Taking five wickets in a One Day International (ODI) match is a dream moment for any bowler. It requires skill, discipline, and consistency. Over the years, some bowlers have delivered outstanding performances repeatedly, earning multiple five-wicket hauls. This article highlights the top 10 bowlers with the Most 5 Wicket Hauls in ODI history. From Waqar Younis’s fiery pace to Muralitharan’s magical spin, these players have dominated world cricket with their talent and hard work. Let’s explore their achievements in detail, one by one.
List of Top 10 Legends with the Most 5 Wicket Hauls in ODI History
10. Lance Klusener (South Africa)
Lance Klusener may be remembered more for his explosive batting, but his bowling record is also impressive. With his medium pace and accuracy, he often broke partnerships at crucial times. He recorded 6 five-wicket hauls in ODIs, showing that he was a complete all-rounder. His best bowling figures of 6/49 demonstrate how dangerous he could be on his day. Klusener’s performance during the late 1990s and early 2000s helped South Africa remain a dominant team in world cricket.
| Span | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | 5W Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996-2004 | 171 | 192 | 6/49 | 6 |
9. Trent Boult (New Zealand)
Trent Boult is New Zealand’s modern-day bowling hero. Known for his swing bowling and control, Boult has taken 6 five-wicket hauls in ODIs. His ability to take early wickets makes him a key asset for the Black Caps. He has consistently troubled top-order batsmen with movement both ways. His best figures of 7/34 show his match-winning capability. Boult’s performances in World Cups and major series have made him one of the top names in the Most 5 Wicket Hauls in ODI list.
| Span | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | 5W Hauls |
| 2012-2023 | 114 | 211 | 7/34 | 6 |
8. Mohammed Shami (India)
Mohammed Shami has emerged as India’s top fast bowler in recent years. Known for his pace, seam movement, and deadly yorkers, Shami has 6 five-wicket hauls in ODIs. His best bowling of 7/57 came in a World Cup match, proving his ability to deliver on the biggest stage. He plays a major role in India’s bowling attack and regularly picks up wickets in the powerplay and death overs. Shami’s name is now firmly in the record books for the Most 5 Wicket Hauls in ODI history.
| Span | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | 5W Hauls |
| 2013-2025 | 108 | 206 | 7/57 | 6 |
7. Glenn McGrath (Australia)
Glenn McGrath was a master of line and length. The Australian legend took 7 five-wicket hauls in ODIs with unmatched consistency. He never relied on pace but used accuracy and intelligence to dismiss batsmen. McGrath’s best performance of 7/15 is one of the most economical five-wicket hauls ever. His calmness and discipline made him one of the best fast bowlers of all time. He continues to inspire bowlers aiming for the Most 5 Wicket Hauls in ODI, and his name remains a benchmark whenever discussions about the Most 5 Wicket Hauls in ODI take place.
| Span | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | 5W Hauls |
| 1993-2007 | 250 | 381 | 7/15 | 7 |
6. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)
Lasith Malinga changed the face of fast bowling with his slingy action and pinpoint yorkers. He had a deadly slower ball and could bowl in any phase of the game. Malinga picked up 8 five-wicket hauls in ODIs, with his best being 6/38. He often came to Sri Lanka’s rescue and won many games single-handedly. His contributions have earned him a place among the elite bowlers with the Most 5 Wicket Hauls in ODI matches.
| Span | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | 5W Hauls |
| 2004-2019 | 226 | 338 | 6/38 | 8 |
5. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)
Afridi was always a crowd favorite for his explosive batting, but his leg-spin was just as impactful. He took 9 five-wicket hauls in ODIs. Afridi’s best spell came against the West Indies, where he picked 7/12 one of the most destructive performances in ODI history. He had a unique style and often turned matches in Pakistan’s favor. His name stands tall among those with the Most 5 Wicket Hauls in ODI history.
| Span | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | 5W Hauls |
| 1996-2015 | 398 | 395 | 7/12 | 9 |
4. Brett Lee (Australia)
Brett Lee was one of the fastest bowlers to ever play cricket. He regularly clocked over 150 km/h and scared many top-order batsmen. Lee took 9 five-wicket hauls in his career. His accuracy and aggression made him a feared bowler. His best bowling performance of 5/22 shows how destructive he could be. Lee’s dominance during the 2000s earns him a deserved spot in the Most 5 Wicket Hauls in ODI chart.
| Span | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | 5W Hauls |
| 2000-2012 | 221 | 380 | 5/22 | 9 |
3. Mitchell Starc (Australia)
Mitchell Starc has quickly risen to become one of the world’s best fast bowlers. With 9 five-wicket hauls in ODIs, he is a vital player for Australia. Starc’s left-arm pace, swing, and deadly yorkers are tough to handle for any batsman. He has won several matches for Australia with early breakthroughs. His best ODI figures of 6/28 prove why he’s a top contender for the Most 5 Wicket Hauls in ODI.
| Span | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | 5W Hauls |
| 2010-2024 | 127 | 244 | 6/28 | 9 |
2. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka)
The magician of spin, Muttiah Muralitharan, bamboozled batsmen with his doosras and off-spin. He took 10 five-wicket hauls in ODIs, often turning games in Sri Lanka’s favor. Murali’s ability to extract turn on any surface made him a legend. His consistency and hunger for wickets put him at the top tier of bowlers with the Most 5 Wicket Hauls in ODI cricket. His best bowling of 7/30 is remembered as a true masterclass.
| Span | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | 5W Hauls |
| 1993-2011 | 350 | 534 | 7/30 | 10 |
1. Waqar Younis (Pakistan)
At the top of the list stands the legendary Waqar Younis with 13 five-wicket hauls in ODIs the Most 5 Wicket Hauls in ODI history. Waqar was known for his fearsome pace and devastating reverse swing. His toe-crushing yorkers and ability to move the ball late made him nearly unplayable. His best figures of 7/36 highlight his dominance. Waqar carried Pakistan’s bowling attack for years and remains one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time.
| Span | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | 5W Hauls |
| 1989-2003 | 262 | 416 | 7/36 | 13 |
READ MORE:
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FAQ
Q1. What is a five-wicket haul in ODIs?
A five-wicket haul means a bowler has taken 5 wickets in a single ODI match, which is a major achievement.
Q2. Who has the most five-wicket hauls in ODI cricket?
Waqar Younis from Pakistan holds the record with 13 five-wicket hauls in ODIs.
Q3. Which Indian bowler has the most five-wicket hauls in ODIs?
As of 2025, Mohammed Shami has the most five-wicket hauls (6) among Indian bowlers.
Q4. Is taking five wickets common in ODIs?
No, it’s a rare and special achievement because bowlers only get 10 overs in an ODI.
Q5. Who has the best ODI bowling figures among these players?
Shahid Afridi has the best figures with 7 wickets for just 12 runs.
