Most Wickets In ODI Women’s Cricket: Top 7 Bowlers (List 2025)

Women’s cricket has grown exponentially over the past ten years, from global tournaments to increased media coverage on the biggest stages. Batswomen often grab headlines with big totals and stylish stroke play, but bowlers control matches. They shift momentum and create the turning points that decide championships. In the ODI format, consistency, discipline, and tactical brilliance are what set these legends apart.

As of 2025, the ODI women’s cricket bowling leaderboard features some of the greatest and most influential cricketers of all time. These bowlers have not only taken wickets but have also impacted the development of the women’s game with their skills.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top 7 women with the most ODI wickets (2025), their stats, achievements, and the legacy they’ve created.

Top 7 Highest Wicket-Takers in Women’s ODI Cricket (2025)

1. Jhulan Goswami: The Undisputed Bowling Queen of Women’s Cricket

Jhulan Goswami is the leading wicket-taker in women’s ODI history, having had an illustrious career spanning nearly two decades. Known for her smooth run-up, tremendous bounce, and discipline, Goswami led India in every major global tournament.

She holds these records:

• Most ODI wickets (255)
• Most World Cup wickets (43 till 2023 World Cup)
• Most maidens bowled in Women’s ODIs

Her ability to break partnerships under pressure made her unparalleled. Even after retirement, Jhulan remains the gold standard for fast bowling in women’s cricket.

2. Cathryn Fitzpatrick – Fast, Fearless, and Ferocious

In an era when stadiums were packed and franchise leagues weren’t a thing of the past, Cathryn Fitzpatrick transformed women’s fast bowling. Consistently bowling at speeds of over 120 km/h, she intimidated batsmen around the world and became a sensation in the early 2000s.

Her average of 16.79 is one of the best bowling averages in ODI cricket history, a testament to her consistency and accuracy.

3. Ellyse Perry – The All-Round Maestro

Ellyse Perry is one of the few cricketers in world cricket who can change the course of a game with either bat or ball. She forms the backbone of the Australian bowling attack, with 176 ODI wickets to her name.

What makes Perry special is her ability to adapt to the situation. She swings the new ball early in the innings and bowls cutters and slower deliveries in the death overs. Statistics aside, her fighting spirit has turned big matches in Australia’s favor more times than anyone can count.

4. Anisa Mohammed – West Indies’s Very Own Spin Wizard

Anisa Mohammed, a master of flight and deception, is one of the most successful off-spinners in ODI cricket. With 180 wickets, she is the first West Indies bowler (male or female) to reach 150 ODI wickets.

She stands out for the following reasons:

• Experience in high-pressure matches.
• Consistency at home and away tournaments
• Record-breaking spells across World Cups and T20s

5. Shabnim Ismail – South Africa’s Fast Bowling Legend

Known for her tremendous pace and fearlessness, Shabnim Ismail is considered one of the fastest women’s bowlers of all time. With 191 wickets, she is South Africa’s all-time leading wicket-taker in ODIs.

Ismail’s aggression, mastery of the yorker, and seam movement have helped South Africa not only become the top-ranked team in women’s cricket, but also compete with major teams like Australia and England.

6. Sana Mir – The Face of Pakistan Women’s Cricket

Sana Mir holds a special place in cricket history, as she transformed Pakistan into a highly competitive team. With 151 ODI wickets, her leadership and tactical skills were as important as her bowling.

She remains a role model in Pakistan, inspiring a new generation to take up the sport, especially spin bowling.

7. Katherine Sciver-Brunt – England’s Champion Match-Winner

One of England’s most celebrated bowlers, Katherine Sciver-Brunt has bowled countless spells on the big stage, including victories at the 2009 and 2017 ODI World Cups.

Her explosive celebrations, competitive spirit, and mastery of late swing have made her one of the most feared new-ball bowlers in the world.

Why These Bowlers Are So Special?

This is a remarkable list that showcases the evolution of women’s cricket over the decades.

These bowlers became great because of their consistent performances:

• Accuracy under pressure
• They possess intelligence in reading batters and wickets.
• Stamina across long ODI spells
• Commitment to improve even in later stages of their careers

Their performances laid the foundation for the next generation. Names like Sophie Ecclestone, Annabel Sutherland and Alana King have become prominent figures in cricket around the world.

The Impact of Female Bowlers on Modern Cricket

The increasing competitiveness of the women’s game is directly linked to the growth of elite bowling units. Bowlers now:

• Bowl at higher speeds and with greater accuracy
• Multi-format development strategies
• Opposition studies using data analytics
• Innovate over the variations like knuckle-balls and carrom-balls.

Until a few years ago, these totals were considered impossible to defend. But now they are being defended regularly, proving that bowlers have brought balance back to ODIs.

Read More: Most Wickets In T20 Women’s Cricket: Top 7 Bowlers (List 2025)

Conclusion

The story of ODI women’s cricket is incomplete without celebrating its greatest bowlers. From Jhulan Goswami’s unmatched discipline to Shabnim Ismail’s pace, each player has shaped the game in their own unique way. Their journeys have inspired countless young girls to pick up the ball, dream big, and pursue international cricket. This helps lay the foundation for an exciting future for women’s cricket around the world.

FAQs: People Also Ask

Q1. Who is the all-time highest wicket-taker in Women’s ODI cricket?

Going into 2025, Jhulan Goswami leads the chart with 255 wickets, the highest in the history of Women’s ODIs.

Q2. Who is the highest wicket-taker amongst active women cricketers?

At the end of 2025, Ellyse Perry of Australia and Shabnim Ismail of South Africa were the top wicket-takers among active players.

Q3. Among the top wicket-takers, who has the best bowling average?

The best average belongs to Cathryn Fitzpatrick-16.79, which is outstanding with the long international career she has had.

Q4. Which country does the most top-7 bowlers come from?

The list is headed by Australia with two bowlers – Cathryn Fitzpatrick and Ellyse Perry.

Q5. Who is the all-time record holder in terms of wickets in Women’s ODI World Cup?

Jhulan Goswami held the record with 43 World Cup wickets until 2023. Marizanne Kapp passed that tally in 2025 with 44+ wickets across editions.