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Since the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2017, One Day International (ODI) cricket has witnessed a golden🥃 era of bowling dominance, with spinners and fast bowlers reshaping matches through their wicket-taking prowess ��and tactical mastery.
Champions Trophy 2025: Preview
The Champions Trophy 2025 is set to kick off on February 19, with 🎐hosts Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi. Th✨is tournament marks the return of the Champions Trophy after eight years, featuring eight teams divided into two groups. Group A includes Pakistan, New Zealand, India and Bangladesh, while Group B consists of Australia, England, South Africa and debutants Afghanistan. Matches will be held across Pakistan and Dubai, with the final scheduled for March 9. The tournament promises thrilling encounters as teams vie for the prestigious title in a highly competitive atmosphere.
Also READ: Champions Trophy 2025 – Here are the complete squads of all 8 teams
Bowling stars redefine ODI cricket post Champions Trophy 2017
As of February 2025, here’s a breakdown of the leaders who have redefined the art of bowling in the 50-over format:
5. Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh)
128 wickets | 85 matches | Avg. 27.97 | Econ. 5.24
Bangladesh’s left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman, famed for his lethal cutters, combines old-school skill with modern variations. His 5/59 against India in the 2022 Asia Cup final highliꦕghted his death-over mastery. With a strike rate of 32.0 and an economy of 5.24, “The Fizz” has been pivotal in Bangladesh’s rise as a bowling powerhouse, particularly in stifling opponents during crunch phases.
4. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)
135 wickets | 82 matches | Avg. 22.26 | Econ. 4.27
Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, with the best average (22.26) and economy (4.27) on thi♊s list, is a statistical marvel. His 5/19 against Sri Lanka 💦in 2021 remains one of the most economical five-wicket hauls in ODI history. Rashid’s rapid leg-spin and carrom ball have terrorized batters, while his strike rate of 31.2 cements his status as a game-changer. Despite Afghanistan’s fewer fixtures, Rashid’s impact rivals that of any global superstar.
3. Adil Rashid (England)
142 wickets | 97 matches | Avg. 32.54 | Econ. 5.65
Adil Rashid has been the silent assassin in England❀’s white-ball revolution, contributing to their 2019 World Cup triumph and beyond. While his average (32.54) and economy (5.65) appear modest, Rashid🐭’s value lies in his ability to deliver under pressure, exemplified by his 5/85 in a tense encounter against India in 2024. His leg-spin and googly combo, paired with a strike rate of 34.5, make him a reliable weapon in England’s aggressive setup.
2. Adam Zampa (Australia)
145 wickets | 84 matches | Avg. 28.37 | Econ. 5.55
Australia’s leꦺg-spin maestro Adam Zampa combines consiste𝔉ncy with tactical acumen, thriving as a wicket-taking force in the middle overs. His 5/35 against England in the 2023 ODI series showcased his knack for breaking partnerships. Zampa’s strike rate of 30.6 highlights his aggressive approach, often outfoxing batters with subtle changes in pace. A linchpin in Australia’s post-2023 World Cup rebuild, his economy of 5.55 reflects his adaptability in high-scoring contests.
1. Kuldeep Yadav (India)
174 wickets | 108 matches | Avg. 26.22 | Econ. 5.00
India’s premier wrist-spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, tops the list with his crafty variations and match-breaking spells. His 6/25 against South Africa in 2022 remains a career highlight, underscoring his ability to dismantle top orders. With a stellar strike rate of 31.4, Kuldeep has been instrumental in India’s middle-over control, blending guile𓄧 with a deceptive googly that keeps batters guessing. His economy of 5.00 in an era of aggressive batting speaks volumes about his precision.
