Top 5 ODI bowlers with most wickets in winning cause
It is often erroneously perceived that only batsmen determine the direction of ODI cricket. However, upon comprehensive deliberation on those myriad editions of major tournaments, the significance of game-changing bowlers becomes quite palpable. As evidenced by recent manifestations such as Pakistan's resurgent march to the Champions Trophy title last year and Mitchell Starc's exploits in the 2015 World Cup, teams with world-class bowlers metamorphose into world-beaters.
Also Read: Top 5 Test bowlers with most wickets in winning cause
In this segment encapsulating all ODIs, let us take a close look at the top five bowlers with the most number of wickets in winning cause. Interestingly, only one spinner features in the list of long-serving match-winners in the fabled history of the popular format. While Sri Lanka, South Africa and Pakistan have one representative each in the top five, two eminent Australian bowlers feature in this distinguished group.
#5 Shaun Pollock - 290 wickets from 191 ODIs
With his probing accuracy as well as impeccable control over line and length, Shaun Pollock consistently examined the aptitude of numerous batsmen across the globe. He relied on his strengths in a steadfast manner to extract seam movement from even seemingly docile pitches. To go alongside his dependable primary skill-set, the all-rounder found ways to add handy runs from lower down the order.
South Africa emerged victorious on as many as 191 out of Pollock's 303 career ODIs. From those matches, the right-arm seamer picked 290 wickets at an impressive average of 19.67 and splendid economy-rate of 3.36 with a couple of five-wicket hauls. One of those helped the Proteas defend a below-par total of 149 against England at Johannesburg during the final of the 2000 Standard Bank Triangular Tournament.