Top three wicket-takers in Women’s ODIs
Women’s cricket, in recent times, has grown from strength to strength and risen through the ranks, with more focus and attention given to the circuit. The recent inclusion of Women’s T20 in the 2022 Commonwealth Games was yet another historical moment for the sport.
With all the focus and attention given to the women’s circuit over the last few years by the fans and management alike, it has increased the competitiveness with more quality players rising through the ranks. Especially in the bowling department, the benchmark has been raised with the emergence of various bowlers. On that note, here are the top three wicket-takers in the Women’s ODIs:
3.Cathryn Fitzpatrick (Australia), Anisa Mohammed (West Indies)
A flag bearer of women’s cricket, and one of the fastest bowlers of all time in the circuit, Cathryn Fitzpatrick finished with 180 wickets in ODIs. She had a small frame yet generated an electric pace, which made her a serial wicket-taker for the Aussies. There even broke the mark of 75 mph (~120 kph) time and again. She played 109 ODIs between 1993 and 2007 and lifted the World Cups in 1997 and 2005.
Meanwhile, the starlet West Indies spinner, Anisa Mohammed, is also on the 180-wicket mark in ODIs and is likely to go clear of Fitzpatrick to take the third spot. She made her ODI debut in 2003 and currently has the seventh-longest career in the Women’s ODI. She has played 141 ODIs and has taken six five-wicket hauls and seven four-wicket hauls. In addition to her stellar ODI numbers, she also has 125 wickets in Tests.
2.Shabnim Ismail (South Africa)
Quite like Fitzpatrick, South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail has a small frame yet possesses express pace. With zeal and drive, wearing her heart on her sleeve, she always gives her all to the team. She made her international debut in 2007 and has appeared in 127 ODIs ever since. She has 191 wickets and counting, at an average of 3.70 and an economy rate of 3.70. She also has six four-wicket hauls and two five-wicket hauls with the best figures of six for 10.
1.Jhulan Goswami (India)
An Indian icon and one of the most inspiring characters in Indian cricket, Jhulan Goswami stands at the top of the list of highest wicket-takers in women’s ODIs with 253 wickets in 202 matches. She made her India debut in 2002 and has announced that she would retire from all forms of international cricket after the ODI series against England in September. She has had the second-longest career in Women’s ODIs, standing behind yet another legendary Indian player, Mithali Raj. The tall fast bowler has also taken Test 44 wickets in 12 matches with three five-wicket hauls.
