With their deft variations and ability to spin a web around opposing batters, spinners play a crucial part in the fast-paced arena of ODI cricket, frequently changing the course of matches. This article explores the history of the ODIs to honor and appreciate the skill of spin bowlers who have amassed the greatest number of five wickets and made a lasting impression. These masters have routinely taken five wickets or more in an innings, displaying their skill and tenacity in the limited-overs format. They range from captivating leg-spinners to crafty off-spinners. Here is a list of the top 10 spinners in ODI cricket who have taken the most 5-wicket hauls to determine the outcome of matches.
1. Muthiah Muralitharan
The first name on the list probably comes as no surprise. Muralitharan, the greatest ever wicket-taker in cricket history, has 534 wickets in ODIs. He has taken ten 5-wicket hauls, the most by a spinner in ODI cricket. The massive number of wickets is due to his ability to bowl variations and an impeccable economy.
2. Shahid Afridi
Afridi was a genuine ODI player. He was an excellent all-rounder who scored over 8000 runs and took almost 350 wickets. In addition to his usual style, he also bowled googlies, an off-break, and a quick one, which brought variation to his bowling. Thanks to these, he took nine 5-wicket hauls in ODI cricket.
3. Saqlain Mushtaq
Mushtaq bowled the doosra very well but overstepped the line several times. His variations in bowling allowed him to bowl in the death overs. He took an impressive 288 wickets in ODIs at an average of 21.78, which included six 5-wicket hauls. Although he was a good bowler, his international career did not last long.
4. Rashid Khan
Probably the bowler to look out for in cricket today, Rashid has a hold over batters in white-ball cricket. Having played over a hundred ODIs already, Rashid has bagged 183 wickets at an average of 20.48. He has four 5-wicket hauls, which is mighty impressive for a bowler just entering his prime.
5. Abdur Razzak
Razzak was a talented bowler who became the first Bangladesh player to take 200 wickets in ODIs. He played over 150 ODIs for Bangladesh, taking four 5-wicket hauls. Razzak's brilliance is seen in the 600-plus wickets he has taken in first-class cricket. He was a vital part of the Bangladesh squad while he was playing.
6. Shakib-al-Hasan
Another Bangladesh player who follows close behind Razzak is Shakib-al-Hassan. Arguably the most crucial player in the history of Bangladesh cricket, Hasan has been at the top of the list of all-rounders for the past several years. He has more than 300 wickets in ODIs, which includes four 5-wicket hauls.
7. Sanath Jayasuriya
Today, when someone mentions Jayasuriya, the first thing that comes to mind is that he was an impeccable batter across formats. He has over 13000 runs in ODIs. However, what people fail to notice is that he was also an excellent bowler who took an incredible 323 wickets in his career! This tally of his includes four 5-wicket hauls.
8. Wanindu Hasaranga
Although he is just at the start of his career, Hasaranga has already become one of the key bowlers for Sri Lanka. His impact in white-ball cricket is notable, as he has already taken more than 150 wickets in white-ball cricket. He has three 5-wicket hauls in ODIs and can take more in the future.
9. Sandeep Lamichhane
At just 23 years of age, Lamichhane is already making a name for himself worldwide. He has more than 200 wickets in international cricket and continues to impress. Lamichhane has an outstanding average of over 18 in ODIs and has taken three 5-wickets in the format. He has the makings of a big player.
10. Ajantha Mendis
Mendis bowled a lot of variations in his bowling. Off breaks, top spinners, carrom balls, the odd ball that did nothing, and googlies were some of his specialties. He played 87 ODIs for Sri Lanka and took over 150 wickets. His tally includes three 5-wicket hauls.
