Muttiah Muralitharan is a name that resonates with fans and experts alike. Born on April 17, 1972, in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Muralitharan’s illustrious career spanned over 2 decades, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. With a unique bowling action and an unparalleled skill set, he became a prolific wicket-taker, achieving remarkable milestones and rewriting records along the way. In addition to cricket wagers, there is football betting made simple at 1xBet as well, where the most prolific players are always featured.
Muralitharan was a spin wizard who predominantly bowled off-spin but was equally proficient in delivering the doosra, a delivery that spun away from right-handed batsmen. What set him apart was his extraordinary ability to extract sharp turn and bounce from any pitch, creating havoc among batsmen. His unorthodox action, characterized by a distinctive bent-arm, caused significant debates and controversies throughout his career. All kinds of betting made simple is available at 1xBet, where sports like football and also cricket are available.
One of the most remarkable statistics that define Muralitharan’s legacy is his staggering wicket tally. In Test cricket, he claimed a remarkable 800 wickets in just 133 matches, making him the highest wicket-taker in the history of the format. He surpassed the previous record held by Shane Warne of Australia and became the first and only player to achieve the incredible milestone. Muralitharan’s average of 22.72, coupled with an exceptional strike rate of 55.0, further emphasizes his effectiveness and impact on the game.
In One Day Internationals (ODIs), Muralitharan’s prowess continued to shine. He claimed 534 wickets in 350 matches, standing as the third-highest wicket-taker in the format. His average of 23.08 and an economy rate of 3.93 exemplify his ability to restrict scoring while consistently taking wickets. Muralitharan played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s success in limited-overs cricket, aiding his team to victory in the 1996 World Cup and numerous other tournaments.
Other amazing accomplishments
Muralitharan’s remarkable achievements were not limited to statistics alone. Punters can bet on cricket online now on 1xBet, where other amazing players from Sri Lanka can be wagered too. Other accomplishments he secured during his career include:
- having 67 5-wicket hauls in Test cricket;
- having 22 10-wicket hauls in Test cricket;
- this also means that he has the record for the most 10-wicket hauls scored in Test matches.
Moreover, Muralitharan was an influential figure in Sri Lankan cricket. He played a vital role in shaping the team’s success during the late 1990s and early 2000s. His partnership with fellow spin bowler and teammate, Aravinda de Silva, was instrumental in driving Sri Lanka to the pinnacle of cricketing glory. Muralitharan’s performances on the international stage inspired a new generation of spinners in Sri Lanka and cemented his status as a national hero.
However, Muralitharan’s career was not devoid of controversy. Due to his unique bowling action, he faced scrutiny and accusations of an illegal delivery. His action was subjected to intense scrutiny by cricketing authorities, leading to a number of instances where his action was reported and questioned. Despite these challenges, Muralitharan continued to prove his prowess and effectiveness, ultimately earning widespread respect and recognition for his exceptional skills. It is great to bet on cricket online now on the 1xBet website, where other great bowlers are also available.
Beyond the numbers and controversies, Muralitharan’s impact on the game extends far beyond his individual achievements. He redefined the art of spin bowling and demonstrated the immense value of a quality spinner in any team’s arsenal. Muralitharan’s presence on the field often created a sense of uncertainty and unease among batsmen, as they grappled with his variations and spin wizardry.