ODI cricket is a popular format. There are many series and tournaments that follows ODI format, such as bilateral series, World Cup, and champions Trophy. ODI has been a part of cricket from a long time. There have been many fantastic countries who play ODI cricket. One of these country is Sri Lanka. They have won one ODI World Cup. Sri Lanka was a mighty team from 1996 to 2014. Nowadays, performance of this team is declining. However, there have been some bowlers who have taken a lot of wickets against the batters of Sri Lanka. In this article, we will look at the top 10 bowlers with most wickets against Sri Lanka in ODI cricket.
1. Irfan Pathan – 45
Irfan Pathan was one of the most talented pace bowler from the Indian team. He has a crucial role in winning the 2007 T20 World Cup for India. He has been a part of 32 matches against Sri Lanka in ODIs and has taken 45 wickets. His best bowling performance against Sri Lanka in ODIs is 5/61.
2. Saqlain Mushtaq – 47
Saqlain Mushtaq was considered as the best spinner in his era. Saqlain has won many matches for Pakistan single handedly by his bowling. He has been a part of 29 matches against Sri Lanka in ODIs and has taken 47 wickets. His best bowling performance against Sri Lanka in ODIs is 4/33.
3. Ajit Agarkar – 49
Ajit Agarkar was an ODI specialist bolwer. He excelled in limited overs due to his strengths. He was an aggressive bowler, but did not show it that much. He has been a part of 25 matches against Sri Lanka in ODIs and has taken 49 wickets. His best bowling performance against Sri Lanka in ODIs is 5/44.
4. Abdul Razzaq – 50
Abdul Razzaq was an excellent all-rounder from the Pakistan team. He was an accurate bowler, and was capable for reserve swinging the ball. He has been a part of 46 matches against Sri Lanka in ODIs and has taken 50 wickets. His best bowling performance against Sri Lanka in ODIs is 5/31.
5. Shaun Pollock – 51
Shaun Pollock was a legendary all-rounder from the South African Team. Pollock was the best all-rounder that ever played for the South African team. He has been a part of 35 matches against Sri Lanka in ODIs and has taken 51 wickets. His best bowling performance against Sri Lanka in ODIs is 4/18.
6. Harbhajan Singh – 61
Harbhajan Singh was the best and the leading spin bowler of the team at his time. He is also considered as the best off-spinner in the test cricket. He has been a part of 47 matches against Sri Lanka in ODIs and has taken 61 wickets. His best bowling performance against Sri Lanka in ODIs is 5/56.
7. Zaheer Khan – 66
Zaheer Khan was one of most exciting pace bowler from the Indian team. He was capable of swing with new ball and reverse swing with old ball. He has been a part of 48 matches against Sri Lanka in ODIs and has taken 66 wickets. His best bowling performance against Sri Lanka in ODIs is 5/42.
8. Shahid Afridi – 67
Shahid Afridi is one of the best all-rounders to play for Pakistan. Afridi was an aggressive batter and an excellent leg-spinner. He has been a part of 72 matches against Sri Lanka in ODIs and has taken 67 wickets. His best bowling performance against Sri Lanka in ODIs is 5/35.
9. Waqar Younis – 84
Waqar Younis was one of the fastest bowlers in his youth. Waqar was a fierce bowler, and his bouncers were deadly. He has been a part of 51 matches against Sri Lanka in ODIs and has taken 84 wickets. His best bowling performance against Sri Lanka in ODIs is 6/26.
10. Wasim Akram – 92
Wasim Akram is the best bowler that has ever played in the jersey of Pakistan. Akram was an aggressive bowler, which led him to take many wickets. He has been a part of 59 matches against Sri Lanka in ODIs and has taken 92 wickets. His best bowling performance against Sri Lanka in ODIs is 4/24.