When it comes to bowling toe-crushing yorkers, few have mastered the art like Lasith Malinga, who tops the list of the best yorker bowlers in cricket history. Known for his lethal accuracy and unplayable deliveries.
However, Just behind him, Waqar Younis ranks second, while Dale Steyn secures third place with his pace and precision.
This blog explores the top yorker bowlers in cricket, analyzing their skills, impact, and what makes them the greatest yorker bowlers.
Top 10 Best Yorker Bowlers In The World
In the table below, I’ve shared the top 10 Yorker bowlers in the world, including matches they played and wickets taken across Test, ODI, and T20 matches:
| Player names | Matches Played (Test/ODI/T20) | Wicket Taken(Test/ODI/T20) |
|---|---|---|
| Lasith Malinga | 30/226/84 | 101/338/107 |
| Waqar Younis | 87/262/0 | 373/416/0 |
| Dale Steyn | 93/125/47 | 439/196/64 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 36/89/70 | 159/149/89 |
| Wasim Akram | 104/356/0 | 414/502/0 |
| Shoaib Akhtar | 46/163/15 | 178/247/19 |
| Brett Lee | 76/221/25 | 310/380/28 |
| Andrew Flintoff | 79/141/7 | 226/169/5 |
| Mitchell Starc | 69/99/50 | 282/195/60 |
| Shaun Tait | 3/35/21 | 5/62/28 |
Now you know all the top 10 players, let’s see each player’s records in detail:
1. Lasith Malinga
Lasith Malinga, with his unique round-arm action, became famous for his deadly yorkers. His precise bowling often turned games in Sri Lanka’s favor. One of his most unforgettable feats was taking four wickets in four balls against South Africa in the 2007 World Cup.
His mastery of yorkers made him one of cricket’s greatest bowlers, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.
2. Waqar Younis
For over a decade, Waqar Younis was one of cricket’s most thrilling bowlers. The former Pakistan captain mastered deadly yorkers.
Even though he slowed later in his career, he kept knocking over stumps with his pinpoint full-length deliveries. Until his retirement, he was the best at bowling yorkers.
3. Dale Steyn
Dale Steyn, a former South African cricketer, took 439 Test wickets in just 93 matches. One of his career highlights was an ODI where he used precise yorkers to dismiss Sachin Tendulkar.
Dale was known for swinging the ball both ways, impressing in the IPL with his economy and dot balls. However, injuries took a toll, and he retired from international cricket in 2020.
4. Jasprit Bumrah
No list of the best yorker bowlers is complete without mentioning Jasprit Bumrah. Since his debut in 2016, he has achieved remarkable feats and made his place as India’s top fast bowler.
Known for his sharp game awareness and ability to adapt quickly, Bumrah has always possessed a deadly yorker, making him a force to reckon with. His impressive form in 2024 earned him a nomination for the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year.
5. Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram, the legendary Pakistani cricketer, was a master of fast bowling, especially yorkers. His deliveries combined speed, swing, and pinpoint accuracy, making batters nearly unplayable.
Akram’s ability to swing the ball both ways made it tough for batsmen to predict and counter his deliveries.
6. Shoaib Akhtar
Shoaib Akhtar, known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” was one of the fastest bowlers in cricket history. He holds the record for the fastest delivery at 161.3 km/h, making his yorkers deadly.
Trained by Waqar Younis, Akhtar mastered the art of yorkers, with standout performances like 6/11 in Tests and 6/16 in ODIs. His speed and accuracy made him one of the best yorker bowlers in the world.
7. Brett Lee
Australian fast bowler Brett Lee was known for his speed and style. Ranked among the best bowlers in the world for his raw pace and aggression, his yorkers were deadly, combining blistering pace with late movement which makes it tough for batsmen to handle.
A key player in Australia’s bowling attack, he took 310 Test wickets and 380 ODI wickets. With his raw pace and precision, Lee is remembered as one of the best yorker bowlers in history.
8. Andrew Flintoff
Andrew Flintoff, the flexible English cricketer, became well-known for his fast bowling style and outstanding batting abilities. His ability to deliver the yorker, particularly under pressure, was a unique feature of his talent.
Flintoff was essential for England in the early 2000s, helping them win several important games.
9. Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc ranks 9th on the list. The 32-year-old Australian pacer is known for his raw pace and deadly yorkers. He has already impressed many, and it will be interesting to see if he climbs higher and becomes one of the best Yorker bowlers in cricket history.
10. Shaun Tait
Shaun Tait, the Aussie speedster, was known for his raw pace and secured his place among the fastest bowlers in the world. Over the years, he sharpened his yorker skills. Imagine facing a yorker at 150-155 km/h—terrifying, right? Unfortunately, injuries cut his career short, stopping him from reaching his full potential.
What Makes A Perfect Yorker Bowler In The World?
A perfect yorker is a fast, toe-crushing delivery that lands right at the batsman’s feet, making it almost impossible to hit. It requires precision, speed, and deception.
Bowlers like Lasith Malinga and Waqar Younis mastered it by focusing on accuracy, wrist position, and late swing. Consistent practice and control over pace are key to executing it effectively.
Why Is a Yorker Difficult To Play?
A yorker is hard to play because it targets the batter’s feet, limiting shot options. With minimal room to swing the bat, batters often struggle to adjust in time.
When executed well, it can lead to bowled or LBW dismissals, making it a bowler’s secret weapon.
Conclusion: Lasith Malinga Is The Best Yorker Bowler In The World
Bowling perfect yorkers is a rare skill in cricket, and Lasith Malinga, widely regarded as the Best Yorker Bowler in the World. Just behind him, Waqar Younis follows closely, ranking second, while Dale Steyn, known for his accuracy, takes the third spot.
However, records are meant to be broken. With new fast-bowling talents coming every year worldwide, we may soon see a player surpass these legends.
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