When it comes to Sri Lankan cricket history, a few names come to mind. The likes of Sanath Jayasuriya, Arvinda de Silva, Mahela Jayawardene, and Kumar Sangakkara. This team has always produced some of the greatest batters in the game. But one name which ruled almost all the bowling records was former off-spinner Muthiah Muralidaran.
He finished as the highest wicket-taker across all formats of cricket. And in this article, we will cover the list of Sri Lankan bowlers with the most wickets in ODI cricket. Muralidaran is at the top of the tree. However, this list includes a few other legendary bowlers from Sri Lanka. So let’s check.
5. Nuwan Kulasekara – 199 wickets in 184 ODIs
Former pacer Nuwan Kulasekara is in fifth place for the all-time highest wicket-taker in ODIs for his country. He made his first appearance in ODI cricket in November 2003 against England in Dambulla and picked up 2-19 in his nine overs. Kulasekara represented Sri Lanka for 14 years and played 184 ODIs. He has 199 wickets to his name at an average and economy rate of 33.92 and 4.90, respectively, with the best figure of 5/22.
4. Sanath Jayasuriya – 320 wickets in 441 ODIs
Former Sri Lankan hard-hitting all-rounder Sanath Jayasuriya makes fourth in this bowling list. It shows how good he was for his country with the bat and the ball. Jayasuriya made his ODI debut in December 1986 against Australia at the MCG. He played a total of 445 ODI matches, which is the most by a player. Jayasuriya took 323 wickets at an economy rate of 4.78 and a best figure of 6.29. He also scored 13430 runs with 28 centuries and 68 half-centuries.
3. Lasith Malinga – 338 wickets in 226 ODIs
Lasith Malinga came onto the scene with an unusual bowling action, which led him to achieve huge success in the game. His slingy action, which was difficult to pick, established him as the best death bowler. Malinga made his ODI debut in July 2004 against the UAE. In his career, he played 226 ODIs and took 338 wickets at an average of 28.87 and an economy rate of 5.35, with the best bowling figure of 6/38.
2. Chaminda Vaas – 399 wickets in 321 ODIs
Former Sri Lankan pacer Chaminda Vaas makes second to the list. Vaas was known for his accuracy and first-ball wickets. He made his ODI debut against India in February 1994. Vaas played a total of 322 ODIs and took 400 wickets in his career at an average and economy rate of 27.53 and 4.18, respectively. He holds the record for the best bowling figure at 8/19. Vaas took four five-wicket hauls in his ODI career.
1. Muthiah Muralidaran – 523 wickets in 343 ODIs
The man with 500+ ODI wickets and 800 Test wickets, Muthiah Muralidaran, leads this chart. He is also the highest wicket-taker in the history of the game and the only bowler with over 1300 international wickets. Muralidaran made his ODI debut in August 1993 against India. He played 350 ODIs and took 534 wickets (only bowler with 500-plus wickets in ODIs) at an economy rate and average of 3.93 and 23.08. He took 10 five-wicket hauls with the best figure of 7/30.
List of Highest Wicket Taker in ODI for Sri Lanka
| Bowler | Span | Mts | Wkts | BBI | Econ | 5w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muthiah Muralidaran | 1993-2011 | 343 | 523 | 7/30 | 3.92 | 10 |
| Chaminda Vaas | 1994-2008 | 321 | 399 | 8/19 | 4.18 | 4 |
| Lasith Malinga | 2004-2019 | 226 | 338 | 6/38 | 5.35 | 8 |
| Sanath Jayasuriya | 1989-2011 | 441 | 320 | 6/29 | 4.77 | 4 |
| Nuwan Kulasekara | 2003-2017 | 184 | 199 | 5/22 | 4.90 | 1 |
| Dilhara Fernando | 2001-2012 | 146 | 183 | 6/27 | 5.22 | 1 |
| Thisara Perera | 2009-2021 | 166 | 175 | 6/44 | 5.83 | 4 |
| Ajantha Mendis | 2008-2015 | 87 | 152 | 6/13 | 4.80 | 3 |
| Upul Chandana | 1994-2007 | 147 | 151 | 5/61 | 4.70 | 1 |
| Kumar Dharmasena | 1994-2004 | 141 | 138 | 4/37 | 4.27 | 0 |