Top 5 economical bowling figures in ODIs

It is not easy to dry up the runs in the limited overs format of the game where the batsmen will always be on the look out for runs. Here are the top 5 economical bowling spells in One Day International (ODI) cricket.Note: A bowler should have bowled at least 5 overs/30 balls to be eligible for contention

#5 Wasim Akram: 7.2-4-4-2

Undoubtedly the greatest left-arm fast bowler of all-time, Wasim Akram conceded just 4 runs in an ODI against India in the year 1986. In the encounter at Sharjah, Pakistan, winning the toss, opted to field first. The move paid rich dividends as the Men in Green bundled out India for 144. Akram ended up with two wickets and 4 maidens to his name.

Maninder Singh’s 4/22 gave Pakistan a brief scare before they got past the finishing line with 3 wickets to spare.

#4 Curtly Ambrose: 10-5-5-1

The legendary West Indian seamer was at his intimidating best with the new ball against Sri Lanka at Sharjah, 1999. Ambrose went for just 5 runs in his 10 overs, bowling 5 maidens in the process, at an economy of 0.50. However, he managed to bag just one wicket as the Island nation was bowled out for 178 in 49.3 overs.

In reply, the Caribbean side was made to work hard for their runs. But, in the end, Brian Lara’s men prevailed over the Asian side by 3 wickets.

#3 Bishan Singh Bedi: 12-8-6-1

Bishan Singh Bedi occupies the third place for his 12-over effort against East Africa in the 1975 World Cup. The left-arm spinner conceded just 6 runs in his spell, which saw 8 maidens. Despite bowling economically (0.50 runs per over), Bedi could only capture one wicket against the African side.

India won the match quite comfortably with 10 wickets and 181 balls remaining, chasing 121 at Headingley, Leeds.

#2 Dermot Reeve: 5-3-2-1

The second best economy rate in an ODI was registered by England’s Dermot Reeve against Pakistan in the 1992 World Cup at Adelaide. Pakistan escaped loss when rain ended England’s chase of 75 at 24/1 in 8 overs. Reeve's figures read 5-3-2-1, at an economy of 0.40.

Notably, Pakistan went on to win the World Cup defeating England in the finals at Melbourne.

#1 Phil Simmons: 10-8-3-4

Former West Indian seamer Phil Simmons, in a match against Pakistan in 1992, conceded just 3 runs in his 10 overs, completing his quota with 8 maidens. His economy rate read a staggering 0.30 runs per over, a spell that left Pakistan in a mess.

In fact, no West Indian bowler in that match conceded more than 3.11 runs an over as Pakistan were bowled out for 81 in 48 overs and lost by 133 runs in Sydney. The match was a part of a triangular ODI series, which also involved hosts Australia.