In One Day Internationals (ODIs), bowlers play a major role in shaping the outcome of matches. However, across long careers, many great bowlers end up conceding a high number of runs. The term Most Runs Conceded in ODI Careers refers to the total number of runs given away by bowlers throughout their ODI journey. These figures often reflect both their longevity and the number of overs they bowled under pressure.
List of 10 Most Runs Conceded in ODI Careers
10. Shaun Pollock
The record for Most Runs Conceded in ODI Careers includes Shaun Pollock, who remained one of South Africa’s most reliable bowlers. Pollock maintained excellent control over line and length, yet after playing more than 300 ODIs, the accumulated runs against him placed him among the top ten in this list. Despite that, his economy and average remained respectable due to his disciplined approach with the ball 10 Most Runs Conceded in ODI Careers.
Most Runs Conceded in ODI Careers doesn’t always point to failure but reflects the volume of work done across a long career, and Pollock’s name is a prime example.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 303 |
| Innings | 297 |
| Balls Bowled | 15712 |
| Overs Bowled | 2618.4 |
| Runs Conceded | 9631 |
READ MORE: Top 10 Bowlers with the Most ODI Wickets in a Single Year
9. Daniel Vettori
Daniel Vettori, a left-arm spinner with incredible control and variation, makes this list of Most Runs Conceded in ODI Careers due to his workload over nearly two decades. Bowling in all conditions and at various match stages, Vettori’s role meant absorbing pressure and keeping batters quiet. His name in the list confirms how responsibility and volume impact run-conceding statistics.
Although many runs were conceded, his strategic bowling gave New Zealand balance, and he maintained an economy that reflects his control.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 295 |
| Innings | 277 |
| Balls Bowled | 14060 |
| Overs Bowled | 2343.2 |
| Runs Conceded | 9674 |
8. Lasith Malinga
Lasith Malinga’s appearance in the Most Runs Conceded in ODI Careers list comes from his role as a strike bowler, especially during powerplays and death overs. His unorthodox slingy action and yorkers brought many wickets, but also left him exposed to expensive spells. A go-to bowler in crunch situations, Malinga had to take risks, leading to a higher run tally over time.
His high number of wickets and appearances speak of how important he was to Sri Lanka’s ODI plans, even if he conceded plenty of runs.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 226 |
| Innings | 220 |
| Balls Bowled | 10936 |
| Overs Bowled | 1822.4 |
| Runs Conceded | 9760 |
7. Waqar Younis
One of the fastest bowlers in the world, Waqar Younis features on the Most Runs Conceded in ODI Careers chart due to his long and aggressive international journey. With reverse swing and pace as weapons, Waqar attacked from the start. This attacking approach came with the trade-off of conceding many runs, particularly in high-scoring eras.
His place in this list doesn’t overshadow his legendary status, as his strike rate and wicket tally remain among the best in ODI history.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 262 |
| Innings | 258 |
| Balls Bowled | 12698 |
| Overs Bowled | 2116.2 |
| Runs Conceded | 9919 |
6. Anil Kumble
India’s spin spearhead, Anil Kumble, appears in the Most Runs Conceded in ODI Careers records due to his heavy workload. Kumble bowled with speed and bounce rather than spin, often being used to break partnerships. His long service to India’s ODI team led to many matches and even more overs, adding up to a significant total of runs conceded.
Yet his consistency, especially in subcontinent conditions, makes him one of the most dependable ODI bowlers.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 271 |
| Innings | 265 |
| Balls Bowled | 14496 |
| Overs Bowled | 2416.0 |
| Runs Conceded | 10412 |
5. Chaminda Vaas
Chaminda Vaas, the master of swing, is a well-known name in the list of Most Runs Conceded in ODI Careers. As Sri Lanka’s lead bowler for more than a decade, Vaas regularly bowled in tough conditions. His role required him to open the bowling and return in the death overs, increasing the chances of leaking runs. Still, his ability to take wickets and maintain a solid average shows the value he brought to the team.
His name among the Most Runs Conceded in ODI Careers highlights the cost of responsibility, especially for a frontline bowler who played hundreds of matches across formats.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 322 |
| Innings | 320 |
| Balls Bowled | 15775 |
| Overs Bowled | 2629.1 |
| Runs Conceded | 11014 |
4. Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram’s inclusion in the Most Runs Conceded in ODI Careers list is no surprise, given his 356-match career. Akram delivered with both new and old balls and was often used in high-pressure overs. These factors naturally resulted in conceding a high number of runs. However, Akram’s unmatched skills in swing bowling, especially under pressure, ensured that his wicket tally stayed among the highest in ODI cricket.
Being among the top names for Most Runs Conceded in ODI Careers only reflects how frequently he was trusted with the ball throughout his long and successful career.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 356 |
| Innings | 351 |
| Balls Bowled | 18186 |
| Overs Bowled | 3031.0 |
| Runs Conceded | 11812 |
3. Sanath Jayasuriya
Sanath Jayasuriya may be famous for his batting, but he also finds a spot in the Most Runs Conceded in ODI Careers list due to his bowling workload. As a part-time spinner, Jayasuriya often bowled in the middle overs, where he was both economical and useful in breaking partnerships. Over a career that lasted more than 20 years, the runs piled up, making him a unique case of an all-rounder with high run concessions.
His name in the Most Runs Conceded in ODI Careers rankings shows that even part-time bowlers can concede massive totals over long spells of play.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 445 |
| Innings | 368 |
| Balls Bowled | 14874 |
| Overs Bowled | 2479.0 |
| Runs Conceded | 11871 |
2. Muttiah Muralidaran
Muttiah Muralidaran, with the most wickets in ODI history, is also near the top of the Most Runs Conceded in ODI Careers list. Over nearly 20 years, Murali bowled more than any other spinner, which naturally led to a high total of runs conceded. Despite the numbers, his economy rate remained under 4 and his average stayed impressively low, proving just how effective he was, even while giving away runs.
This appearance on the Most Runs Conceded in ODI Careers chart doesn’t lessen his greatness it emphasizes the sheer volume of his contribution to Sri Lankan cricket.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 350 |
| Innings | 341 |
| Balls Bowled | 18811 |
| Overs Bowled | 3135.1 |
| Runs Conceded | 12326 |
READ MORE: Top 10 Highest Wicket Takers in ICC World Cup History
1. Shahid Afridi
Shahid Afridi leads the table for Most Runs Conceded in ODI Careers, having bowled nearly 3,000 overs during his 19-year career. Known mainly for his aggressive batting, Afridi also played a major role as a leg-spinner. Used frequently in middle overs and even during pressure phases, Afridi’s energetic bowling style often led to him conceding runs, even while picking up wickets regularly.
Being the leader in Most Runs Conceded in ODI Careers does not take away from Afridi’s all-round brilliance. Instead, it showcases how long he stayed relevant as a bowler in the ODI format.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 398 |
| Innings | 372 |
| Balls Bowled | 17670 |
| Overs Bowled | 2945.0 |
| Runs Conceded | 13632 |
The list of Most Runs Conceded in ODI Careers features some of the most legendary names in cricket. These bowlers spent years leading their teams, and the high run tally is a result of their commitment and heavy workloads. While conceding many runs can seem like a negative at first glance, the complete picture shows how these players remained key parts of their squads across many matches.
Having a name on the Most Runs Conceded in ODI Careers list is not a sign of weakness it’s often proof of longevity, trust, and contribution at the highest level of ODI cricket.