Top 5 ODI bowlers with most wickets in winning cause

It is often erroneously perceived that only batsmen determine the direction of ODI cricket. However, upon comprehensive deliberation on those myriad editions of major tournaments, the significance of game-changing bowlers becomes quite palpable. As evidenced by recent manifestations such as Pakistan's resurgent march to the Champions Trophy title last year and Mitchell Starc's exploits in the 2015 World Cup, teams with world-class bowlers metamorphose into world-beaters.

In this segment encapsulating all ODIs, let us take a close look at the top five bowlers with the most number of wickets in winning cause. Interestingly, only one spinner features in the list of long-serving match-winners in the fabled history of the popular format. While Sri Lanka, South Africa and Pakistan have one representative each in the top five, two eminent Australian bowlers feature in this distinguished group.

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#5 Shaun Pollock - 290 wickets from 191 ODIs

Shaun Pollock is one the most underrated cricketers in ODI history

With his probing accuracy as well as impeccable control over line and length, Shaun Pollock consistently examined the aptitude of numerous batsmen across the globe. He relied on his strengths in a steadfast manner to extract seam movement from even seemingly docile pitches. To go alongside his dependable primary skill-set, the all-rounder found ways to add handy runs from lower down the order.

South Africa emerged victorious on as many as 191 out of Pollock's 303 career ODIs. From those matches, the right-arm seamer picked 290 wickets at an impressive average of 19.67 and splendid economy-rate of 3.36 with a couple of five-wicket hauls. One of those helped the Proteas defend a below-par total of 149 against England at Johannesburg during the final of the 2000 Standard Bank Triangular Tournament.

#4 Brett Lee - 297 wickets from 153 ODIs

Brett Lee's fiery pace made him an extremely dangerous bowler across all conditions

Armed with scorching pace, Brett Lee was tailor-made for the 50-over format. Unlike in Tests wherein he could be taken for runs on certain types of surfaces, the speedster was an immense asset to Australia across a wide variety of conditions right throughout his ODI career. He made his debut during the 2000 Carlton & United Series, also involving the likes of India and Pakistan. In what the fifth game of his ODI journey, he made a telling statement by shredding India with a five-wicket haul on a benign surface at the Adelaide Oval.

Considering the dominant force that they were during the vast majority of his career, it does not come across as any surprise that Australia won 153 out of Lee's 221 ODIs. During those successful matches, the pacer contributed heavily by picking 297 scalps at a remarkable average of 20.54 and economy-rate of 4.60. Among all fast bowlers, his tally of 8 five-wicket hauls in victorious ODIs is second only to Waqar Younis' collection of 11 such hauls.

#3 Glenn McGrath - 301 wickets from 171 ODIs

Glenn McGrath is one of only three cricketers to win three World Cup titles

Along with erstwhile teammates Adam Gilchrist and Ricky Ponting, Glenn McGrath remains one of only three cricketers to lift the coveted World Cup on three different occasions. With his immaculate control and propensity to generate steep bounce from almost every type of surface, the legendary seamer was an integral part of Australia's hat-trick of World Cup titles between 1999 and 2007.

The nonchalant manner in which McGrath tore apart a reasonably strong West Indies lineup during a group clash at Manchester was one of the indelible moments from the 1999 World Cup. Overall, the metronome was on the winning side in 171 of his 250 career ODIs. From those games, he amassed 301 wickets at a stunning average of 17.94 and tremendous economy-rate of 3.65 with 7 five-wicket hauls.

#2 Wasim Akram - 326 wickets from 199 ODIs

Wasim Akram is arguably the greatest fast bowler in the history of ODI cricket

In a country which has produced numerous world-class fast bowlers, Wasim Akram stands as the crown jewel in Pakistan's illustrious pace legacy. The exhilaration and euphoria that arose from his irresistible style of bowling may be difficult to encapsulate in words. At the peak of his powers, he could leave even top-tier batsmen in utter disbelief. Such was his magical ability to swing and cut the ball from awkward angles.

Extra Cover: Wasim Akram - Poetry in motion

Even though Pakistan carried an extremely volatile batting lineup for the most of his career, Akram ensured that his country's flag flew high on a regular basis. The left-armer tasted victory on 199 of his 356 ODIs. In those matches, he picked 326 scalps at an astonishing average of 18.86 and spectacular economy-rate of 3.70. While he may have registered 6 five-wicket hauls in won matches, the abiding memory of his memorable career will be the game-changing spell against England in the 1992 World Cup final at Melbourne.

#1 Muttiah Muralitharan - 368 wickets from 202 ODIs

Muttiah Muralitharan is the leading wicket-taker of all time in the 50-over format

Muttiah Muralitharan, who is the all-time leading wicket-taker in both Tests and ODIs, also remains perched on top of the list of the most prolific bowlers in victorious 50-over contests. The spin wizard played 350 ODIs and emerged on the winning side on 202 occasions. With a whopping collection of 368 wickets from those triumphant games, he played a prominent role in shaping Sri Lanka's destiny in the sport.

A resplendent average of 18.23 and eye-catching economy-rate of 3.67 provides a befitting indication of Muralitharan's unmatched prowess in winning cause. The off-spinner garnered 13 four-wicket hauls and 9 five-wicket hauls in ODIs won by Sri Lanka. In terms of sheer destructive effect, his career best effort of 7/30 against India at Sharjah in 2000 continues to be among the most captivating spells ever delivered in the 50-over format.