Most Wickets in ODI for South Africa

South Africa is home to some exceptional entrepreneurs who have established themselves as among the best in the world. The Proteas played their first ever ODI game in November 1991 against India at Eden Gardens. And they are among the best ODI teams in the game. At their home they are almost unbeatable.

But overseas as well, South Africa has done really well in the game’s history. This article will feature some of the best bowlers that this country has produced. In this article, we will cover the list of the highest wicket-takers for South Africa in the history of ODI cricket. So let’s check.

5. Dale Steyn – 194 wickets in 123 ODIs

Former South African pacer, who was known for his pacy and accuracy, Dale Steyn makes fifth on this list. Steyn became the strength of the South African bowling attack in a short span of time. He made his ODI debut in August 2005 against Asia XI at Centurion. The former pacer played a total of 125 ODIs in his career and took 196 wickets at a strike rate of 25.95 with the best bowling figure of 6/39.

4. Makhaya Ntini – 265 wickets in 172 ODIs

Makhaya Ntini was among the top pacers between 2000 and 2010. He made his ODI debut in January 1998 against New Zealand at Perth and picked up 2/31 in his 10 overs. He represented South Africa in 173 ODIs and took 266 wickets at an average of 24.65 and an economy rate of 4.53. Ntini also picked up four 5-wicket hauls and eight 4-wicket hauls, with the best bowling figure of 6/22. In his 173-ODI career, Ntini took more wickets than he scored runs. He scored only 199 runs in his career.

3. Jacques Kallis – 269 wickets in 323 ODIs

Jacques Kallis was the biggest name that South Africa produced in the game of cricket. He was among the rare cricketers, who opened the bowling and batting as well for his team. Kallis made his ODI debut in January 1996 against England and became the best all-rounder of his era. He played 328 ODIs in his innings and took 273 wickets with the best of 5/30. Kallis also scored 11579 runs with 17 centuries and 86 half-centuries.

2. Allan Donald – 272 wickets in 164 ODIs

Allan Donald represented South Africa for a decade between 1992 and 2002. He made his ODI debut against India in November 1991 and picked up 5/29 in his debut innings. Donald played a total of 164 ODIs in his career and took 272 wickets at an average of 21.78 and an economy rate of 4.15. He also took 11 four-wicket hauls with the best bowling figure of 6/23.

1. Shaun Pollock – 387 wickets in 294 ODIs

Former South African skipper and one of the best all-rounders of the game, Shaun Pollock is the highest wicket-taker for his country in 50-over cricket. He made his name in the game with his ability to win games with both bat and ball. Pollock made his ODI debut in January 1996 against England at Cape Town and took 4/34 with 66 not out in his debut game. He played 303 ODIs and took 393 wickets, with a best figure of 6/38. Pollock also scored 3519 runs with one century and 14 half-centuries.

List of South Africa Highest Wicket Taker in ODI

Team Wise Highest Wicket Taker in ODI