Jofra Archer Breaks James Anderson’s Record to Take 50 ODI Wickets in Fewer Matches

ISLAMABAD: Jofra Archer set a new record as the fastest England player to reach 50 ODI wickets during his team’s Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan.

Following a washout between Australia and South Africa on February 25, England entered their second match knowing that a loss would eliminate them from the tournament.

Put into the field in Lahore, with Afghanistan’s captain Hashmatullah Shahidi choosing to bat, Archer took the first new ball alongside Mark Wood.

After two tight overs, Archer claimed his 50th wicket with the first ball of his third over. Rahmanullah Gurbaz got an inside edge, which deflected onto his pad and back onto the stumps.

Archer reached the 50-wicket milestone in just 30 matches, surpassing James Anderson’s record of 31 matches, set in 2004. Rounding out the top three is Steve Harmison.

The fastest bowler ever to reach 50 ODI wickets is Sri Lanka’s Ajantha Mendis, who did so in just 19 matches.

Nepal’s Sandeep Lamichhane took 22 games, while Ajit Agarkar (India) and Mitchell McClenaghan (New Zealand) achieved the feat in 23 matches.

Quickest England bowlers to 50 ODI wickets

Quickest bowlers to 50 ODI wickets, full list