Most expensive spells in ODI cricket
Adam Zampa became the bowler with the joint most expensive spell in the history of the sport in the ODI format. While bowlers try to be sharp with their line and length so as to get the wickets and maintain a solid economy, there have been times when batters have found ways to take the bowlers to the cleaners in the white-ball formats. With that said, we delve into the top three most expensive spells in ODI cricket-
3. Philippe Boissevain (NED) | 108 runs
Netherlands leg-spinner Philippe Boissevain endured a dismal outing during the match against England in the first ODI in 2022. England posted a humongous 498 runs in their 50 overs courtesy of aggressive hitting by the likes of Phil Salt, Dawid Malan, and Jos Buttler compiling scores of 122, 125 and 162* runs, respectively. With this, Philippe Boissevain leaked the most runs in the contest as he gave away 108 runs in his 10 overs, going wicketless with a dismal economy of 10.80.
2. Wahab Riaz (PAK), Rashid Khan (AFG) | 110 runs
Former Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz too proved to expensive during the match against England in the third ODI in 2016. The former pacer was hammered for 110 runs in his 10 overs of the innings as England eventually went on to post 444 runs and also win the match by a humongous 169 runs.
Likewise, spin sensation Rashid Khan gave as many runs in his nine overs at an economy of 12.22 against the Three Lions during their clash in the 2019 ODI World Cup. England brushed aside Afghanistan by 150 runs to comfortably seal the contest.
1. Adam Zampa (AUS), Mick Lewis (AUS) | 113 runs
In 2006, during the fifth ODI against South Africa, Mick Lewis’ dismal performance with the ball led to their loss despite being in a comfortable position to earn a potential win. The Aussies posted 434 runs in their 50 overs, however, in the second innings, Lewis leaked 113 runs in his 10 overs which helped the Proteas keep momentum and clinch the victory.
Similarly, the fourth ODI between Australia and South Africa in 2023 saw Adam Zampa taken to the cleaners as he gave away 113 runs in his 10 overs of the innings. With this, he got his name among the unceremonious list of players with the worst spells in ODI cricket. The Proteas eventually won the game by a massive 164 runs.
