Fastest Bowler to Take 100 Wickets in ODI Cricket History

If we talk about one of the most prestigious achievements for a bowler, it is, of course, reaching 100 wickets in One Day Internationals (ODI). The number of bowlers who have achieved this feat is not at all small. While it is not rare, some bowlers have achieved this feat at such an impressive pace that they have become an inspiration for future generations. Let us take a closer look at the fastest bowlers to take 100 ODI wickets and who tops the list.

Let us take a look at the list of bowlers who have taken 100 wickets in ODIs:

Rank	Player	Country	Matches to 100 Wkts	Date	Matches	Innings	Wickets	Avg
1	S. Lamichhane*	Nepal	42	21/04/2023	102	62	127	19.79
2	Rashid Khan*	Afghanistan	44	25/03/2018	100	114	199	20.40
3	Bilal Khan*	Oman	49	24/07/2024	101	49	101	20.97
4	Shaheen Afridi*	Pakistan	51	31/10/2023	102	66	131	24.28
5	M. A. Starc*	Australia	52	21/08/2016	101	127	244	23.41
6	Saqlain Mushtaq	Pakistan	53	12/05/1997	101	169	288	21.79
7	S. E. Bond	New Zealand	54	23/01/2007	101	82	147	20.88
8	Mustafizur Rahman*	Bangladesh	54	05/07/2019	103	112	175	26.79
9	Brett Lee	Australia	55	25/01/2003	100	221	380	23.36
10	Mohammed Shami*	India	56	23/01/2019	102	108	206	24.05
11	Trent Boult*	New Zealand	56	23/12/2017	101	114	211	24.39
12	Jasprit Bumrah*	India	57	06/07/2019	102	89	149	23.55
13	Matt Henry*	New Zealand	57	04/04/2022	103	91	165	24.81
14	Kuldeep Yadav*	India	58	17/01/2020	101	113	181	26.44
15	Imran Tahir	South Africa	58	15/06/2016	105	107	173	24.84
16	Waqar Younis	Pakistan	59	01/02/1993	101	262	416	23.84
17	Irfan Pathan	India	59	19/04/2006	102	120	173	29.72
18	Morne Morkel	South Africa	59	22/01/2013	102	117	188	25.32
19	Shane Warne	Australia	60	06/12/1996	101	194	293	25.74
20	Shoaib Akhtar	Pakistan	60	21/04/2002	105	163	247	24.98
21	Nathan Bracken	Australia	60	24/03/2007	100	116	174	24.37
22	Dennis Lillee	Australia	60	09/06/1983	101	63	103	20.83
23	Yuzvendra Chahal*	India	60	06/02/2022	103	72	121	27.13
24	Alzarri Joseph*	West Indies	60	26/06/2023	101	81	133	27.89
25	Ian Bishop	West Indies	61	15/12/1995	100	84	118	26.50
26	Curtly Ambrose	West Indies	61	16/01/1992	101	176	225	24.13
27	Chris Pringle	New Zealand	62	26/03/1995	100	64	103	23.87
28	Stuart Broad	England	62	24/06/2010	103	121	178	30.13
29	Darren Gough	England	62	18/05/1999	102	159	235	26.42
30	Pat Cummins*	Australia	62	29/02/2020	101	90	143	28.78
31	Saurabh Netravalkar*	USA	63	27/05/2025	100	63	100	21.87
32	Ajantha Mendis	Sri Lanka	63	26/07/2013	102	87	152	21.87
33	Liam Plunkett	England	64	18/01/2018	100	89	135	29.70
34	Allan Donald	South Africa	64	03/10/1996	100	164	272	21.79
35	Bernard Scholtz*	Namibia	64	04/09/2025	100	64	100	18.89
36	Josh Hazlewood*	Australia	64	03/09/2022	101	93	139	27.74
37	Kagiso Rabada*	South Africa	64	06/03/2019	102	106	168	27.46
38	Wanindu Hasaranga*	Sri Lanka	64	02/07/2025	103	66	108	24.11
39	Naved-ul-Hasan	Pakistan	65	09/08/2009	100	74	110	29.28
40	Adam Zampa*	Australia	65	29/03/2022	101	114	192	28.61
41	Zaheer Khan	India	65	14/03/2003	101	200	282	29.44
42	Mitchell Johnson	Australia	65	30/09/2009	100	153	239	25.26
43	Damien Fleming	Australia	65	21/10/1999	102	88	134	25.39
44	Jason Gillespie	Australia	66	20/02/2004	100	97	142	25.43
45	Hasan Ali*	Pakistan	66	04/11/2023	100	68	102	31.17
46	Lungi Ngidi*	South Africa	66	01/03/2025	100	71	112	28.39
47	Umar Gul	Pakistan	67	09/11/2009	100	130	179	29.35
48	Adil Rashid*	England	67	16/06/2018	100	155	232	31.39
49	Ajit Agarkar	India	67	08/12/2000	100	191	288	27.85
50	Joel Garner	West Indies	67	12/02/1985	101	98	146	18.85
51	Steven Finn	England	67	05/03/2017	100	69	102	29.37

Record Holder: Sandeep Lamichhane

Topping this list is the talented leg-spinner from Nepal, Sandeep Lamichhane. He shocked the cricketing world by achieving this feat in just 42 matches, becoming the fastest bowler to take 100 wickets in ODI history. By achieving this feat in April 2023, Lamichhane left behind some of the biggest names in world cricket. His accuracy, versatility and fearless approach against top international teams have made him a star to watch. Not only that, he is also proving that even associate nations like Nepal can produce world-class talent.

Rashid Khan: Afghan Spin Wizard

Before Lamichhane, this record belonged to Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan. He took 100 wickets in 44 ODIs in 2018. Known for his lethal fast-arm action, Rashid troubled the best batsmen after his debut. His uncanny ability to bowl in the powerplay and death overs made him one of the most potent bowlers in ODI cricket.

Other Notable names

This record of 100 wickets has been witnessed by many big names from around the world.

Bilal Khan (Oman): He is the second Associate Nation Hero. By taking 100 wickets in 49 ODIs, he showcased Oman’s continued growth in international cricket.

Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan): The left-arm fast bowler achieved the feat in 51 ODIs, becoming the fastest Pakistani to do so. His lethal yorkers and swing bowling have made him a match-winner in all formats.

Mitchell Starc (Australia): Starc completed 100 wickets in 52 ODIs, making him the fastest Australian. His record in ICC tournaments further cements his reputation as one of the greatest ODI bowlers.

Why Is This Record Important?

The real question is, why isn’t it important? Reaching 100 wickets is not just about luck or talent, but it is about consistency and adaptability to situations. It shows a bowler’s ability to regularly dominate the opposition even in high-pressure situations. For young bowlers, it acts as a benchmark for inspiration and excellence.

Conclusion

From the era of Rashid Khan to Lamichhane’s historic achievement, the list of fastest bowlers to take 100 ODI wickets proves how the game is evolving. Cricket’s greats and stars from partner nations are emerging. Such records highlight individual talent and also inspire millions of fans around the world. As ODI cricket continues to evolve, new names are sure to join this elite list. But, currently, Sandeep Lamichhane proudly holds the position of the fastest bowler to take 100 wickets in ODI cricket

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Who is the fastest bowler to take 100 wickets in ODI cricket history?

The fastest bowler to take 100 ODI wickets is Nepal’s Sandeep Lamichhane. He achieved this milestone in just 42 matches in April 2023, breaking the previous record of Rashid Khan.

Q2. Who held this record before Sandeep Lamichhane?

Lamichhane held this record before Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan. He took 100 ODI wickets in 44 matches in 2018 and held this record for almost five years.

Q3. Which Pakistani bowler is the fastest bowler to take 100 ODI wickets?

The fastest Pakistani bowler to take 100 wickets in ODIs is Shaheen Shah Afridi, who achieved the feat in just 51 matches. His pace, swing and ability to strike early have made him one of Pakistan’s main match-winners.

Q4. Are there any Associate Nations bowlers in the top list?

Yes, two bowlers from Associate Nations. Sandeep Lamichhane (Nepal) tops the list with 42 matches and Bilal Khan (Oman) has taken 100 wickets in 49 matches.

Q5. Why is taking 100 wickets so quickly considered special?

It reflects his ability to deliver winning balls under pressure and adapt to different situations. In short, making him valuable to his teams.

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