Most Runs Conceded by a Bowler in ODI Cricket

Cricket is generally a game of balance between batting and bowling. The bowlers are expected to bowl tight line and length and economical spells in cricket, and batsmen try to score big in an aggressive manner, but there are some matches where the storm of batsmen overpowers the bowlers' capability to stop the batsmen from accumulating runs. In such matches only, the most runs conceded by a bowler in ODI are usually a reflection of the dominance of batsmen. This record may seem negative, but presenting a true picture of the changing nature of cricket.

Most Runs Conceded by a Bowler in ODI Cricket: Who Holds the Record?

In ODI cricket, bowlers are usually identified through their wickets and economy rate, but sometimes their names get recorded in those record books which no bowler would want. One such unwanted record is that of conceding the most runs in an ODI match, which highlights how challenging and ruthless the limited-overs format can be for bowlers.

Shahid Afridi – 13,632 runs

Shahid Afridi is a former Pakistan all-rounder who has bowled a total of 2,945 overs and given away 13,632 runs. His name comes up at the top in the discussion on the most runs conceded by a bowler in ODI. The excitement in the matches automatically increases whenever Shahid Afridi takes the ball in his hand.

Muttiah Muralitharan – 12,326 runs

Muttiah Muralitharan is the most lethal spinner in cricket history. He bowled 3,135.1 overs in ODIs, in which he conceded 12,326 runs. These figures also make him a part of the list of the most runs conceded by a bowler in ODI, apart from being the highest wicket-taker.

Sanath Jayasuriya – 11,871 runs

Sanath Jayasuriya is capable of changing the atmosphere of a match not only with the bat but also with the ball. In his ODI career, he bowled 2,479 overs and conceded 11,871 runs, which places him among the bowlers with the most runs conceded in ODI cricket.

Wasim Akram – 11,812 runs

Wasim Akram is Pakistan's legendary fast bowler who has bowled 3,031 overs in ODI cricket, in which he conceded 11,812 runs. Due to his battle with the batsmen for years, he appears in the list of the most runs conceded by a bowler in ODI.

Chaminda Vaas – 11,014 runs

Chaminda Vaas is always ready for any challenge, whether it’s the new ball or the death overs. He has bowled 2,629.1 overs and conceded 11,014 runs. He has led his team's bowling attack with consistency and responsibility for many years.

Anil Kumble –10,412 runs

Anil Kumble has registered in the list of the most runs conceded by a bowler in ODI, where he has scored 10,412 runs across 2,416 overs. He bowled largely in the middle overs and focused more on taking wickets than on stopping runs as an aggressive leg-spinner.

Waqar Younis – 9,919 runs

Waqar Younis is a master of pace and reverse swing has bowled 2,116.2 overs in ODI cricket and conceded 9,919 runs over the course of his career. This aggressive bowling trajectory earned him the record for the most runs conceded by a bowler in ODIs.

Lasith Malinga – 9,760 runs

Lasith Malinga is known for his sling action and yorker, who has bowled 1,822.4 overs to concede 9,760 runs. His demanding death overs are often cited among the most runs conceded by a bowler in ODIs.

Daniel Vettori – 9,674 runs

Daniel Vettori bowled 2,343.2 overs and conceded 9,674 runs, which is among the most runs conceded by a bowler in ODIs. He has harnessed his experience and composure in ODI cricket to guide the team. Although his on-field approach has always been steady and reliable.

Shaun Pollock – 9,631 runs

Shaun Pollock has bowled 2,618.4 overs and conceded 9,631 runs, which features him on the list of most runs conceded by a bowler in ODIs. He is a master of line and length who held the team firmly for years with his smart, balanced, and strategic bowling.

Even legends had tough days! Check out the most runs conceded by a bowler in ODI Cricket, and more fascinating cricket news, real-time live scores, top sports news, and complete IPL head to head stats right here—Sports Yaari.