In the ongoing ODI World Cup, batters have thrived in batting-friendly conditions, delivering record-breaking innings with over 30 centuries and 400+ team scores. Nonetheless, recent games have witnessed compelling bowling performances, adding excitement to the matches. Meanwhile, star Pakistani bowler Shaheen Afridi achieved a significant milestone in the tournament, reaching 100 wickets in the ODI format.
Unlike Test cricket, where bowlers gain an early advantage, or T20 cricket, where batsmen must take risks to score quickly, ODI cricket provides a balanced opportunity for batsmen to pace their innings. Consequently, capturing 100 wickets in the 50-over format underscores the immense challenge of the task. So, in this article, we will talk about the top 5 bowlers to get the fastest 100 ODI wickets.
#5. Saqlain Mushtaq in 53 matches:
Saqlain Mushtaq (Source: Twitter)
The legendary Pakistani spinner debuted in 1995 and reached the milestone in under two years. He accomplished this feat during the 1997 Independence Cup hosted by India, in a group match in Gwalior against Sri Lanka. In this game, Mushtaq played a significant role, claiming three wickets in 9.5 overs, aiding Pakistan in securing a 30-run victory. Saqlain Mushtaq’s swift journey to 100 ODI wickets established an exceptional standard in cricket. His achievement highlighted his remarkable talent and consistent impact on the field, inspiring generations of cricketers worldwide.
