As the year 2014 ends, it’s time the cricketing world recollects and reflects having witnessed some of the fascinating, memorable and breathtaking moments in the last 12 months. Ayush Gupta picks up the top 10 bowlers in the One-Day Internationals (ODIs) who kept the cricketing world enthralled with their bowling magic.
1. Mohammed Shami (India)
Undoubtedly, he has been the superstar bowler of the year. With 38 wickets in just 17 matches with an average of 22.94 and an economy of 6.16, India’s new pace sensation, Mohammed Shami has simply been outstanding with the ball in the limited-overs format. He also bowled six maidens and gave 872 runs, including four four-wicket hauls. His best performance came against the West Indies in October at Delhi where he claimed four for just 36 with an economy of 3.78, which was the lowest by any Indian bowler this year.
2. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)
Be it any format of the game, Lasith Malinga is one such bowler who will make it to the list.Malinga, who has a slinging action, has done well for Sri Lanka again this year, claiming 29 wickets off 17 matches with an average of 26.48 and an economy of 5.87. With nine maidens and 768 runs given, he has claimed a five-wicket haul twice, including a four-wicket haul as well. His best performance came against Pakistan in February at Fatullah, during the Asia Cup 2014 when he claimed five for 52 with an economy of 5.62 that demolished Pakistan. Sri Lanka later went on to win the tournament against the same opponents.
3. Sachithra Senanayake (Sri Lanka)
Senanayake is another Sri Lankan who has made it to this list. Sri Lanka’s new spin sensation, Senanayake had a great time bowling in 2014. Senanayake played 18 matches and has claimed 27 wickets with an average of 24.92 and an economy of 4.38, which is highly economical. With four maidens, he has one four-wicket haul that came against England in May at Chester-le-Street. In that innings, Senanayakehad an economy of 1.81, which is undoubtedly the best of the year.
4. Ravindra Jadeja (India)
With 17 matches, Jadeja has claimed 25 wickets with an average of 32.68 and an economy of 5.10. He too has bowled six maidens for 867 runs and includes a couple of four-wicket hauls with the best being the one against England at Cardiff in August, where he claimed four for 28 with an economy of 4.00 that helped India win the five-match ODI series.
5. Morne Morkel (South Africa)
Morne Morkel has claimed 24 from just 14 matches with an average of 28.00 and an economy of 5.79. His maiden count is five for 672 runs a five-wicket haul that came against Australia at Perth in November, where he gave away just 24 and had an economy of 2.62, which the best by a South African the entire year.
6. Ravichandran Ashwin (India)
The third Indian on the list is Ravichandran Ashwin. With 17 matches, he has 23 wickets with an average of 33.39 and an economy of 4.74. While he has bowled eight maidens for 768 runs, the highest by any Indian, his best figure reads three for 31, against minnows Afghanistan at Dhaka in March during the Asia Cup 2014. He has also been highly consistent with his performance and has been a regular member in the Indian team throughout the year.
7. Ryan McLaren (South Africa) Ryan McLaren is the second South African on the list with 23 wickets. McLaren has better figures compared to Ashwin, with the best gifures of four for 48 and an economy of 5.60. He played comparatively less matches (14) than Ashwin, and did not bowl a single maiden. However, McLaren conceded runs at a relatively low,583, and his best figures include the performance against Sri Lanka at Pallekele in July where he claimed four for 48 with an economy of 4.80.
8. Dale Steyn (South Africa)
Dale Steyn claimed 22 wickets from only 14 ODIs. He has an average of 26.54 with an economy of 5.07. With seven maidens and conceding only 584 runs, Steyn had an impressive spell of four for 34 with an economy of 3.40 against Australia in September at the Harare Sports Club, during the tri-series featuring Zimbabwe. He terrorised the Australian batsmen once again with his pace as South Africa won the tournament in an impressive manner.
9. Shakib al Hasan (Bangladesh)
It’s Bangladesh‘s lone star and all-rounder, none other than Shakib al Hasan, who expectedly makes it to the list this year as well. With 21 wickets from 12 matches along with an average of 16.80 and an economy of 3.72, Shakib has bowled eight maidens and has conceded just 353 runs, which is the lowest in the list so far. His spell also includes a four-wicket haul against Zimbabwe at Chittagong in November, with an economy of 4.10 as Bangladesh whitewashed the five-match series 5-0.
10. Matt Henry (New Zealand)
A New Zealand cricketer makes it to the list and perhaps this one is a surprise inclusion. In just six matches, Matt Henry claimed 19 wickets with an average of 15.26 and an economy of 5.17. He has three maiden to his name for 290 runs that includes a couple of four-wicket haul and a five-wicket as well, that came against Pakistan in December at Abu Dhabi, where his figure read five for 30 with an economy of 3.33 that surely makes him a hit for the list.
TRENDING NOW
(Ayush Guptais a reporter at CricketCountry. A passionate supporter of Manchester United, he idolises Roger Federer)
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