Most Maiden Overs in ODI and T20 Cricket

Shaun Pollock comes from an esteemed cricketing lineage, which includes his grandfather Andrew (who played first-class cricket), his father Peter (who represented the Proteas in 28 Tests and was Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1966) and his uncle Graeme (considered among South Africa’s greatest players).

Even with big shoes to fill, Shaun Pollock earned his place among the greats.

His right-arm fast bowling was consistent and economical, his abilities as a batsman made him reliable in the lower order, and he also excelled as captain in the early 2000s.

For 13 years, Pollock was a mainstay of the Proteas’ bowling attack.

He holds the record for the most maiden overs in ODI cricket history - 313 from just 303 matches - a statistic that demonstrates his ability to stifle opposition innings.

Pollock has also claimed the most wickets in home ODI matches (193).

During Australia’s reign over world cricket in the 1990s and 2000s, Glenn McGrath was a force of nature for the Baggy Greens with his pinpoint accuracy and pace.

In any debate about the greatest bowler, his name is always mentioned.

From 1993 until his retirement in 2007, McGrath took 563 wickets in Tests, placing him behind only England quicks James Anderson and Stuart Broad as the most successful bowler in the longest format.

In 50-over cricket, he claimed 381 wickets at an average of 22.02.

McGrath’s abilities as a bowler also shone in pressure situations, where he took 71 wickets in ODI Cricket World Cups - a record for the tournament that still stands today.

He also recorded 279 ODI maiden overs from just 250 matches.

The Ugandan veteran has achieved an impressive 17 maiden overs in T20 internationals, with his spin bowling reaping success in his career spanning more than two decades.

His rise in popularity came far more recently, however.

Frank Nsubuga became the oldest player to feature in T20 World Cups at 43 years old (during the 2024 edition) as Uganda recorded their first-ever senior ICC tournament win against Papua New Guinea.

He also recorded the most economical spell in tournament history.

Nsubuga’s spell of four overs for two runs, with two wickets and two maidens, saw him enter the history books and earn recognition from Guinness World Records.

Frank Nsubuga//Getty Images

14 years ago, Shem Ngoche was widely ridiculed for his three consecutive golden ducks in the 2011 World Cup - first trapped LBW against New Zealand and then bowled out against Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

He did not feature in Kenya’s remaining games at the tournament.

However, Ngoche has quietly represented his country as a bowler and a captain, including the Africa Qualifiers for the 2021 T20 World Cup, which Kenya narrowly missed out on.

The right-arm spinner has bowled 14 maiden overs in international T20s.

Shem Ngoche and Eldine Baptiste//Getty Images