The ODI format is not as central in 2025 as it used to be, with fewer games being played than was the case in the early 2000s. Yet, the format is very much alive, thanks in no small measure to a small group of superlative bowlers. These players continue to prove the relevance of ODIs through their brilliant performances, making the format exciting and competitive.
Bowlers keeping the ODI format alive in 2025
1. Matt Henry (New Zealand): 24 ODI Wickets
ODIs Played: 9, Average: 15.50
New Zealand’s Matt Henry has long been a threat to face, and 2025 has been no exception, with him dominating the bowling arena like never before. At 24 wickets from only 9 matches at a mind-boggling average of 15.50, Henry’s performance during the powerplay and at the death has proved crucial for the Black Caps.
His talent to move the ball both ways at pace, along with a strike rate of 19.04, makes him among the top ODI bowlers of the year. With the ODI format being under greater and greater scrutiny, Henry’s level of consistency serves as a reminder of what the format can do.
2. Bernard Scholtz (Namibia): 22 ODI Wickets
ODIs Played: 8, Average: 10.04
Namibia’s Bernard Scholtz has been among the best performers in 2025. With 22 wickets at a remarkable average of 10.04, Scholtz has established himself against both associate and full-member teams.
His left-arm spin and sound control have made him a vital cog for Namibia, particularly in the middle overs. Scholtz’s incredible strike rate of 20.45 makes him one of the greatest bowlers in the world, displaying that the ODI is still going strong due to such genius from associate countries.
3. Shakeel Ahmed (Oman): 22 ODI Wickets
ODIs Played: 8, Average: 11.00
Shakeel Ahmed from Oman has been another support star who has raised eyebrows in 2025. With 22 wickets at an average of slightly more than 11, Ahmed has proved himself to be a consistent left-arm orthodox bowler.
His impressive strike rate of 20.63 speaks for his capability to take wickets consistently, and his performances have ensured Oman competitiveness in the ODI format. Ahmed’s emergence further highlights the ways in which associate nations are helping to make the ODI format current on the international map.
4. Milind Kumar (USA): 19 ODI Wickets
ODIs Played: 8, Average: 16.57
The United States’ international growth in cricket has been supported by the output of Milind Kumar, who has captured 19 wickets in 8 games in 2025. With his variations being his specialty, Kumar has emerged as an important find with his off-spin.
His average of 16.57 and knack for ending partnerships have made him an asset of importance for the USA as they seek to establish themselves internationally. Kumar’s presence highlights the growing depth in associate cricket, helping sustain interest in the ODI format.
5. Kyle Klein (Netherlands): 19 ODI Wickets
ODIs Played: 10, Average: 21.84
The Netherlands’ Kyle Klein has been one of the standout pacers in 2025, taking 19 wickets in 10 ODIs. Though his average of 21.84 is lower than that of some of the other top bowlers on this list, Klein has been the go-to bowler in providing control and penetration, even against stronger teams.
He has the ability to get bounce out of the wickets and keep a good pace on flatter ones, making him the Dutch team’s most important bowler. While younger bowlers such as Klein continue to rise to prominence, they are ensuring the ODI format remains competitive and fun.
6. Paul van Meekeren (Netherlands): 19 ODI Wickets
ODIs Played: 11, Average: 25.63
Paul van Meekeren, another Dutch pacer, remains a regular in their ODI bowling lineup. With 19 wickets at 25.63, van Meekeren’s skill to bowl in the death overs and his intelligence in using variations make him a Netherlands must-have player.
While his strike rate of 28.42 is on the higher end, his experience and capacity to deliver under pressure highlight his worth. Van Meekeren is a best example of how even lesser-fancied countries can bring the thrill of the ODI format.
7. Adil Rashid (England): 19 ODI Wickets
ODIs Played: 9, Average: 25.68
Adil Rashid, England’s top leg-spinner, is still a vital cog in their white-ball plans. Even in his thirties, Rashid keeps bamboozling batsmen with his guile and experience. In 2025, he has picked 19 wickets at a strike rate of 25.68, playing a key role in England’s middle overs.
His 25.36 strike rate indicates his capacity for building pressure, but his experience makes him one of the most consistent ODI bowlers out there. Rashid’s continued success is a testimony to the value of spin within the ODI format, particularly for a top nation like England.
8. Jayden Seales (West Indies): 18 ODI Wickets
ODIs Played: 8, Average: 17.50
Jayden Seales has emerged as the go-to bowler of the West Indies bowling unit at a rapid pace. With 18 wickets at a scintillating average of 17.50, Seales has emerged as a force to be reckoned with the new ball.
His strike rate of 18.22 is one of the highest in world cricket, and his performances in 2025 have been a silver lining for the West Indies, who have struggled with consistency in recent years. Seales’ emergence has been a positive factor for the ODI format, especially for the West Indies, as they seek to assemble a competitive team to participate in future tournaments.
9. Mitchell Santner (New Zealand): 18 ODI Wickets
ODIs Played: 11, Average: 25.50
Mitchell Santner completes the list of best ODI wicket-takers in 2025. With 18 wickets in 11 games, Santner’s strength is not being a hard-hitting wicket-taker, but in his consistency in controlling the game with his left-arm spin. His economy rate and consistency have earned him a spot as an important player for New Zealand, especially in developing pressure and giving the fast bowlers the opportunity to attack.
Santner’s capacity to anchor an end and shatter associations whenever necessary highlights the value all-rounders bring in ensuring that the ODI format remains competitive and in balance.
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