Most Number Of Maidens In ODI CricketBowling is one of the tougher jobs in cricket, and especially when it comes to bowling fast. It is often overlooked due to the limelight that is hogged by the batsmen. Cricket has usually been a more batsman-dominated sport while being a good bowler is an arduous task. However, the cricketing world has seen some of the finest bowlers go about their business with ease.
Here’s a look at 4 bowlers who have most maiden overs in ODIs:
Shaun Pollock – 313
One of the most successful bowlers for South Africa, Shaun Pollock was a constant feature for the Proteas in both the formats during his international career. Being a medium-pace bowler, Pollock always relied on his ability to pitch the ball consistently in the right areas. In his career, he played 303 ODIs and finished with 393 wickets in his tally. His accurate line and length also allowed him to bowl the most number of maiden overs in an ODI career. He bowled a total of 313 maiden overs in his entire ODI career.
Glenn McGrath – 279
The ever so consistent, Glenn McGrath was one of the strong pillars in Australis’s fast bowling department. He was a captain’s delight who could run in all day and deliver the goods. With a highly successful Test career, McGrath even witnessed a bright ODI playing career for Australia. His nagging lines and requisite lengths on every pitch made him an obnoxious bowler for most batters to face. As a result, the lanky bowler managed to bowl 279 maiden overs in his 250 ODIs for the Aussies.
Chaminda Vaas – 279
Being a pre-dominantly swing bowler, Chaminda Vaas carried the load of Sri Lankan pace-bowling for the majority of his career. The left-arm bowler, despite not being the quickest in the world, was highly effective with his accurate execution of skills on most occasions. He troubled players upfront and bowled some of his most economical ODI spells with the new ball. The Sri Lankan bowled a total of 279 maiden overs to complement his 400 ODI wickets during his 15-year international career.
Wasim Akram – 237
One of the greatest bowlers of all-time, Wasim Akram had a rare ability to inflict damage both with the new and the old ball. Akram, with 502 ODI scalps, is the most successful fast bowler in ODI cricket. During his peak, he had an aura that instilled fear in the minds of a batsman facing him, especially with the new ball. He could destroy batting line-ups in a spell or two. In his entire ODI career, Wasim didn’t even pick wickets but even bowled 237 maiden overs for Pakistan, making him one of the most devastating bowlers of all-time.
