Spinners Fastest to Reach 150 Wickets in ODI Cricket

Kuldeep Yadav is a vital cog in Team India’s bowling attack, particularly in white-ball cricket. His left-arm wrist spin adds variety and unpredictability to the team’s bowling, and he is capable of taking wickets on any surface. Yadav has been in excellent form in recent months, and he was one of the standout performers for India in the Asia Cup 2023. He also became one of the fastest spinner to reach 150 wickets in ODI cricket.

Reaching the 150 mark in ODI cricket is a crucial milestone for a spinner. Spin bowling is an integral component of ODI cricket. It offers control, wicket-taking ability, adaptability to conditions, and a much-needed balance to a team’s bowling attack, making it a crucial factor in achieving success in this format.

Here is a list of 5 spinners who were the fastest to reach the 150 wickets mark.

1) Saqlain Mushtaq – 78 ODIs

Saqlain Mushtaq’s ability to disguise his deliveries until the very last moment kept batsmen guessing. His accuracy and clever use of flight and guile made him a potent force in both Test and One Day International cricket. His impact extended beyond Pakistan, influencing a generation of spin bowlers who sought to emulate his innovative style.

Saqlain Mushtaq’s legacy as a trailblazer in spin bowling endures, and his contributions to the art of spin are celebrated in the annals of cricket history. In 78 ODIs, Saqlain became the fastest spinner to pick 150 wickets. Overall, he picked up 288 wickets in 169 ODIs at an economy of 4.29.

2) Rashid Khan – 80 ODIs

Rashid Khan has redefined the art of spin bowling in the modern era. Known for his remarkable leg-spin, Rashid’s style is characterized by his incredible speed, accuracy, and ability to extract sharp turns even on flat pitches. His quick-arm action and subtle variations in pace make it challenging for batsmen to read him.

Rashid’s repertoire includes the deceptive googly and skillful control of line and length, which often result in wickets at crucial junctures. Rashid reached the 150 wickets mark in 80 ODIs but overall, he has picked up 172 wickets in 94 ODIs.

3) Ajantha Mendis – 84 ODIs

Ajantha Mendis, the Sri Lankan spin wizard, brought a touch of mystery to the art of spin bowling. His unorthodox style, often referred to as “carrom ball” or “sling,” stunned the cricketing world. Mendis had an exceptional ability to grip and release the ball in such a way that it skidded or spun unexpectedly.

His variations, including the carrom ball, off-spin, leg-spin, and googly, bewildered even the most seasoned batsmen. Mendis’ unique talent and deceptive deliveries made him a sensation in limited-overs cricket. He reached the 150 mark in 84 ODIs and helped the Sri Lankan squad on numerous occasions.

4) Kuldeep Yadav – 88 ODIs

Kuldeep Yadav is the recent addition to the list and has stunned everyone with his return to international cricket. He is a left-arm wrist-spinner, a rarity in cricket, and this uniqueness adds to his potency. Kuldeep relies on his exceptional ability to turn the ball both ways, using his wrists to generate sharp revolutions.

His deceptive googly and accurate flighted deliveries keep batsmen guessing. Kuldeep’s success lies in his ability to consistently land the ball in the right areas, allowing him to take crucial wickets. With 150 wickets in 88 ODIs, Kuldeep will be in the spotlight for the upcoming ODI World Cup.

5) Imran Tahir – 89 ODIs

Tahir’s primary weapon was used to be his googly, which he disguises exceptionally well, making it difficult for batsmen to differentiate between his leg spin and wrong’un.

Tahir’s ability to take crucial wickets in the middle overs and his infectious energy have made him a valuable asset in limited-overs cricket, contributing significantly to South Africa’s bowling success. He reached the 150-wicket mark in 89 ODIs.