Most overs bowled by spinners in an ODI innings

By Ravi - Oct 22, 2025 09:52 PM
Last updated on Oct 22, 2025 09:52 PM

One Day International (ODI) cricket has always been known for its balance between fast bowlers and spinners. However, on October 21, 2025, at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, the West Indies made history with their bowling strategy. In the second ODI against Bangladesh, the West Indies team set a unique world record, never before seen in the 54-year history of ODI cricket. They bowled all 50 overs of Bangladesh's innings exclusively with spin bowlers!

1. 50 Spin overs West Indies vs Bangladesh, Dhaka, 2025*

The second ODI between the West Indies and Bangladesh in Dhaka was the second match of the series. The pitch in Dhaka, like the first ODI, was slow and turning. Taking advantage of this situation, West Indies captain Shai Hope made a bold decision. He didn't give a single over to his team's only fast bowler, all-rounder Justin Greaves, and instead assigned the entire 50 overs to his five spinners.

This strategy proved effective, as they restricted Bangladesh to just 213 runs in 50 overs. Gudakesh Moti (3 wickets) was the most successful, while part-time spinner Alick Athanase displayed excellent economy, taking 2 wickets for just 14 runs in 10 overs.

2. 44 Spin overs Sri Lanka vs West Indies, Port of Spain, 1996

Sri Lanka is the joint second country to bowl 44 overs of spin in an ODI. This time, batting first in 1996, Sri Lanka was bowled out for just 251 in 48.3 overs. In reply, chasing a target of 252 to win, the West Indies could only manage 216 for nine in 50 overs, as Sri Lanka used six spinners, with Chaminda Vaas being the only fast bowler to bowl six overs in the match.

Furthermore, 44 overs were given to the spinners, who exploited the conditions to their advantage and restricted the home team to just 216, giving Sri Lanka a 35-run victory.

3. 44 Spin overs, Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, Colombo, 1998

During the 1998 Nidahas Trophy in Colombo, Sri Lanka used 44 overs of spin bowling against New Zealand. Batting first, New Zealand scored 200 runs for the loss of nine wickets after bowling the full 50 overs. Pramodya Wickramasinghe was the only fast bowler in the match, bowling six overs; all the other Sri Lankan Lions bowlers were spinners. Chasing a target of 201 runs to win, Sri Lanka finished the match in just 40 overs, thanks to a brilliant 83 from Marvan Atapattu. In the end, Sri Lanka made strong use of their spin and batting to secure a comfortable victory with seven wickets to spare.

4. Sri Lanka vs Australia, 44 overs, Dambulla, 2004

In 2004, Sri Lanka bowled 44 overs against Australia in Dambulla. Chasing a target of 263, Australia scored 262 for six. The only exceptions were Chaminda Vaas and Nuwan Kulasekara, who bowled three overs each. All other bowlers used by Sri Lankan captain Marvan Atapattu were spinners.

Despite this, Australia reached a score of 262, which they eventually successfully defended, while Sri Lanka could only manage 178, giving the visitors a comfortable 84-run victory in the first ODI of the series. From this Australian lineup, left-arm spinner Brad Hogg was named Player of the Match for taking 5 wickets for 41 runs in 9.3 overs.

5. 43.3 overs, Oman vs Netherlands, Al Amerat, 2024

This is 43.3 overs of spin bowled by Oman against the Netherlands at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in 2024. Batting first, Oman could only manage 155 runs in 44.2 overs, and in return, the Netherlands faced 43.3 overs from Oman's spinners, with fast bowler Muzahir Raza bowling only two overs; the rest were bowled by spinners.

The Netherlands lasted 45.3 overs and were bowled out just one run short of Oman's total, losing the match by just one run. Thanks to Oman's excellent spinners, all the wickets in this match were taken by Oman's spinners. It was a thrilling spin game, with Oman's Aamir Kaleem taking four wickets, putting the Dutch in a tight spot that they never recovered from.

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