Matches | 445 |
| Runs | 11,871 |
| Wickets | 323 |
| Caught & Bowled | 18 |
6. Anil Kumble
Anil Kumble, India’s legendary leg-spinner, was renowned for his accuracy and consistency. From 1990 to 2007, Kumble secured 337 wickets in ODIs, with 18 caught and bowled dismissals. His name naturally appears in discussions about the Most Caught and Bowled Wickets in ODI. Kumble’s sharp deliveries often induced mistimed shots that came straight back to him, which he capitalized on with his safe hands.
| Field | Stats |
|---|---|
| Player | Anil Kumble |
| Span | 1990-2007 |
| Matches | 271 |
| Runs | 10,412 |
| Wickets | 337 |
| Caught & Bowled | 18 |
5. Carl Hooper
Carl Hooper of the West Indies was a stylish cricketer who shone with both bat and ball. Between 1987 and 2003, Hooper claimed 193 wickets in ODIs, with 18 of them coming via caught and bowled. His contribution to the Most Caught and Bowled Wickets in ODI list is notable. Hooper’s smooth off-spin bowling, coupled with his calm presence, made him adept at catching return shots with ease.
| Field | Stats |
|---|---|
| Player | Carl Hooper |
| Span | 1987-2003 |
| Matches | 227 |
| Runs | 6,958 |
| Wickets | 193 |
| Caught & Bowled | 18 |
4. Saqlain Mushtaq
Saqlain Mushtaq, the Pakistani spinner known for the ‘doosra’, was one of the pioneers in off-spin bowling. From 1995 to 2003, Saqlain took 288 ODI wickets, including 20 through caught and bowled. His skill and innovation earned him a place among bowlers with the Most Caught and Bowled Wickets in ODI. His clever variations often deceived batsmen into playing straight shots, only to find Saqlain ready to catch the ball.
| Field | Stats |
|---|---|
| Player | Saqlain Mushtaq |
| Span | 1995-2003 |
| Matches | 169 |
| Runs | 6,275 |
| Wickets | 288 |
| Caught & Bowled | 20 |
3. Shahid Afridi
Shahid Afridi, famously known as ‘Boom Boom’, was not just an attacking batsman but also a skillful leg-spinner. From 1996 to 2015, Afridi captured 395 wickets in ODIs, and 24 of them were caught and bowled. This outstanding number places him prominently in the tally of the Most Caught and Bowled Wickets in ODI. His quick deliveries and deceptive googlies often resulted in batsmen being caught off guard, leading to easy catches for Afridi.
| Field | Stats |
|---|---|
| Player | Shahid Afridi |
| Span | 1996-2015 |
| Matches | 398 |
| Runs | 13,632 |
| Wickets | 395 |
| Caught & Bowled | 24 |
2. Chris Harris
Chris Harris of New Zealand was a dependable medium-pacer with an unorthodox bowling style. Playing from 1990 to 2004, Harris took 203 ODI wickets, with an impressive 29 of them being caught and bowled. This feat ranks him high among those with the Most Caught and Bowled Wickets in ODI. His ability to field off his own bowling was exemplary, reflecting his excellent anticipation and fielding prowess.
| Field | Stats |
|---|---|
| Player | Chris Harris |
| Span | 1990-2004 |
| Matches | 250 |
| Runs | 7,613 |
| Wickets | 203 |
| Caught & Bowled | 29 |
READ MORE: Top 10 Players with the Most ODI Runs at a Single Ground
1. Muttiah Muralidaran
Muttiah Muralidaran of Sri Lanka remains the leader when it comes to the Most Caught and Bowled Wickets in ODI. Between 1993 and 2011, Murali amassed 534 ODI wickets, the highest by any bowler in this format, with 35 of them being caught and bowled. His unique bowling style and unplayable deliveries often forced batsmen into mistimed shots that he caught effortlessly. Murali’s sharp reflexes and agility made him a complete bowler, not just in terms of wicket-taking but also in fielding off his own bowling.
| Field | Stats |
|---|---|
| Player | Muttiah Muralidaran |
| Span | 1993-2011 |
| Matches | 350 |
| Runs | 12,326 |
| Wickets | 534 |
| Caught & Bowled | 35 |
The art of catching a return shot is rare and demonstrates extraordinary athleticism and concentration. These bowlers, who top the list for the Most Caught and Bowled Wickets in ODI, have shown that bowling is not just about delivering the ball but also about being alert to field it. From Muttiah Muralidaran to Shakib Al Hasan, each of these cricketers has left a significant mark with their fielding abilities and quick reactions. Their names will forever be associated with mastering one of cricket’s most difficult forms of dismissal.