The record for Best Bowling Figures in an Innings in ODIs is one of the most respected achievements in One Day International cricket. A single bowling spell can completely change the direction of a match, especially when a bowler keeps taking wickets and does not allow the batting side to settle. While centuries and big run chases often attract headlines, bowlers who produce the Best Bowling Figures in an Innings in ODIs are remembered for their ability to dominate an entire innings.
Over the years, many legendary bowlers have produced unforgettable performances in ODI cricket. Some relied on express pace, others mastered swing bowling, and several world-class spinners used flight, turn, and accuracy to trouble the best batters in the world. Their spells are still discussed whenever fans talk about the Best Bowling Figures in an Innings in ODIs because they showed how one bowler can destroy a batting line-up.
List of 5 Best Bowling Figures in an Innings in ODIs
5. Muttiah Muralitharan
Muttiah Muralitharan begins our ranking of the Best Bowling Figures in an Innings in ODIs with his brilliant spell of 7 wickets for 30 runs. The Sri Lankan off-spinner is widely regarded as one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history. His unique action, sharp turn, deceptive flight, and incredible control made him a nightmare for batters across the world.
Muralitharan’s spell of 7/30 also highlighted the power of spin bowling in limited-overs cricket. On pitches where batters usually try to score quickly, he showed that a world-class spinner can still control the game and take wickets regularly. His ability to maintain pressure while dismissing key batters is one reason why this spell is still celebrated by cricket fans.
| Player | Overs | Mdns | Wkts | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muttiah Muralitharan | 10 | 1 | 7 | 3.00 |
4. Waqar Younis
Waqar Younis takes fourth place on the list of Best Bowling Figures in an Innings in ODIs with his devastating spell of 7 wickets for 36 runs. The Pakistani fast bowler was famous for his lethal reverse swing, deadly Yorkers, and attacking mindset. At his best, Waqar could destroy a batting line-up in just a few overs.
During this outstanding spell, Waqar attacked from the beginning and never allowed the opposition to settle. His pace and late movement troubled batters throughout the innings, while his accurate yorkers cleaned up the lower order with ease. Every wicket added to Pakistan’s control of the match, and his spell became one of the most memorable fast-bowling performances in ODI history.
| Player | Overs | Mdns | Wkts | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waqar Younis | 9 | 1 | 7 | 4.00 |
3. Glenn McGrath
Glenn McGrath ranks third on the list of the Best Bowling Figures in an Innings in ODIs after producing an extraordinary spell of 7 wickets for 15 runs. The Australian pace legend was never the fastest bowler in the world, but he made up for it with incredible accuracy, bounce, and discipline. His ability to bowl the same challenging line and length repeatedly forced even the world’s best batters into making mistakes.
McGrath’s spell of 7/15 is remembered as one of the greatest fast-bowling performances in ODI history. From the opening overs, he maintained relentless pressure on the batting side and refused to give away easy runs. His consistent movement off the pitch and perfect seam position helped him dismiss top-order batters before they could build partnerships. Once the opposition lost early wickets, McGrath continued attacking and never allowed them to recover.
| Player | Overs | Mdns | Wkts | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glenn McGrath | 10 | 4 | 7 | 1.50 |
READ MORE: Top 10 Players with the Fastest 1000 Runs in ODIs
2. Shahid Afridi
Shahid Afridi occupies second place on the list of the Best Bowling Figures in an Innings in ODIs after producing a sensational spell of 7 wickets for 12 runs. Although Afridi is widely known for his explosive batting and fearless approach, he was also one of Pakistan’s most successful leg-spinners. His aggressive bowling style, quick leg-breaks, and deceptive googlies often troubled even the most experienced batters.
During this unforgettable spell, Afridi attacked from the very beginning and constantly looked for wickets instead of simply containing runs. His clever variations and sharp turns forced batters into poor shots, while his accuracy made scoring extremely difficult. Every breakthrough shifted the momentum further in Pakistan’s favour, turning the match into a one-sided contest.
| Player | Overs | Mdns | Wkts | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shahid Afridi | 9 | 3 | 7 | 1.33 |
1. Chaminda Vaas
Chaminda Vaas holds the record for the Best Bowling Figures in an Innings in ODIs with his historic spell of 8 wickets for 19 runs. The Sri Lankan left-arm fast bowler produced one of the most dominant bowling performances ever seen in One Day International cricket. His exceptional swing, outstanding control, and ability to move the ball in both directions made him one of the most dangerous new-ball bowlers of his generation.
Vaas achieved this incredible record against Zimbabwe at Colombo on 8 December 2001. From the very first over, he found the perfect line and length, making life extremely difficult for every batter. His sharp swing and accurate seam movement resulted in regular breakthroughs, leaving the opposition struggling to build even the smallest partnership. The batting side never recovered from the early collapse as Vaas continued to attack with confidence and precision.
| Player | Overs | Mdns | Wkts | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chaminda Vaas | 8 | 3 | 8 | 2.37 |
The Best Bowling Figures in an Innings in ODIs represent some of the greatest individual performances ever witnessed in One Day International cricket. Every bowler featured in this ranking delivered a spell that completely changed the course of a match and showcased the highest level of bowling skill. Whether it was Muttiah Muralitharan’s magical off-spin, Waqar Younis’ devastating reverse swing, Glenn McGrath’s remarkable accuracy, Shahid Afridi’s attacking leg-spin, or Chaminda Vaas’ record-breaking new-ball spell, each performance deserves a special place in cricket history.
These legendary bowlers proved that wickets are often the biggest match-winning factor in ODI cricket. While modern cricket continues to favour batters with flatter pitches and shorter boundaries, outstanding bowling performances still have the power to decide games. That is why the Best Bowling Figures in an Innings in ODIs continue to be celebrated by players, experts, and fans around the world.