Greatest ODI XI of last 25 years

Bowlers: Wasim Akram, Brett Lee, Muttiah Muralitharan and Glenn McGrath

Wasim Akram

Arguably the greatest left-arm bowler of all time, Wasim Akram was an important asset to 50-over cricket itself. For, he was the first one to show the world how to curb the aggressive mindset of batters in this format.

Akram rose to International fame after his tremendous success in the 1992 World Cup. He mesmerized the world with immaculate control over his skills. The Pakistan legend was an astute reader of the game and that helped his country in reaching new heights.

Akram played 356 ODIs in which he took an unbelievable 502 wickets at an amazing average of 23.53. He maintained a great economy rate of 3.9 in a magnificent career.

Brett Lee

If there was one bowler who instilled fear in batsmen with his pace then it is undoubtedly Brett Lee. He was not only fast but also accurate with his line and length at the same time.

Brett Lee was a revelation when he first burst onto the international arena when he bowled around 150 kph constantly. Along with Gillespie, Warne and McGrath, he formed a fearsome bowling attack for Australia.

In 221 ODIs, Lee picked up 380 wickets at a terrific average of 23.36. He also took 9 five-wicket hauls in his career.

Muttiah Muralitharan

With those big eyeballs popping out of his eyes and wrists that almost seemed like turning a full circle, Muttiah Muralitharan surely bamboozled most of the batsmen he bowled to.

Muralitharan is undoubtedly the most prolific spinner in ODI history. His record speaks volumes about his skill-set. From 350 ODIs, the wily off-spinner picked up 534 wickets at a breathtaking average and economy rate of 23.08 and 3.93 respectively.

Muralitharan was the cornerstone of Sri Lankan cricket for his entire career. He remained an inspirational figure in cricket for what he achieved despite murmurs against his bowling action.

Glenn McGrath

Glenn McGrath was the man who redefined accuracy and consistency in cricket. He could bowl every single ball on a handkerchief placed on a certain part of the pitch. Such was his accuracy. He troubled every great batsman during his peak whether it was Tendulkar or Lara.

McGrath was an inseparable part of the Australian side that won 3 consecutive World Cups between 1999 and 2007.

McGrath played 250 one-day matches in which he picked up 381 wickets at a staggering average of 22.08. He ended his terrific career by picking up a wicket off his very last ball. He was declared man of the tournament in his last ever World Cup which the Aussies won in the Caribbean.