Top bowlers having lowest economy in cricket history (ODIs)

In One Day International (ODI) cricket, maintaining a low economy rate is a significant achievement, reflecting a bowler’s ability to restrict scoring. As of January 2025, the top bowlers with the lowest career economy rates in ODIs are:

1. Joel Garner (West Indies) – Economy Rate: 3.09

Joel Garner, a towering figure in West Indies cricket, is regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of the game. Known for his height, accuracy, and the bounce he generated, Garner was a key part of the West Indies’ dominant bowling attack during the 1970s and 1980s. Here are the key details of his ODI career:

ODI Career Overview:

• Full Name: Joel Cleveland Garner
• Playing Period: 1977 to 1987
• Matches Played: 98 ODIs
• Innings Bowled: 179
• Wickets Taken: 146 wickets
• Economy Rate: 3.09 runs per over (the lowest in ODI history for bowlers with 1,000+ deliveries)
• Best Bowling Figures: 5/38
• Bowling Average: 18.84
• Strike Rate: 36.8 balls per wicket

Career Highlights:

1. Key Performances:
   • Garner’s best ODI bowling figures of 5/38 came in a match where his ability to break partnerships and keep the batsmen in check made him instrumental in the West Indies’ success.
   • He was known for his devastating spells in pressure situations, often using his bounce and length to dominate opposition batsmen.
2. Economy Rate:
   • Garner holds the record for the lowest economy rate in ODI history (3.09 runs per over), a testament to his ability to maintain pressure and restrict the flow of runs. In an era where one-day cricket was becoming increasingly high-scoring, his control made him one of the most economical bowlers of all time.
     

     ---

2. Max Walker (Australia) – Economy Rate: 3.25

Max Walker was a prominent Australian cricketer known for his unique bowling action and his exceptional ability to control the game through his medium-fast deliveries. He played a key role in Australia’s bowling attack during the 1970s. Here are the key details of his ODI career:

ODI Career Overview:

• Full Name: Maxwell Henry Walker
• Playing Period: 1971 to 1977
• Matches Played: 34 ODIs
• Innings Bowled: 68
• Wickets Taken: 71 wickets
• Economy Rate: 3.25 runs per over
• Best Bowling Figures: 4/24
• Bowling Average: 25.15
• Strike Rate: 35.7 balls per wicket

Career Highlights:

1. Key Performances:
   • Walker’s best ODI bowling figures of 4/24 came in a match where he was instrumental in taking quick wickets and putting pressure on the batting side. His ability to perform in the middle overs and limit the flow of runs was one of his major strengths.
2. Economy Rate:
   • Walker’s career economy rate of 3.25 runs per over is one of the best in ODI history, making him one of the most economical bowlers during the era. His accuracy and control allowed him to bowl long spells without conceding many runs, even as ODI batting was becoming more aggressive.
     

     ---

3. Mike Hendrick (England) – Economy Rate: 3.27

Mike Hendrick was a key figure in England’s bowling attack during the 1970s and early 1980s, known for his accuracy and ability to bowl tight, controlled spells. Here are the key details of his ODI career:

ODI Career Overview:

• Full Name: Michael William Hendrick
• Playing Period: 1973 to 1982
• Matches Played: 26 ODIs
• Innings Bowled: 46
• Wickets Taken: 39 wickets
• Economy Rate: 3.27 runs per over
• Best Bowling Figures: 4/18
• Bowling Average: 21.48
• Strike Rate: 33.7 balls per wicket

Career Highlights:

1. Key Performances:
   • Hendrick’s best ODI bowling performance came in a match where he took 4/18, which highlighted his ability to dominate and break crucial partnerships.
   • He was particularly effective in containing runs during periods when the batting team would try to accelerate, and his contributions were vital in applying pressure.
2. World Cup Involvement:
   • Hendrick played in the 1979 Cricket World Cup, contributing with the ball in England’s run to the final. His calm and composed nature in tight situations was an asset during the tournament.
3. Economy Rate:
   • Hendrick’s economy rate of 3.27 runs per over was an outstanding achievement, especially in an era when ODIs were becoming increasingly high-scoring. His ability to bowl economically in an era of aggressive batting makes him one of the most effective and disciplined bowlers of his time.
     

     ---

4. Bob Willis (England) – Economy Rate: 3.28

Bob Willis was a legendary fast bowler from England who made significant contributions to the team’s bowling attack in both Test and One Day International (ODI) formats. Here are the key details of his ODI career:

Bob Willis – ODI Career Overview:

• Full Name: Robert George Willis
• Playing Period: 1971 to 1984
• Matches Played: 64 ODIs
• Innings Bowled: 120
• Wickets Taken: 80 wickets
• Economy Rate: 3.28 runs per over
• Best Bowling Figures: 4/36
• Bowling Average: 27.10
• Strike Rate: 43.8 balls per wicket

Career Highlights:

1. Notable ODI Performances:
   • Willis was a regular feature in England’s ODI line-up during the 1970s and early 1980s, and he played key roles in several important matches for his country.
   • His best ODI bowling figures were 4/36, showcasing his ability to break partnerships and restrict opposition scoring.
   • He was known for his composure, even under pressure, and his capacity to bowl tight spells when containment was critical.
2. World Cup Involvement:
   • Willis was part of the England squad in the 1975 and 1979 World Cups, though he did not play as prominent a role in terms of wickets as some other bowlers in the team. However, his experience and skill were valuable during key moments in England’s campaigns.
3. Economy Rate:
   • With an impressive career economy rate of 3.28, Willis was known for his control, ensuring batsmen couldn’t easily score off him. He was especially effective in middle overs, where his accuracy helped stem the flow of runs.
     

     ---

5. Richard Hadlee (New Zealand) – Economy Rate: 3.30

Sir Richard Hadlee’s career in One Day International (ODI) cricket is remarkable for both his bowling prowess and his all-around contributions. Here are some key details about his ODI career:

ODI Career Overview:

• Playing Period: 1973 to 1990
• Matches Played: 115 ODIs
• Innings Bowled: 203
• Wickets Taken: 158 wickets
• Economy Rate: 3.30 runs per over
• Best Bowling Figures: 5/25
• Bowling Average: 21.56
• Strike Rate: 39.8 balls per wicket

Career Highlights:

1. Consistent Performer:
   • Hadlee was one of the most economical fast bowlers in ODI cricket, boasting a career economy rate of just 3.30. His ability to contain runs while taking wickets made him a key figure in New Zealand’s ODI success.
2. Wicket-Taking Ability:
   • He was known for his precision, often outwitting batsmen with swing and seam movement. Hadlee was a bowler who could operate both in the powerplay and at the death, maintaining a high level of consistency.
3. World Cup Impact:
   • Hadlee was instrumental in New Zealand’s run to the semifinals of the 1975 and 1983 World Cups, where his ability to bowl tight spells helped control the opposition.
   • In the 1983 World Cup, Hadlee was a vital part of New Zealand’s team, even though they didn’t make it to the final.