One-Day International (ODI) cricket has seen some amazing performances of brilliance in the batting throughout the past few years. From inspiring stroke play to record breaking partnerships, players and teams have continued to test the limits. Thanks to modern approach and pitches that favour batters, the competition for the highest score in ODI continues to get more intense. From England’s record-breaking totals to individual masterclasses by cricketing legends, this article highlights the top 10 highest scores in ODI cricket that shocked the cricketing world.
Top 10 Highest Team Scores in ODI Cricket
The progress of ODI cricket has led to bold batting styles and power-hitting. Here’s a look at the top 10 highest team scores in ODI history:
| Rank | Team | Score | Opponent | Venue | Date |
| 1 | England | 498/4 | Netherlands | Amstelveen | 17 June 2022 |
| 2 | England | 481/6 | Australia | Nottingham | 19 June 2018 |
| 3 | England | 444/3 | Pakistan | Nottingham | 30 Aug 2016 |
| 4 | Sri Lanka | 443/9 | Netherlands | Amstelveen | 4 July 2006 |
| 5 | South Africa | 439/2 | West Indies | Johannesburg | 18 Jan 2015 |
| 6 | South Africa | 438/9 | Australia | Johannesburg | 12 Mar 2006 |
| 7 | South Africa | 438/4 | India | Mumbai | 25 Oct 2015 |
| 8 | Australia | 434/4 | South Africa | Johannesburg | 12 Mar 2006 |
| 9 | South Africa | 428/5 | Sri Lanka | Delhi | 7 Oct 2023 |
| 10 | South Africa | 418/5 | Zimbabwe | Potchefstroom | 20 Sep 2006 |
1. England: 498/4 vs Netherlands (2022)
England’s record-breaking total of 498/4 against the Netherlands on June 17, 2022, in Amstelveen, is the highest score in ODI cricket. Strong innings by Jos Buttler (162 off 70), Phil Salt (122 off 93), and Dawid Malan (125 off 109) helped England easily beat the Netherlands’ bowling attack.
2. England: 481/6 vs Australia (2018)
England’s 481/6 against Australia at Trent Bridge in 2018 showcased fearless batting, with Jonny Bairstow and Alex Hales punishing the Australian attack. This inning, loaded with boundaries and bold stroke play, stunned Australia.
3. England: 444/3 vs Pakistan (2016)
England set the tone for their bold approach by smashing 444 runs against Pakistan at Trent Bridge in 2016. Alex Hales played a brilliant knock of 171, setting the base for this big total.
4. Sri Lanka: 443/9 vs Netherlands (2006)
Before the T20 era influenced batting styles, Sri Lanka posted 443/9 against the Netherlands in 2006. Sanath Jayasuriya’s great inning 157 gave Sri Lanka this huge score, which remained a record for 10 years.
5. South Africa: 439/2 vs West Indies (2015)
South Africa’s great performance against the West Indies in 2015 was driven by AB de Villiers’ intense 149 off 44 balls, pushing South Africa to 439/2 in Johannesburg.
6. South Africa: 438/9 vs Australia (2006)
In one of the greatest ODI games of all time, South Africa chased down Australia’s massive 434 with one ball remaining. Herschelle Gibbs’ 175 helped South Africa post 438/9 in this unforgettable chase.
7. South Africa: 438/4 vs India (2015)
South Africa showcased their batting skills again by registering one of the highest score in ODI 438/4 against India in Mumbai in 2015. Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis, and AB de Villiers smashed centuries to break down India’s bowling attack.
8. Australia: 434/4 vs South Africa (2006)
Australia’s 434/4 against South Africa remains one of the most memorable batting displays. Ricky Ponting’s 164 off 105 balls was a masterclass that led Australia to a record-breaking total before South Africa’s historic chase.
9. South Africa: 428/5 vs Sri Lanka (Delhi, 2023)
South Africa scored 428/5 against Sri Lanka in Delhi during the 2023 World Cup. Aiden Markram’s quick 106 and centuries from De Kock and Van der Dussen powered South Africa to a huge score.
10. South Africa: 418/5 vs Zimbabwe (Potchefstroom, 2006)
South Africa scored 418/5 against Zimbabwe in Potchefstroom on September 20, 2006. Loots Bosman led the innings with an impressive 88, while Mark Boucher stole the show with a blistering 147* off 68 balls. Jacques Kallis also contributed 50 runs, helping South Africa post another 400+ total.
Highest Individual Score in ODI Cricket
While team totals always steal the show, individual brilliance has also contributed to memorable records. The highest score in ODI by a player in cricket was achieved with great skill and hard work.
1. Rohit Sharma: 264 vs Sri Lanka (2014)
Rohit Sharma‘s 264-run innings at Eden Gardens remain a player’s highest score in ODI. His innings combined style and power, with 33 boundaries and 9 sixes.
2. Martin Guptill: 237 vs West Indies (2015 World Cup)*
Martin Guptill’s unbeaten 237 in the 2015 World Cup quarterfinal remains the highest individual score in Cricket World Cup history, showcasing both power and composure under pressure.
3. Virender Sehwag: 219 vs West Indies (2011)
Sehwag’s great 219 came against the West Indies, as he took down their bowling attack with classic cuts and pulls.
4. Chris Gayle: 215 vs Zimbabwe (2015 World Cup)
Gayle’s powerful 215 against Zimbabwe included 16 sixes, making it one of the most memorable innings in World Cup history.
5. Fakhar Zaman: 210 vs Zimbabwe (2018)*
Fakhar Zaman’s unbeaten double century made him the first Pakistani to achieve this milestone and showcased his ability to start steadily and then score faster.
India’s Highest Score in ODI Cricket
India is a strong ODI team. Their highest score in ODI was 418/5 against the West Indies in 2011, powered by Virender Sehwag’s brilliant 219.
Top 3 Highest Team Scores by India in ODIs:
- 418/5 vs West Indies (2011)
- 414/7 vs Sri Lanka (2009)
- 413/5 vs Bermuda (2007 World Cup)
England’s Dominance in ODI Scoring
England’s bold batting strategy has made them an absolute leader in terms of the highest score in ODI score. Their brave approach, attacking mindset, and deep batting lineup have consistently allowed them to break the 400-run mark.
England’s Top 3 Highest Team Totals in ODIs:
- 498/4 vs Netherlands (2022)
- 481/6 vs Australia (2018)
- 444/3 vs Pakistan (2016)
Conclusion
In modern cricket, many records have been broken over the years. Teams like England, India, and South Africa have shown what is possible in a 50-over game. Whether it’s a team scoring close to 500 or a player hitting a double century, the highest score in ODI cricket is a record every player wants to beat. With T20 cricket changing how players bat, we can expect even more big scores in the future. At Spin and Swing, we keep you updated with record-breaking moments and exciting highlights from the world of cricket.
FAQs
What is the highest score in ODI cricket by a team?
England holds the record for the highest team score in ODI cricket, scoring 498/4 against the Netherlands on June 17, 2022.
Which team has crossed 400 runs the most in ODI cricket?
England and South Africa have crossed the 400-run mark multiple times, showcasing their dominance in limited-overs cricket.
What is India’s highest score in ODI cricket?
India’s highest ODI score is 418/5 against the West Indies, achieved in Indore on December 8, 2011.
Who has the highest individual score in ODI cricket?
Rohit Sharma holds the record with 264 runs against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens in 2014.
Which match had the highest combined total in ODI cricket?
The famous South Africa vs. Australia match in 2006 saw a combined total of 872 runs, with South Africa chasing down 434.
