The world of ODI cricket has seen several legendary figures, but only a few truly stand out as Bowlers Who Delivered the Most Overs in ODI through consistency, skill, and unmatched endurance. These five bowlers carried their teams for years with their exceptional workloads. Below is a detailed breakdown from Rank 5 to Rank 1.
5. Shaun Pollock

Shaun Pollock was one of the finest Bowlers Who Delivered the Most Overs in ODI, known for his control, balance, and exceptional economy. He led South Africa’s bowling attack with discipline and calmness, bowling long spells under pressure. Pollock’s ability to swing the new ball and maintain tight lines made him a nightmare for batters. His long career is proof of fitness, consistency, and reliability—qualities that define all Bowlers Who Delivered the Most Overs in ODI throughout history.
| Matches | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wkts | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 303 | 2618.4 | 313 | 9631 | 393 | 6/35 |
4. Chaminda Vaas

Chaminda Vaas is celebrated as one of the greatest Bowlers Who Delivered the Most Overs in ODI, thanks to his smooth swing and unmatched consistency. His ability to move the ball both ways in any conditions allowed Sri Lanka to dominate early overs. Vaas bowled numerous wicket-taking spells that shaped the outcome of matches. With outstanding discipline and a cricketing brain sharper than most, he set an example for all modern Bowlers Who Delivered the Most Overs in ODI.
| Matches | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wkts | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 322 | 2629.1 | 277 | 11014 | 400 | 8/19 |
3. Shahid Afridi

Shahid Afridi was not just an explosive batter but also one of the most surprising Bowlers Who Delivered the Most Overs in ODI, delivering crucial breakthroughs when needed. His fast leg-spin, unpredictable googlies, and attacking mindset made him a wicket-taker in pressure moments. Afridi bowled with bravery, often turning games in Pakistan’s favour. His ability to bowl long spells with aggression and confidence places him among the most dependable Bowlers Who Delivered the Most Overs in ODI in cricket history.
| Matches | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wkts | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 398 | 2945.0 | 76 | 13632 | 395 | 7/12 |
2. Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram remains a legendary figure among all Bowlers Who Delivered the Most Overs in ODI, mastering both conventional and reverse swing at world-class levels. His electrifying pace, combined with movement off the pitch, ensured he troubled batters everywhere. Akram’s ability to deliver match-winning spells even under extreme pressure made him Pakistan’s greatest fast bowler. His huge workload, stamina, and wicket-taking consistency reflect the true spirit seen in all Bowlers Who Delivered the Most Overs in ODI.
| Matches | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wkts | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 356 | 3031.0 | 236 | 11812 | 502 | 5/15 |
1. Muttiah Muralitharan

Muttiah Muralitharan tops the list of Bowlers Who Delivered the Most Overs in ODI, holding a record that showcases unmatched longevity, discipline, and magical skill. Murali’s unique action, relentless accuracy, and ability to turn the ball sharply made him nearly impossible to face. He consistently produced match-winning spells across continents, conditions, and eras. His incredible workload represents everything that defines the elite Bowlers Who Delivered the Most Overs in ODI and guarantees his place among cricket’s all-time greats.
| Matches | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wkts | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 | 3135.1 | 198 | 12326 | 534 | 7/30 |
READ MORE: Top 10 Players with the Highest ODI Batting Averages in Cricket History
FAQ
Who has bowled the most overs in ODI cricket?
Muttiah Muralitharan tops the list with 3135.1 overs, the highest in ODI history.
Which fast bowler has bowled the most overs in ODIs?
Wasim Akram holds the record among pacers with 3031 overs.
Who is the most economical bowler in this list?
Glenn McGrath is widely considered the most economical of the group.
Which active player has bowled the most ODI overs?
Shakib Al Hasan remains the active player with the highest ODI overs.
Why is bowling more overs important in ODIs?
It reflects fitness, consistency, skill, and long-term reliability, proving a bowler’s value across generations.
