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Top 5 bowlers to get to fastest 100 ODI wickets
Sandeep Lamichhane, the Nepali spinner, etched his name in history by emerging as the quickest player to secure 100 wickets in ODIs
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.
#4. Mitchell Starc in 52 matches:
Mitchell Starc (Source: Twitter)
Since his ODI debut in 2010, Mitchell Starc has been a formidable force for Australia in all formats, showcasing remarkable prowess in the limited-overs format. Notably, during Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka in 2016, Starc achieved the distinction of becoming the second-fastest bowler to claim 100 wickets. In that game, he secured three crucial wickets in his allotted ten overs, significantly contributing to restricting the hosts to a total of 227 runs.
Australia went on to clinch victory by three wickets, further solidifying Starc’s pivotal role in the team’s success. His consistent performance and exceptional skill set have elevated his status as a premier fast bowler in international cricket, making him a key asset for the Australian side in various competitions.
#3. Shaheen Afridi in 51 matches:
Shaheen Afridi (Source: Twitter)
The Eden Gardens in Kolkata are currently hosting the Pakistan-Bangladesh match. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, the Tigers’ decision quickly proved detrimental as they lost three wickets during the initial powerplay. Shaheen Afridi emerged as the standout performer with the ball in the initial overs, securing two crucial wickets within his first two overs.
This remarkable display enabled Shaheen to reach the milestone of 100 ODI wickets, setting a new world record for the seamer to achieve this feat. Remarkably, it took him just 51 matches, one game fewer than the previous record-holder, Mitchell Starc.
#2. Rashid Khan in 44 matches:
Rashid Khan (Source: Twitter)
Since his ODI debut in 2015, Rashid Khan has demonstrated remarkable success, amassing an impressive tally of 158 wickets in 83 matches at a striking rate of 26.8. During the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup qualifier, he marked his 100th wicket milestone in a match against the West Indies.
Notably, Rashid Khan’s sole dismissal in this particular game was that of Shai Hope, contributing to Afghanistan’s containment of the Men in Maroon to a modest 204. Subsequently, Afghanistan clinched victory, triumphing over their opponents by seven wickets.
#1. Sandeep Lamichhane in 42 matches:
Sandeep Lamichhane (Source: Twitter)
Sandeep Lamichhane, the Nepali spinner, etched his name in history by emerging as the quickest player to secure 100 wickets in one-day internationals (ODI). During the ACC Men’s Premier Cup match against Oman, the right-arm leg-break bowler clinched this remarkable feat by dismissing Adil Shafiq. Surpassing Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, who achieved the milestone in 44 matches, Lamichhane reached this significant landmark in an astonishing 42 games.
His exceptional performance not only highlights his individual prowess but also underlines the growing prowess of Nepali cricket on the international stage. Lamichhane’s rapid ascent to the 100-wicket milestone underscores his exceptional skill and determination, serving as a testament to his unwavering dedication and hard work in the realm of ODI cricket.
