Muthiah Muralidaran’s Top 3 Performances in ODI Cricket

Legendary Sri Lankan off-spinner, Muthiah Muralitharan has etched his name in cricketing folklore with his unparalleled mastery of spin bowling. Across his illustrious career, Muralitharan mesmerized fans and bamboozled batters with his guile, accuracy, and prodigious turn.

In the high-octane arena of One Day International (ODI) cricket, Muralitharan’s artistry reached its pinnacle, leaving an indelible mark on the sport’s history. Let’s embark on a journey through the annals of ODI cricket to uncover Muralitharan’s top three performances, where his spin wizardry shone brightest on the grand stage, leaving a lasting legacy of brilliance and dominance.

3. 5/23 vs Pakistan, 1998

In the seventh match of the international ODI series in 1997-98 Sri Lanka locked horns with Pakistan at Benoni. Batting first Lankans posted a competitive total of 288/10 in 50 overs. Star batter Marvan Atapattu and skipper Arjuna Ranatunga scored half-centuries and led Sri Lanka to a comfortable position.

In response, Pakistan was dismissed for a mere 173 runs as star spinner Muthiah Muralitharan had a great outing. In his 9.2 over long spell, Muralitharan gave just 23 runs and clinched five wickets. He dismissed Pakistan’s lower middle order and set the game for Sri Lanka. With his iconic performance, Sri Lanka registered a massive victory by 115 runs.

2. 5/9 vs New Zealand, 2002

In the second match of the series, New Zealand batted first at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. However, it proved to be a difficult day for Kiwi batters as Muralitharan’s spin mastery was relentless. His amazing performance shattered the Kiwi line-up as he clinched 5 wickets by giving just nine runs.

Muralitharan dismissed players like Nevin, Flemings, Styris, Harris and Sinclair. However, despite his efforts New Zealand managed to post 218/8 in 50 overs. In response, Sri Lanka failed to put up a show as they were bundled up for a mere 207 runs.

1. 7/31 vs India, 2000

Muthiah Muralitharan’s spell against India in the Coca-Cola Championship at Sharjah in October 2000 stands as a testament to his unparalleled mastery of spin bowling. With Sri Lanka setting a formidable target of 294/5 in the first innings, the stage was set for a gripping encounter.

However, it was Muralitharan who stole the show with a mesmerising display of spin bowling that left the Indian batting lineup in disarray. As he weaved his magic on the Sharjah pitch, Muralitharan spun a web around the Indian batsmen, claiming a remarkable 7 wickets for just 30 runs in his quota of 10 overs. Muralitharan’s stellar performance played a pivotal role in restricting India to a mere 226 runs, securing a convincing victory for Sri Lanka.