Top 5 Fastest Bowlers To Pick 200 Wickets In ODIs
Trent Boult became the third fastest to 200 ODI wickets (Twitter)
New Zealand pacer, Trent Boult recently added another feather to his cap by becoming the third fastest bowler to claim 200 wickets in One Day Internationals (ODIs). The southpaw achieved this feat during New Zealand’s World Cup 2023 clash vs Bangladesh in Chennai on Friday.
Fastest bowlers to 200 ODI wickets
Among the many landmarks a bowler aspires to, reaching 200 ODI wickets stands out as a remarkable feat - a fine balance of endurance, consistency, and tactics. Only a few exceptional bowlers have managed to touch this pinnacle in record time, underlining their dominance and importance in the limited-overs format.
Boult's inclusion in this elite club shows the evolution of the game and the benchmarks that the modern-day greats are setting. As we dive deep into history, here’s a look at the bowlers who turned games with their magnificent bowling, reaching the 200-wicket milestone in the shortest span.
1. Mitchell Starc (102 matches)
Mitchell Starc (Twitter)
Australian speedster, Mitchell Starc is the quickest bowler to reach 200 ODI wickets. A left-arm pacer known for his menacing pace and toe-crushing yorkers, Starc achieved this milestone in just 102 matches. Throughout his ODI career, his capability to swing the ball both ways along with his stunning pace, has terrorized batting line-ups worldwide. With a knack for striking early and making breakthroughs in crunch situations, Starc has been instrumental in many of Australia's victories. The southpaw has 223 ODI wickets and best ODI figures of 6/28 which are proof of his match-winning capabilities.
2. Saqlain Mushtaq (104 matches)
Saqlain Mushtaq (Twitter)
The magician from Pakistan, Saqlain Mushtaq reached the 200-wicket mark in just 104 matches. The off-spinner revolutionized the art of spin bowling with his invention of the 'doosra,' a delivery that spins away from the batsman contrary to the traditional off-spin. Saqlain's mastery over his bowling and his ability to bamboozle batsmen, even on unresponsive tracks, set him apart from his contemporaries. Over his ODI career, which spanned 169 matches, he scalped 288 wickets at an impressive average of 21.78. His best figures in an innings stand at 5/20.
3. Trent Boult (107 matches)
Trent Boult (Twitter)
New Zealand's Trent Boult achieved this milestone in his 107th match against Bangladesh in the World Cup 2023. Boult's strengths lie in his ability to swing the ball prodigiously, especially in conditions favourable to seam bowling. With an upright seam position and a natural in-swing to right-handers, he's been a consistent performer for the BlackCaps across formats. His most lethal weapon, the inswinger, has been the downfall of many top-order batsmen. With a career-best of 7/34 and 200 wickets in ODIs, Boult continues to be a vital cog in New Zealand's bowling machinery.
4. Brett Lee (112 matches)
Brett Lee (Twitter)
One of the fastest bowlers cricket has ever witnessed, Australia's Brett Lee touched the 200-wicket mark in 112 matches. His raw pace along with his ability to swing the ball late, made him a fearsome sight for batsmen. Lee's high-arm action and express pace often clocked above 150 kph, making him one of the genuine speedsters of his era. Throughout his illustrious career, he bagged 380 wickets in 221 ODIs with a career-best of 5/22.
5. Allan Donald (117 matches)
Allan Donald (Twitter)
Representing South Africa, Allan Donald, fondly known as 'White Lightning', reached the 200-wicket mark in 117 matches. One of the pioneers of fast bowling in the rainbow nation, Donald combined pace, swing, and precision to perfection. His relentless accuracy and fiery demeanour on the pitch made him a challenge even for the best in the business. With 272 ODI wickets in 164 matches under his belt and a best of 6/23, Donald's legacy as one of the finest pacers remains intact.
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