Top 10 Deadliest Bowlers in Cricket History Full Information

Introduction Deadliest Bowlers in Cricket History

Cricket, often dubbed the gentleman’s game, has witnessed numerous legends who have left an indelible mark on its rich history. Among these, bowlers have played a pivotal role in shaping matches and turning the tide in favor of their teams. This article delves into the top 10 most deadly bowlers in cricket history, celebrating their unparalleled skills and contributions to the sport.

1. Wasim Akram – The Sultan of Swing

🏏 Personal Information

• Full Name: Wasim Akram
• Date of Birth: June 3, 1966
• Place of Birth: Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
• Batting Style: Left-hand bat Bowling Style: Left-arm fast
• Playing Role: Bowler

🏆 Career Highlights

• International Debut:
• Test: January 25, 1985, vs. New Zealand
• ODI: November 23, 1984, vs. New Zealand
• Retirement:
• Test: 2002
• ODI: 2003
• Major Teams: Pakistan, Lancashire, Hampshire, Lahore, Pakistan Automobiles Corporation, Pakistan International Airlines

📊 Career Statistics

Test Matches

• Matches: 104
• Wickets: 414
• Bowling Average: 23.62
• Best Bowling in an Innings: 7/119
• Five-Wicket Hauls: 25
• Ten-Wicket Matches: 5
• Runs Scored: 2,898
• Batting Average: 22.64
• Highest Score: 257

One Day Internationals (ODIs)

• Matches: 356
• Wickets: 502
• Bowling Average: 23.52
• Best Bowling: 5/15
• Five-Wicket Hauls: 6
• Runs Scored: 3,717
• Batting Average: 16.52
• Highest Score: 86

First-Class (FC) Matches

• Matches: 257
• Wickets: 1,042
• Bowling Average: 21.64
• Best Bowling: 8/30
• Runs Scored: 7,161
• Batting Average: 22.73
• Highest Score: 257

List A Matches

• Matches: 594
• Wickets: 881
• Bowling Average: 21.91
• Best Bowling: 5/10
• Runs Scored: 6,993
• Batting Average: 18.90
• Highest Score: 89

🏅 Notable Records and Achievementsq

• First bowler to reach 500 wickets in ODIs.
• Leading wicket-taker for Pakistan in both Test (414) and ODI (502) formats.
• Total international wickets: 916 (the most by a left-arm bowler).
• Joint-most international hat-tricks: 4 (2 in Tests, 2 in ODIs).
• Highest individual score by a No.8 batsman in Test cricket: 257 against Zimbabwe in 1996.
• Most sixes in a Test innings: 12 during his 257 innings.
• Most ODI wickets at a single venue: 122 wickets at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
• Most wickets as an ODI captain: 158.
• Total wickets as captain in international cricket: 265 (second only to Imran Khan’s 318 for Pakistan). 

🏆 Awards and Honors

• Wisden Cricketer of the Year: 1993
• Inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame: 2009
• Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Pakistan’s second-highest civilian award): 2019

🎖️ Post-Retirement Contributions

• Coaching: Served as a bowling coach for various teams, including Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League.
• Commentary: Worked as a cricket commentator for ESPN STAR Sports.
• Mentorship: Continues to mentor young fast bowlers and contributes to cricket development programs. 

📚 Additional Information

• Autobiography: “Sultan: A Memoir” where he candidly discusses his life, career, and personal challenges.
• Personal Struggles: Has openly spoken about his past struggles with health and personal issues, aiming to inspire others facing similar challenges.

2. Muttiah Muralitharan – The Spin Wizard

Personal Information

• Full Name: Deshabandu Muttiah Muralitharan
• Date of Birth: April 17, 1972
• Place of Birth: Kandy, Sri Lanka
• Batting Style: Right-hand bat
• Bowling Style: Right-arm off-break
• Playing Role: Bowler

🏏 International Career

• Test Debut: August 28, 1992, vs. Australia
• ODI Debut: August 12, 1993, vs. India
• T20I Debut: December 22, 2006, vs. New Zealand
• Last Test: July 18, 2010, vs. India
• Last ODI: April 2, 2011, vs. India
• Last T20: October 31, 2010, vs. Australia

📊 Career Statistics

Test Matches

• Matches: 133
• Wickets: 800
• Bowling Average: 22.73
• Best Bowling in an Innings: 9/51
• Five-Wicket Hauls: 67
• Ten-Wicket Matches: 22
• Runs Scored: 1,261
• Batting Average: 11.67
• Highest Score: 67

One Day Internationals (ODIs)

• Matches: 350
• Wickets: 534
• Bowling Average: 23.08
• Best Bowling: 7/30
• Five-Wicket Hauls: 10
• Runs Scored: 674
• Batting Average: 6.80
• Highest Score: 33

Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)

• Matches: 12
• Wickets: 13
• Bowling Average: 22.84
• Best Bowling: 3/29

🏆 Major Achievements

• Only bowler to take 800 wickets in Test cricket.
• Holds the record for the most wickets in ODIs with 534.
• First and only player to take 10 wickets in a Test match against every Test-playing nation.
• Achieved 67 five-wicket hauls and 22 ten-wicket hauls in Test matches.
• Named one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 1999.
• Inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2016.

🏅 Honors and Awards

• Wisden Cricketer of the Year: 1999
• ICC Cricket Hall of Fame Inductee: 2016
• Deshabandu Title: A national honor awarded by the Sri Lankan government.

📚 Additional Information

Controversies: Muralitharan’s bowling action was scrutinized for its legality, leading to biomechanical analysis and eventual clearance by the ICC.

Post-Retirement: After retiring from international cricket, he has been involved in coaching and mentoring roles, contributing to the development of spin bowling worldwide. 

3. Shane Warne – The Leg-Spin Maestro

Personal Information

• Full Name: Shane Keith Warne
• Date of Birth: September 13, 1969
• Place of Birth: Upper Ferntree Gully, Victoria, Australia
• Date of Death: March 4, 2022
• Batting Style: Right-hand bat
• Bowling Style: Right-arm leg break
• Playing Role: Bowler

🏏 International Career

• Test Debut: January 2, 1992, vs. India
• ODI Debut: March 24, 1993, vs. New Zealand
• Last Test: January 2, 2007, vs. England
• Last ODI: January 10, 2005, vs. Asia XI
• Major Teams: Australia, Victoria, Hampshire, Rajasthan Royals, Melbourne Stars

📊 Career Statistics

Test Matches

• Matches: 145
• Wickets: 708
• Bowling Average: 25.41
• Best Bowling in an Innings: 8/71
• Five-Wicket Hauls: 37
• Ten-Wicket Matches: 10
• Runs Scored: 3,154
• Batting Average: 17.32
• Highest Score: 99

One Day Internationals (ODIs)

• Matches: 194
• Wickets: 293
• Bowling Average: 25.74
• Best Bowling: 5/33
• Five-Wicket Hauls: 1
• Runs Scored: 1,018
• Batting Average: 13.05
• Highest Score: 55

First-Class (FC) Matches

• Matches: 301
• Wickets: 1,319
• Bowling Average: 26.11
• Best Bowling: 8/71
• Runs Scored: 6,919
• Batting Average: 19.43
• Highest Score: 107

List A Matches

• Matches: 311
• Wickets: 473
• Bowling Average: 24.61
• Best Bowling: 6/42
• Runs Scored: 1,879
• Batting Average: 11.81
• Highest Score: 55

🏆 Major Achievements

• Second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket history: 708 wickets.
• First bowler to reach 700 Test wickets.
• Most wickets (96) in Test matches in a calendar year.
• Named one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Century in 2000.
• Inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2013.
• Part of Australia’s 1999 World Cup-winning team.
• Took a hat-trick in the 1994 Ashes series.
• Holds the record for most Test wickets in Ashes history.
• Known for the “Ball of the Century” delivered to Mike Gatting in 1993.

🏅 Honors and Awards

• Wisden Cricketer of the Year: 1994
• Wisden Cricketers of the Century: 2000
• ICC Cricket Hall of Fame Inductee: 2013
• Statue unveiled at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in his honor.
• The Australia–Sri Lanka Test series trophy named the Warne–Muralitharan Trophy.

📚 Additional Information

• Captaincy: Led Rajasthan Royals to victory in the inaugural IPL season in 2008.
• Post-Retirement: Worked as a cricket commentator and mentor.
• Personal Life: Known for his charismatic personality and off-field controversies.
• Legacy: Regarded as one of the greatest leg-spin bowlers in the history of cricket. 

4. Lasith Malinga – The Yorker King

Personal Information

• Full Name: Separamadu Lasith Malinga
• Date of Birth: August 28, 1983
• Place of Birth: Galle, Sri Lanka
• Batting Style: Right-hand bat
• Bowling Style: Right-arm fast
• Playing Role: Bowler
• Nicknames: Slinga Malinga, Kagawena
• Height: 5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
• Weight: 75 kg (165 lbs)
• Eye Colour: Dark Brown
• Hair Colour: Black (Dyed Golden-Brown)

🏏 International Career

• Test Debut: July 1, 2004, vs. Australia
• ODI Debut: July 17, 2004, vs. UAE
• T20 Debut: June 15, 2006, vs. England
• Last Test: August 3, 2010, vs. India
• Last ODI: July 26, 2019, vs. Bangladesh
• Last T20: March 6, 2020, vs. West Indies

📊 Career Statistics

Test Matches

• Matches: 30
• Wickets: 101
• Bowling Average: 33.16
• Best Bowling in an Innings: 5/50
• Five-Wicket Hauls: 3

One Day Internationals (ODI)

• Matches: 226
• Wickets: 338
• Bowling Average: 28.87
• Best Bowling: 6/38
• Five-Wicket Hauls: 8

Twenty20 Internationals (T20)

• Matches: 84
• Wickets: 107
• Bowling Average: 20.79
• Best Bowling: 5/6
• Five-Wicket Hauls: 2

🏆 Major Achievements

• Only bowler to take four wickets in four consecutive balls in an ODI.
• First bowler to take 100 wickets in T20 Internationals.
• Led Sri Lanka to victory in the 2014 ICC World Twenty20 as captain.
• Part of Sri Lanka’s squad in the 2007 and 2011 Cricket World Cup finals.
• Known for his distinctive round-arm action and deadly yorkers.

🏅 Honors and Awards

• Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World: 2011
• ICC World Twenty20 Team of the Tournament: 2012, 2014
• Sri Lanka Cricket’s ODI Bowler of the Year: 2011
• Appointed as Sri Lanka’s Bowling Strategy Coach: 2022

📚 Additional Information

• Early Life: Grew up in Rathgama, a coastal village near Galle. Discovered by former Sri Lankan paceman Champaka Ramanayake.
• Domestic Teams: Galle, Nondescripts, Kent, Mumbai Indians, Melbourne Stars, Dhaka Gladiators, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Southern Express, Rangpur Riders, Khulna Titans.
• Coaching Career: Appointed as the fast bowling coach for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024. 

5. Anil Kumble – The Relentless Warrior

Personal Information

• Full Name: Anil Radhakrishna Kumble
• Date of Birth: October 17, 1970
• Place of Birth: Bangalore, Karnataka, India
• Batting Style: Right-hand bat
• Bowling Style: Right-arm leg break
• Playing Role: Bowler
• Nickname: Jumbo
• Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
• Weight: 78 kg (172 lbs)
• Eye Colour: Brown
• Hair Colour: Black

🏏 International Career

• Test Debut: August 9, 1990, vs. England
• ODI Debut: April 25, 1990, vs. Sri Lanka
• Last Test: October 29, 2008, vs. Australia
• Last ODI: March 19, 2007, vs. Bermuda

📊 Career Statistics

Test Matches

• Matches: 132
• Wickets: 619
• Bowling Average: 29.65
• Best Bowling in an Innings: 10/74
• Five-Wicket Hauls: 35
• Ten-Wicket Matches: 8
• Runs Scored: 2,506
• Batting Average: 17.77
• Highest Score: 110

One Day Internationals (ODIs)

• Matches: 271
• Wickets: 337
• Bowling Average: 30.90
• Best Bowling: 6/12
• Five-Wicket Hauls: 2
• Runs Scored: 938
• Batting Average: 10.53
• Highest Score: 26
• Only Indian bowler to take all 10 wickets in a Test innings: 10/74 vs. Pakistan in 1999.
• Third-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket history at the time of retirement: 619 wickets.
• Most wickets by an Indian bowler in international cricket: 956 wickets across all formats.
• First Indian spinner to take 300 Test wickets.
• First Indian bowler to reach 400 Test wickets.
• First Indian bowler to reach 500 Test wickets.
• First Indian bowler to reach 600 Test wickets.
• First Indian bowler to reach 900 international wickets.
• Only bowler to have bowled over 40,000 balls in Test cricket for India.
• Only Indian bowler to have taken a five-wicket haul in all Test-playing nations.
• Captain of the Indian Test team from 2007 to 2008.
• Coach of the Indian national cricket team from 2016 to 2017.
• Chairman of the ICC Cricket Committee since 2012.
• President of the Karnataka State Cricket Association from 2010 to 2013.

6. Saqlain Mushtaq – The Doosra Pioneer

Personal Information

• Full Name: Saqlain Mushtaq
• Date of Birth: December 29, 1976
• Place of Birth: Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
• Batting Style: Right-handed
• Bowling Style: Right-arm off break
• Playing Role: Bowler
• Nickname: Saqqi
• Family: Married to Sana Mushtaq; daughter Malika is married to Pakistani cricketer Shadab Khan 

🏏 International Career

• Test Debut: September 8, 1995, vs. Sri Lanka
• ODI Debut: September 29, 1995, vs. Sri Lanka
• Last Test: April 1, 2004, vs. India
• Last ODI: October 7, 2003, vs. South Africa
• International Span: 1995–2004 

📊 Career Statistics

Test Matches

• Matches: 49
• Wickets: 208
• Bowling Average: 29.83
• Best Bowling in an Innings: 8/164
• Five-Wicket Hauls: 13
• Ten-Wicket Matches: 3
• Runs Scored: 927
• Batting Average: 14.48
• Highest Score: 101

One Day Internationals (ODIs)

• Matches: 169
• Wickets: 288
• Bowling Average: 21.78
• Best Bowling: 5/20
• Five-Wicket Hauls: 6
• Runs Scored: 711
• Batting Average: 11.85
• Highest Score: 37

🏆 Major Achievements

• Pioneered the ‘Doosra’: Saqlain is credited with inventing the ‘doosra’, a delivery that spins away from the batsman despite being bowled with an off-spinner’s action.
• Fastest to 100 ODI Wickets: He was the fastest bowler to reach 100 wickets in One Day Internationals.
• World Cup Hat-Trick: Saqlain became the first Pakistani to take a hat-trick in a Cricket World Cup match, achieving this feat against Zimbabwe in the 1999 tournament.
• Multiple Hat-Tricks: He achieved two ODI hat-tricks, both against Zimbabwe, in 1996 and 1999.
• Test Century: Scored a Test century (101*) against New Zealand in March 2001.
• Coaching Career: Served as the head coach of the Pakistan national cricket team between 2021 and 2022. 

7. Chaminda Vaas – The Swinging Sensation

Personal Information

• Full Name: Deshabandu Warnakulasuriya Patabendige Ushantha Joseph Chaminda Vaas
• Date of Birth: January 27, 1974
• Place of Birth: Mattumagala, Sri Lanka
• Batting Style: Left-handed
• Bowling Style: Left-arm fast-medium
• Playing Role: Bowler
• Nickname: Vassy
• Religion: Roman Catholic
• Family: Married to Wasana since 1999; they have three children 

🏏 International Career

• Test Debut: August 27, 1994, vs. Pakistan
• ODI Debut: February 15, 1994, vs. India
• Last Test: July 22, 2009, vs. Pakistan
• Last ODI: August 24, 2008, vs. India
• T20 Debut: June 15, 2006, vs. England
• Last T20: October 10, 2008, vs. Pakistan
• International Span: 1994–2009 

Test Matches

• Matches: 111
• Wickets: 355
• Bowling Average: 29.58
• Best Bowling in an Innings: 7/71
• Five-Wicket Hauls: 12
• Ten-Wicket Matches: 2
• Runs Scored: 3,089
• Batting Average: 24.32
• Highest Score: 100

One Day Internationals (ODIs)

• Matches: 322
• Wickets: 400
• Bowling Average: 27.53
• Best Bowling: 8/19
• Five-Wicket Hauls: 4
• Runs Scored: 2,025
• Batting Average: 13.68
• Highest Score: 50

Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)

• Matches: 6
• Wickets: 6
• Bowling Average: 26.50
• Best Bowling: 2/14
• Runs Scored: 33
• Batting Average: 33.00
• Highest Score: 21 

🏆 Major Achievements

• 1996 Cricket World Cup Winner: Integral part of Sri Lanka’s victorious squad.
• ODI Hat-Trick: Achieved a hat-trick with the first three balls against Bangladesh in the 2003 World Cup.
• Best ODI Bowling Figures: Recorded 8/19 against Zimbabwe in 2001, the best ODI bowling figures to date.
• First Sri Lankan Fast Bowler to 100 Tests: Only Sri Lankan fast bowler to reach this milestone.
• Most ODI Wickets for Sri Lanka: Holds the record with 400 wickets.
• Coaching Career: Served as Sri Lanka’s bowling coach post-retirement.  

8. Curtly Ambrose – The Towering Menace

Personal Information

• Full Name: Sir Curtly Elconn Lynwall Ambrose
• Date of Birth: September 21, 1963
• Place of Birth: Swetes Village, Antigua and Barbuda
• Height: 6 ft 7 in (201 cm)
• Batting Style: Left-handed
• Bowling Style: Right-arm fast
• Playing Role: Bowler
• Nickname: Sir Curtly  

🏏 International Career

• Test Debut: April 2, 1988, vs. Pakistan
• ODI Debut: March 12, 1988, vs. Pakistan
• Last Test: August 31, 2000, vs. England
• Last ODI: April 23, 2000, vs. Pakistan
• International Span: 1988–2000  

📊 Career Statistics

Test Matches

• Matches: 98
• Wickets: 405
• Bowling Average: 20.99
• Best Bowling in an Innings: 8/45
• Five-Wicket Hauls: 22
• Ten-Wicket Matches: 3
• Runs Scored: 1,439
• Batting Average: 12.40
• Highest Score: 53  

One Day Internationals (ODIs)

• Matches: 176
• Wickets: 225
• Bowling Average: 24.12
• Best Bowling: 5/17
• Five-Wicket Hauls: 4
• Runs Scored: 639
• Batting Average: 10.65
• Highest Score: 31

🏆 Major Achievements

• Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1992): Recognized for his outstanding performances.
• ICC Hall of Fame Inductee: Honored for his contributions to cricket.
• Best Bowling Figures: 8/45 in Tests; 5/17 in ODIs.
• Notable Spell: Took 7 wickets for 1 run against Australia in 1993.
• Partnership with Courtney Walsh: Together, they took 412 wickets in 52 Tests.
• Coaching Career: Appointed bowling coach of Jamaica Tallawahs in 2022.

9. Glenn McGrath – The Metronome

Personal Information

• Full Name: Glenn Donald McGrath
• Date of Birth: February 9, 1970
• Place of Birth: Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia
• Height: 197 cm (6 ft 6 in)
• Batting Style: Right-handed
• Bowling Style: Right-arm fast-medium
• Playing Role: Bowler
• Nickname: Pigeon
• International Career: 1993–2007
• Test Debut: November 12, 1993, vs. New Zealand
• ODI Debut: December 9, 1993, vs. South Africa
• T20 Debut: February 17, 2005, vs. New Zealand
• Last Test: January 2, 2007, vs. England
• Last ODI: April 28, 2007, vs. Sri Lanka
• Last T20: June 13, 2005, vs. England
• Domestic Teams: New South Wales, Worcestershire, Middlesex, Delhi Daredevils
• Spouse: Jane McGrath (deceased), Sara Leonardi
• Children: Three
• Foundation: Co-founder of the McGrath Foundation, supporting breast cancer awareness and care 

📊 Career Statistics

Test Matches

• Matches: 124
• Wickets: 563
• Bowling Average: 21.64
• Best Bowling in an Innings: 8/24
• Five-Wicket Hauls: 29
• Ten-Wicket Matches: 3
• Runs Scored: 641
• Batting Average: 7.36
• Highest Score: 61 

One Day Internationals (ODIs)

• Matches: 250
• Wickets: 381
• Bowling Average: 22.02
• Best Bowling: 7/15
• Five-Wicket Hauls: 7
• Runs Scored: 115
• Batting Average: 3.83
• Highest Score: 11 

Twenty20 Internationals (T20)

• Matches: 2
• Wickets: 5
• Bowling Average: 20.60
• Best Bowling: 3/31
• Runs Scored: 2
• Batting Average: 2.00
• Highest Score: 2

🏆 Major Achievements

• World Cup Wins: 1999, 2003, 2007
• Most Wickets in World Cup History: 71 wickets
• Man of the Tournament: 2007 Cricket World Cup
• Wisden Cricketer of the Year: 2000
• ICC Hall of Fame Inductee: 2013
• McGrath Foundation: Co-founded in 2005 to support breast cancer patients and raise awareness  

10. Dale Steyn – The Modern-Day Speedster

Personal Information

• Full Name: Dale Willem Steyn
• Date of Birth: June 27, 1983
• Place of Birth: Phalaborwa, Limpopo, South Africa
• Height: 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
• Batting Style: Right-handed
• Bowling Style: Right-arm fast
• Playing Role: Bowler
• Nickname: Steyn Gun
• International Career: 2004–2020
• Test Debut: December 17, 2004, vs. England
• ODI Debut: August 17, 2005, vs. Asia XI
• T20 Debut: November 23, 2007, vs. New Zealand
• Last Test: February 22, 2019, vs. Sri Lanka
• Last ODI: March 1, 2020, vs. Australia
• Last T20: February 21, 2020, vs. Australia
• Domestic Teams: Northerns, Titans, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Deccan Chargers
• Retirement: August 31, 2021
• Coaching Role: Joined England Lions as a bowling coach in 2024 

📊 Career Statistics

Test Matches

• Matches: 93
• Wickets: 439
• Bowling Average: 22.95
• Best Bowling in an Innings: 7/51
• Five-Wicket Hauls: 26
• Ten-Wicket Matches: 5
• Runs Scored: 1,251
• Batting Average: 13.59
• Highest Score: 76

One Day Internationals (ODIs)

• Matches: 125
• Wickets: 196
• Bowling Average: 25.95
• Best Bowling: 6/39
• Five-Wicket Hauls: 3
• Runs Scored: 365
• Batting Average: 9.36
• Highest Score: 60 

Twenty20 Internationals (T20)

• Matches: 47
• Wickets: 64
• Bowling Average: 18.36
• Best Bowling: 4/9
• Runs Scored: 30
• Batting Average: 7.50
• Highest Score: 12

🏆 Major Achievements

• ICC Test Cricketer of the Year: 2008
• Wisden Cricketer of the Year: 2013
• ICC ODI Team of the Year: 2011, 2014
• ICC Test Team of the Year: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014
• Fastest South African to 100 Test wickets
• Held the No.1 spot in ICC Test rankings for a record 263 weeks
• Part of the South African team that reached the semi-finals of the 2015 Cricket World Cup
• Known for his lethal outswingers and aggressive bowling style
• Played a cameo role in the 2014 Hollywood movie “Blended” 

Conclusion

The art of bowling has seen numerous maestros who have mesmerized fans and dismantled batting line-ups with their skill and tenacity. These ten legends have not only achieved remarkable feats but have also inspired countless aspiring cricketers worldwide. Their legacy continues to influence the game’s evolution, reminding us of the timeless allure of cricket.

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