In the high-pressure world of One Day International (ODI) cricket, the death overs (the final 10 overs of an innings) often determine the outcome of a match. Bowlers who excel in this phase of the game are invaluable assets to their teams.
Here are the top 5 ODI death bowlers since 2002, ranked by the number of wickets taken.
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5. James Anderson (78 wickets in 113 innings)
James Anderson, the legendary English fast bowler, has taken 78 wickets in the death overs since 2002. Known for his accuracy and ability to swing the ball, Anderson has been a key member of England’s ODI team for over a decade.
Despite primarily being a new-ball bowler, Anderson’s experience and skill have made him an effective option in the death overs as well.
4. Dwayne Bravo (82 wickets in 100 innings)
West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has taken 82 wickets in the death overs since 2002. Bravo’s variations, including his famous “Dwayne Bravo Slower Ball,” have made him a difficult bowler to face in the final overs.
His ability to bowl yorkers and slower deliveries with precision has been crucial in West Indies’ limited-overs success.
3. Brett Lee (85 wickets in 118 innings)
Australian fast bowler Brett Lee is third on the list with 85 wickets in the death overs since 2002. Lee’s raw pace and ability to bowl toe-crushing yorkers made him a formidable opponent for batters in the final overs.
Despite retiring from international cricket in 2012, Lee’s impact on ODI cricket, particularly in the death overs, is undeniable.
2. Mashrafe Mortaza (91 wickets in 131 innings)
Mashrafe Mortaza, the former Bangladesh captain, has taken 91 wickets in the death overs since 2002. Mortaza’s ability to adapt his pace and variations has made him an effective death bowler for Bangladesh.
His leadership and experience have also been crucial in guiding the team’s bowling attack in the final overs.
1. Lasith Malinga (123 wickets in 137 innings)
Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga tops the list with 123 wickets in the death overs since 2002. Malinga’s unorthodox action and ability to bowl yorkers and slower deliveries with pinpoint accuracy have made him one of the most successful death bowlers in ODI history.
His performances in high-pressure situations have been instrumental in Sri Lanka’s limited-overs success.
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