Cricket
Wasim Akram vs. Glenn McGrath: Who Was the Best ODI Bowler?
One-day international cricket has been shaped by fast bowlers, with their ability to swing, seam and out-think batsmen giving their countries the edge. Among the best ODI fast bowlers are Pakistan’s Wasim Akram and Australia’s Glenn McGrath, with vastly different styles but similar legendary careers. In their respective primes, both men were feared and respected in international and domestic cricket alike for being able to blend accuracy and speed. Even after stepping away from the sport to enjoy retirement, Akram and McGrath served to inspire generations of pace bowlers who followed them.
Glenn McGrath of Australia celebrates the wicket/Getty Images
Even after stepping away from the sport to enjoy retirement, Akram and McGrath served to inspire generations of pace bowlers who followed them.
SportsBoom has compared the icons’ career statistics, including wickets taken and economy, to determine which was truly superior in red-ball cricket.
Wasim Akram vs Glenn McGrath: Comparing ODI Bowling Records
To settle the debate about who the better ODI bowler was between Akram and McGrath, SportsBoom used a point-scoring system for each major metric.
For example, if the Pakistan swing wizard had the better economy rate compared to the Australian dismissal expert, Akram would then receive one point.
Based on the final tally across these metrics, SportsBoom then determined which of these cricket bowling legends deserved to be called the best in ODIs.
Matthew Hayden of Australia is bowled by Wasim Akram of Pakistan/Getty Images
Comparison Table: Wasim Akram vs. Glenn McGrath
SportsBoom has compiled two separate tables to analyse the respective statistics of Wasim Akram and Glenn McGrath in one-day internationals.
Wasim Akram
| Career Span | Matches | Innings | Maidens | Wickets | Economy | Strike Rate |
| 1984-2003 | 356 | 351 | 237 | 502 | 3.89 | 36.2 |
| Points | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Glenn McGrath
| Career Span | Matches | Innings | Maidens | Wickets | Economy | Strike Rate |
| 1993-2007 | 250 | 248 | 279 | 381 | 3.88 | 34 |
| Points | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Scoring Methodology: How We Determined the Winner
Key metrics considered for the ODI fast bowling comparison were:
Wickets taken - this statistic gauged the bowler’s total impact on ODI cricket.
- The winner in this metric is Akram
- The winner in this metric is Akram
Economy rate - this statistic looked at the bowler’s ability to restrict opposition run-scoring
- The winner in this metric is Akram.
Strike rate - this statistic assessed the bowler’s ability to take wickets and at what frequency.
- The winner in this metric is McGrath
- The winner in this metric is McGrath
Maiden overs - this statistic looked at a bowler’s control and discipline in the face of any batsman.
- The winner in this metric is McGrath
The final score according to these metrics is Wasim Akram - 2 and Glenn McGrath - 2.
While both men have won two categories apiece, McGrath takes the edge in our statistical comparison based on comparative matches and innings.
However, it could certainly be argued that Akram is the best seam bowler in cricket based on his achievements and accolades.
Wasim Akram’s ODI Career Highlights
Making his debut for Pakistan in 1985, Wasim Akram is often hailed as a pioneer of fast bowling due to his knack for swinging the ball both ways and his masterful seam movement.
His economy and strike rate over the span of his ODI career for Pakistan speak for themselves, including two hat-tricks, 22 Player of the Match awards and 18 four-wicket hauls.
Akram was also a crucial component of Pakistan’s 1992 Cricket World Cup victory, including a Man of the Match award for his three wickets in the final against England that year.
His ODI bowling statistics include becoming the first bowler to reach 400 and 500 wickets and the most wickets in Cricket World Cups - 55 - until McGrath later surpassed him.
Akram’s impact on Pakistan cricket and ODI as a format also includes some significant contributions with the bat, amassing over 3,700 runs and making six half-centuries.
Even seasoned veterans like Viv Richards, Ian Botham and Ricky Ponting have rated Akram among the toughest bowlers to face and hailed his almost unrivalled fast bowling.
His best figures in ODI cricket were a slick 5/15 against Zimbabwe in 1993, and he also achieved five-wicket hauls against five of the top cricketing nations in the format.
Wasim Akram ODI Bowling
Wasim Akram holds a number of records in ODI cricket, including most wickets taken bowled, most wickets taken caught behind, most wickets taken LBW, and most wickets taken hit-wickets.
Glenn McGrath ODI Career Highlights
Debuting for Australia in 1993, Glenn McGrath was known for his accuracy and consistency but also showcased his aggression and ability to take on opposition batsmen from early on.
As an important member of the Baggy Greens’ heyday in international cricket, his focus on seam movement and effective lines marked him as one of Australia’s best pace bowlers.
McGrath’s success is in part attributed to his physical fitness and also his notorious pre-match remarks, serving as a way to get into batsmen’s heads before they’d even faced him.
Leading the bowling attack, he helped Australia claim the World Cup trophy in 1999, 2003 and 2007, eventually overtaking Wasim Akram for the most wickets in tournament history.
McGrath claimed 71 dismissals against the world’s best, cementing his place among the finest to ever pick up the ball, with his best being seven wickets for 15 runs against Namibia.
Through his contributions to Australia and his unparalleled work ethic, the lanky fast bowler remains one of his country’s most celebrated stars - particularly in the 50-over format.
Summarising his performances at the top, he claimed five-wicket hauls against four of the top-ranked international teams: New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the West Indies.
Glenn McGrath bowling for Australia during the World Cup Super Six match/Getty Images
Final Verdict: Who Was the Greatest ODI Fast Bowler?
It goes without saying, considering their successes in the sport, that Wasim Akram and Glenn McGrath dominated their respective eras despite their contrasting bowling styles.
The Pakistan legend was a master of swing deliveries, known for lethal yorkers (earning him the nickname Toe Crusher) and the ability to create magic with the ball, thanks to a deadly combination of speed and deviation.
The Australian master, meanwhile, was considered the epitome of consistency, thriving on accuracy and lines. He excelled at applying pressure on batsmen, with his relentless deliveries leaving opponents under siege.
Akram's and McGrath’s respective legacies in the sport are emphasised by their inductions into the ICC Hall of Fame and the enduring respect they command in cricket.
Glenn McGrath’s economy rate and number of maiden overs wins him the statistical battle, also serving as a reminder of his incredible control and wicket-taking efficiency.
Meanwhile, Wasim Akram’s wickets in ODIs and pioneering approach to swing bowling remain unmatched, making him one of the most influential fast bowlers of all time.
Ultimately, the choice on which of these bowling icons should be rated as superior would depend on whether they prefer McGrath’s precision or Akram’s artistry.
Bruce Douglas has more than 12 years of experience in local news media. He has worked at all levels of print and online publication, from crime and politics to photography, newspaper layout, proofreading, mentoring, sub-editing, and leading a newsroom. He played numerous sports at the school level and enjoys keeping up to date.