Top 5 ODI bowlers of the decade 

#3. Lasith Malinga

Lasith Malinga: Deadly as ever

Matches - 162, Wickets - 248, Average - 28.74, Economy Rate - 5.46, Best Figures - 6/38

The Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga continued to be among the wickets even as he battled injury and age issues. His toe-crushing yorkers have produced some of the most enthralling moments to have been watched on the television screen.

With other senior pros Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara having retired in recent years, Malinga has seamlessly taken on the mantle of the elder statesman. His record of 248 wickets in 162 games at an average of 28.74 and a strike rate of 31.5 speaks for itself.

Malinga’s record in matches that Sri Lanka has won also points to the fact that is among the world’s greatest match-winners with the ball in hand -- 157 wickets in 73 matches at an average of 19.70 and a strike rate of 23.2. The fast bowler has been among the wickets in all the three World Cup played this decade - 13 (2011), 12 (2015), 13 (2019).

The ageless warrior

In fact, it was his 4 for 43 that bowled Lanka to an upset win over eventual champions England in this year’s World Cup. Sri Lanka will be eternally grateful to Malinga for having his services around in an era where their fortunes have been on the downslide.