Most Wickets in ODI for South Africa

South Africa has a long cricket history, and their bowlers have been crucial to their success. South Africa has continuously produced top-quality bowlers who have made their mark in the ODI format, whether at home or overseas. Names like Shaun Pollock, Allan Donald, and Dale Steyn are carved in cricket history as some of the game’s greatest fast bowlers. In this article, we will delve into the list of the highest wicket-takers for South Africa in ODI cricket. These bowlers have not only left a lasting legacy but have also contributed immensely to South Africa’s reputation as one of the best ODI teams in the world. Their ability to take wickets consistently has been a key factor in the team’s success over the years. 

Shaun Pollock

Shaun Pollock, a cricketing great and former South African captain, holds the record for most One-Day International wickets for his country. Pollock, regarded as one of the game’s best all-rounders, established his mark with his extraordinary ability as both a bowler and a batsman. His ODI career began in January 1996, when he made his debut against England in Cape Town, providing an outstanding performance with figures of 4/34 and a batting contribution of 66 not out. Pollock got 387 wickets at an average of 24.31 over his successful ODI career spanning 294 matches. 

Allan Donald

Allan Donald, a South African cricket legend, wore the Proteas shirt from 1992 to 2002. His ODI career began with a stunning debut against India in November 1991, when he established himself with a brilliant performance, taking 5/29 in his first outing. Donald played 164 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) during his career, demonstrating his skills as a premier fast bowler. He had a huge impact by collecting 272 wickets at a stunning average of 21.78 and an economy rate of 4.15. 

Jacques Kallis

Jacques Kallis, a cricketing superstar and one of South Africa’s greatest-ever players, made an indelible impression on the game. He was a rare player who succeeded as both an opening bowler and a top-order batsman. Kallis made his ODI debut against England in January 1996. Throughout his brilliant career, he became the personification of the modern all-rounder. Kallis appeared in 323 One-Day Internationals, making strong contributions with both bat and ball. As a bowler, he took 269 wickets at an outstanding average of 31.83. His best ODI bowling performance was 5/30. 

Makhaya Ntini

From 2000 to 2010, Makhaya Ntini was a major figure in the fast bowling scene. In January 1998, he made his ODI debut against New Zealand in Perth. He displayed his ability in his debut match by getting two wickets for 31 runs in his ten overs. Ntini went on to play 172 One-Day Internationals for South Africa, establishing himself as a strong force with the ball. He had 265 wickets at an average of 24.65. His economy rate of 4.53 demonstrated his rapid bowling control and precision. 

Dale Steyn

Dale Steyn, the iconic South African fast bowler renowned for his velocity and accuracy, ranks fifth on the list of South Africa’s most ODI wicket-takers. Steyn played in 123 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) during his career. In these matches, he demonstrated his exceptional bowling prowess, taking 194 wickets at an outstanding strike rate of 25.95. His greatest bowling performance in an innings was a remarkable 6/39, demonstrating his ability to destroy opposing batting lineups.

Top 10 Bowlers With Most Wickets in ODI for South Africa

Rank	Bowler	Matches	Innigs	Wickets	SR	AVG	Best Bowling	Economy Rate
1	Shaun Pollock	294	291	387	39.87	24.31	6/35	3.65
2	Allan Donald	164	162	272	31.47	21.78	6/23	4.15
3	Jacques Kallis	323	279	269	39.54	31.85	5/30	4.83
4	Makhaya Ntini	172	170	265	32.62	24.53	6/22	4.51
5	Dale Steyn	123	122	194	31.93	26.00	6/39	4.88
6	Lance Klusener	171	164	192	38.20	29.95	6/49	4.70
7	Morne Morkel	114	111	180	31.00	25.52	5/21	4.94
8	Imran Tahir	107	104	173	32.02	24.83	7/45	4.65
9	Kagiso Rabada	101	99	157	32.93	27.77	6/16	5.06
10	Hansie Cronje	188	153	114	46.99	34.78	5/32	4.44