While we are all waiting for the upcoming One Day International (ODI) series between India and Sri Lanka, let’s have a look at the highest wicket takers in the India vs Sri Lanka ODI matches.
MUTTIAH MURALITHARAN- 74
The highest ever wicket-taker in Test cricket, Muttiah Muralitharan is also the leading wicket taker in India vs Sri Lanka ODIs. India-Sri Lanka matches are mostly played in the sub-continent, and the pitches in sub-continent are ideal for spin bowling. Muralitharan, who was always a big challenge for any batsman, especially on the sub-continent wickets, has 74 wickets in 63 ODI matches that he has played against India.
CHAMINDA VAAS- 70
Chaminda Vaas is No. 2 in the list. Vaas, who’s known for his brilliant yorkers and subtle change in pace, was always a big threat for the Indian batsmen. Vaas played in 61 India vs Sri Lanka ODIs and took 70 wickets. Who can forget his spell of 9.3-1-14-5 at Sharjah in the Champions Trophy 2000/01.
ZAHEER KHAN- 66
Zaheer Khan is one of India’s best fast bowlers ever. Zaheer has a brilliant record against Sri Lanka and he was Sourav Ganguly’s most aggressive option against Sri Lanka’s dangerous opener Sanath Jayasuria. Zaheer has taken 66 wickets in 48 India-Sri Lanka ODIs. Zaheer has a best of 5 for 42 against Sri Lanka.
HARBHAJAN SINGH- 61
The Sardar from Jalandhar always enjoyed bowling against Sri Lanka. Harbhajan was India’s most attacking option in the ODIs for a very long time. The battle between Harbhajan and Jayasuria has been one of the biggest highlights of India vs Sri Lanka ODIs. Harbhajan Singh has 61 wickets in 47 India vs Sri Lanka ODI matches.
AJIT AGARKAR- 49
Ajit Agarkar was India’s fastest bowler for a very long period of time. Although, Agarkar has taken lesser wickets as compared to above four, his impact in the India vs Sri Lanka ODIs can’t be undermined. Agarkar has taken 49 wickets in just 20 matches at an astounding average of 20.61.
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By The Cricket Lounge
Image source: planetcricket.net
