Most wickets for Afghanistan in ODIs – Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi lead this top 5 list
As well as they have done by qualifying to play in the ICC Champions Trophy, Afghanistan are relative newcomers to international cricket.
They only played their first ODI in 2009, against Scotland in Benoni, South Africa. Now, just 16 years later, they are competing as one of the top eight teams in the world at the ICC’s second most prestigious ODI event.
Who have been the bowlers that have played key roles on their rise to the top? Let’s take a moment to look at Afghanistan’s top five wicket-takers in ODI cricket.
5. Gulbadin Naib – 74 wickets | Average: 36.43
A versatile all-rounder, Gulbadin Naib has been a key contributor with both bat and ball for Afghanistan. While his primary role has been as a middle-order batter, his ability to break crucial partnerships with his medium pace has proven invaluable.
His 73 ODI wickets have come at an average of 36.43, and he continues to be a dependable presence in Afghanistan’s lineup – at almost 34-years-old he is currently a part of the team playing in the Champions Trophy.
4. Mujeeb Ur Rahman – 101 wickets | Average: 28.34
Mujeeb Ur Rahman burst onto the international scene as a mystery spinner, quickly establishing himself as a world-class bowler. His unique ability to bowl carrom balls and off-spin variations saw him troubling some of the best batters in the world.
With 101 wickets at an impressive average of 28.34, Mujeeb has become a sought-after player on eth T20 franchise circuit. He is still young at just 23-years-old, and he surely has a long career ahead of him still, even if he is not currently a part of the Afghanistan set-up.
3. Dawlat Zadran – 115 wickets | Average: 29.76
He was one of Afghanistan’s premier fast bowlers, a reliable performer for many years. Zadran played his first ODI in 2011 and his last game for Afghanistan in 2019.
His ability to generate pace and movement with the new ball made him a constant threat to opposition batters. With 115 wickets at an average of 29.76, Zadran played a crucial role in Afghanistan’s journey to the top tier of international cricket.
Also read: Most runs in career in ODIs – can anyone beat Sachin Tendulkar?
2. Mohammad Nabi – 176 wickets | Average: 32.39
Afghanistan’s most experienced all-rounder, Mohammad Nabi has been instrumental in the team’s success. A wily off-spinner, Nabi has the ability to contain runs while also picking up key wickets. He starred in his country’s famous 2025 Champions Trophy win over England.
His 174 wickets at an average of 32.39 highlight his importance as a bowler who can deliver in all conditions. Along with Rashid Khan he has been a key component of the Afghan attack, bowling primarily in the crucial middle overs of the innings.
1. Rashid Khan – 199 wickets | Average: 20.17
At the top of the list is Afghanistan’s superstar leg-spinner, Rashid Khan. With 198 wickets at a stunning average of 20.17, Rashid has been Afghanistan’s most dominant bowler in ODI cricket.
His exceptional control, sharp googlies, and ability to turn the game in a matter of overs have made him one of the most feared bowlers in the world. A player with charisma and confidence Rashid Khan has become the sort of bowler that opposition batsmen try to see off rather than score off.