Top 10 most economical spells in ODI Cricket.

Economy is a very important part in the game of cricket. While defending a total, bowlers need to take wickets as well as tighten things up for the opposition  by not leaking runs and bowling at a certain line and length. These are the top 10 most economical spells in the history of ODI cricket which proved to be a big turning point in the matches.

10. Mike Hendrick

Hendrick was named Wisden cricketer of the year in 1978 // Getty Images

This bowler from England was very dangerous on green top wickets due to his seam bowling and natural bounce. He produced the 10^th most economical spell against Canada on 13^th June 1979. Canada was batting first after winning the toss. Mike Hendrick bowled 8 overs  of which 4 overs were maidens ,giving away only 5 runs taking 1 wicket. His economy rate was just 0.62!!.. Simply great!!. England won this match very comfortably.

9.Alex Cusack

This Irish bowler was at his best against Scotland in 2009. Ireland was batting first and scored 205-9. They had to defend this total and came Alex Cusack with the ball. In his spell of 5 overs,2 were maidens and gave only 3 runs with an astounding economy of 0.60. He played a huge role in the win of Ireland.

8. Dennis Lillee

Often touted as the Best bowler ever produced,his presence would definitely not surprise anyone. He was at his best again versus India in a world series matchin 1981. Lillee in his 5 over spell he delivered 2 maidens,dismissed one  batsman and had given just 3 runs. Yes!! Only 3 runs with an economy rate of 0.60. Australia won that match while chasing a paltry 64.

7. Sunil Joshi

This Indian bowler helped his team to win against South Africa in 1999. In his 10 over bowling spell he took 5 wickets giving away only 6 runs with an economy of 0.60. He delivered 6 maidens in the process. India won the match and Joshi was awarded the Man of the Match award for his bowling effort.

6. Kapil Dev

One of the greatest all-rounders in the game, the world cup winning captain of India Kapil Dev is on 6^th position in this list. He produced a great spell against West Indies in 1989.India had managed a low score of 148-10. Kapil Dev in his 7 over bowling spell gave just 4 runs with an economy rate 0.57. In the process he delivered 4 maidens. He toiled hard and hard but could not savour a win for India. WI won the match comfortably.

5. Wasim Akram

He is known as the “Sultan of Swing”. Wasim Akram is 5^th on this list. You will find him in all the records related to bowling!!. It was in the match aginst India in 1986 where Wasim bowled one of his finest spells. In his 7.2 over spell he delivered 4 maidens,took 2 wickets whle giving away only 4 runs with an economy of 0.54. India managed 144-10 put to bat first which Pakistan won easily.

4. Curtly Ambrose

He really scared batsmen to death. Curtley Ambrose, a bowling legend from the West Indies is 4^th on this list. In the match between WI and Sri Lanka in 1999,where SL batted first and scored 178-10. Ambrose in his 10 over quota delivered 5 maidens took 1 wicket and gave away only 5 runs. His economy was only 0.50. Due to this heroic bowling effort,WI won this match.

3. Bishan Singh Bedi

One of the most popular spinner from India,Bishan Singh Bedi is on 3^rd position on this list. In the match between India and  East Africa in 1975 bowled 12 overs out of which  8 where without runs,he took 1 wicket and gave just 6 runs. His economy was 0.50. Due to this marvelous bowling stint East Africa only managed 120-10 which India chased in 30 overs without loosing a wicket.

2. Dermot Reeve

This English all-rounder  occupies 2^nd spot in this list. In 1992 Benson & Hedges World cup between England And Pakistan Reeve was at his best. England fielded first in the match where Reeve bowled  5 overs out of which 3 were maidens. He took 1 wicket while giving only 2 runs with a marvelous economy of 0.40. Pakistan found itself in tatters and only scored 74 runs a big thanks to the spell of Dermot Reeve. England scored 24-1 as the match was canceled.

1. Philip Simmons

Image // Getty Images

The West Indian bowler Philip Simmons is on the peak position on this list holding the record for the most economical spell in the history of the game. In 1992 WI v Pak,WI made 214-9 after batting first in 50 over. While defending the target,Simmons in his 10 over bowling spell gave just 3 runs out of which 8 where maidens,took 4 wickets with an economy rate of 0.30.Pakistan scored just 81 runs in reply. Simmons was declared the Man of the match due to his splendid effort with the ball.