Most ODI wickets for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a rich history of producing legendary bowlers who have left an indelible mark on international cricket. Sri Lanka has produced cricketing legends like Muttiah Muralitharan, the highest wicket-taker in both Test and ODI cricket.  He was known for his exceptional spin bowling skills and achieved numerous records during his illustrious career. In the ODI format, he claimed 534 wickets. Muralitharan’s contributions played a significant role in Sri Lanka’s success in international cricket, including their 1996 Cricket World Cup victory. Alongside Muttiah Muralitharan, there have been several other remarkable bowlers from Sri Lanka.

Most ODI wickets for Sri Lanka

In this article we will cover top wicket takers for Sri Lanka in ODI cricket history. 

Muttiah Muralitharan

Muttiah Muralitharan, often regarded as one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history, is an iconic figure in Sri Lankan cricket. With over 500 ODI wickets to his name, Muralitharan’s incredible spin-bowling skills and unorthodox deliveries made him a constant threat to batsmen around the world. His ODI debut in 1993 marked the beginning of a remarkable career that spanned 343 matches. Muralitharan’s unparalleled record of 523 wickets at an economy rate of 3.92 and an average of 23.08 stands as a testament to his dominance in the limited-overs format. His achievements are a source of pride for Sri Lanka and a symbol of excellence in the sport. 

Chaminda Vaas

Chaminda Vaas, a former Sri Lankan pace bowler, occupies the second spot on this list of legendary Sri Lankan cricketers. Vaas was renowned for his ability to swing the ball and was often a potent force in the early overs, claiming crucial first-ball wickets. His ODI journey commenced in February 1994 against India, and he went on to play 321 matches, amassing a total of 399 wickets. With an impressive average of 27.53 and an economy rate of 4.18, Vaas was a consistent performer for Sri Lanka and played a vital role in their bowling attack during his illustrious career.

Lasith Malinga

Lasith Malinga, known for his unorthodox bowling action and exceptional skill in the death overs, secures the third position among legendary Sri Lankan cricketers. Malinga burst onto the international scene in July 2004, making his ODI debut against the UAE. Throughout his career, spanning 226 ODIs, he scalped 338 wickets with an average of 28.87. Malinga’s ability to bowl yorkers and slower balls with precision made him a lethal force in limited-overs cricket. His unique and often unpredictable style of bowling earned him the reputation of being one of the best death bowlers in the history of the game, and he played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s ODI success.

Sanath Jayasuriya

Sanath Jayasuriya, a legendary Sri Lankan all-rounder known for his explosive batting and handy left-arm spin, holds the fourth position on this list of top Sri Lankan ODI bowlers. Jayasuriya’s illustrious ODI career began in December 1986 when he made his debut against Australia at the MCG. Remarkably, he played a record 441 ODI matches, the highest by any player. Jayasuriya’s left-arm spin fetched him 320 wickets at an economy rate of 4.78, showcasing his remarkable ability to contribute with both bat and ball. His aggressive style of play revolutionized limited-overs cricket, and he remains one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic cricketers. 

Nuwan Kulasekara

Nuwan Kulasekara, a former Sri Lankan bowler known for his swing bowling, is the fifth-best wicket-taker in ODI history. Kulasekara made his One-Day International debut against England in Dambulla in November 2003, finishing with figures of 2-19 in nine overs. He featured in 184 One-Day Internationals for Sri Lanka and took 199 wickets over his 14-year career. His average was 33.92 and his economy rate was 4.90, demonstrating his ability to manage the game with his controlled and effective swing bowling.

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