(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)

Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf Among ODI Cricket’s Best Strike-Rate Bowlers

Pakistan fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf continue to rank among the most effective wicket-takers in One Day International (ODI) cricket, according to the latest bowling statistics for players with at least 100 ODI wickets.

Haris Rauf has claimed 104 wickets at an impressive strike rate of 26.42, while Shaheen Shah Afridi has taken 140 wickets with a strike rate of 26.87. Their performances highlight Pakistan’s strength in pace bowling and their ability to take wickets regularly in the 50-over format.

India’s Mohammad Shami leads the list with 206 ODI wickets at a strike rate of 25.85. Australia’s Mitchell Starc follows closely with 247 wickets and a strike rate of 26.87, while former Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis recorded 152 wickets at a strike rate of 27.32 during his ODI career.

Best ODI Bowling Strike Rates (Minimum 100 Wickets)

The latest rankings come as Pakistan made a strong start to their three-match ODI series against Australia, securing a five-wicket victory in the opening match in Rawalpindi.

Pakistan bowled Australia out for 200 runs before successfully chasing the target with five wickets in hand. Debutant Arafat Minhas delivered a memorable performance, taking five wickets for 32 runs and becoming the first Pakistani bowler to claim a five-wicket haul on ODI debut.

Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf also contributed with the ball, helping Pakistan maintain pressure throughout the innings. In the run chase, Babar Azam scored a composed 69, while Ghazi Ghori added 65 runs to guide the hosts to victory and a 1-0 lead in the series.

The remaining two matches of the series are scheduled to be played at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on June 2 and June 4.