Top 3 bowlers with most ODI wickets in a calendar year

#1. Saqlain Mushtaq (69 wickets in 1997)

Saqlain Mushtaq was economical and lethal in the 90s in ODIs

Pakistan’s former off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq holds the record for having claimed most wickets in ODIs in a calendar year. In 1997 he picked up 69 wickets in 36 matches at an average of 18.73 and a strike rate of 27.3. Mushtaq also maintained a commendable economy rate of 4.11. Saqlain was also the leading wicket-taker in ODIs in 1996, claiming 65 wickets in 33 games at an average of 19.52, and a strike rate of 26.6.

Saqlain claimed two five-fors in the year. He picked up 5 for 38 against Bangladesh in the second match of the Asia Cup at Colombo in July. Saqlain sent back Athar Ali Khan (82), Aminul Islam (14), skipper Akram Khan (59), and Khaled Mashud (4) as Bangladesh stumbled in a big chase of 320 to lose by 109 runs.

Saqlain’s second five-for came in the 1st ODI against India at Toronto in September. He sent back Mohammad Azharuddin (52), Ajay Jadeja (49), and Robin Singh (16), to end with figures of 5 for 45. India were all out for 208. However, debutant Harvinder Singh’s 3 for 44 bowled India to a 20-run triumph.

The man, known for his ‘doosra’, claimed 4 for 17 in a CB series match against West Indies at Sydney in January, and 4 for 26 versus England during a Sharjah Champions Trophy game in December. England, however, won the close contest by 8 runs.