Analysis

Top 10 highest scores by teams in history of ODI format

 

While cricket is a game predominantly focused on the interplay between bat and ball, there are occasions where bowlers find themselves on the receiving end as batsmen take centre stage. Over the years, ODI (One Day International) matches have seen a surge in high-scoring encounters. What was once considered a formidable total of 300+ runs has now become commonplace, with teams setting their sights on the 400-run mark.

In a remarkable display of batting prowess, England took it a step further in 2022, achieving a monumental score of 498/4 against the Netherlands. This historic feat not only shattered records but also highlighted the ever-increasing capabilities of batsmen in the modern era. As a result, it’s worthwhile to explore the highest team totals in ODI cricket, where monumental scores are now the order of the day. Let us look at the top 10 highest scores by teams in the history of the ODI format:

#1. England 498/4 against Netherlands in 2022       

In a historic One-Day International, England achieved a remarkable total of 498/4 against the Netherlands. Led by Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 162, supported by Dawid Malan’s 125, Philip Salt’s century, and Livingstone’s rapid fifty, England displayed outstanding batting prowess. Despite losing Jason Roy early, they maintained a brisk scoring rate. The Netherlands, in response, managed only 266 runs, leading to England’s massive 232-run victory.

#2. England 481/6 against Australia in 2018

On June 19, 2018, England etched their name in cricket history by becoming the first team to achieve a 450-plus total in ODI cricket, reaching 481/6 against Australia. This remarkable feat was powered by a dominant batting display, featuring 41 boundaries and 21 sixes. The foundation was laid by Jason Roy (82 off 61) and Jonny Bairstow (139 off 92), followed by Alex Hales (147 off 92) and a brisk 67 off 30 by Eoin Morgan. Australia, in response, could only manage 239 runs, resulting in England’s emphatic 242-run victory.

#3. England 444/3 against Pakistan in 2016

England’s remarkable rise in white-ball cricket was on full display on August 30, 2016. In a pivotal ODI against Pakistan at Trent Bridge, England’s formidable batting lineup set a new ODI record, amassing an astonishing 444/3. The standout performer was Alex Hales, who scored a blazing 171 off 122 balls.

Pakistan faced a daunting challenge in their pursuit and lost wickets consistently, eventually being bowled out for 275, resulting in England’s emphatic 169-run victory, with Hales earning the Player-of-the-Match honours.

#4. Sri Lanka 443/9 against the Netherlands in 2006

In the first ODI of Sri Lanka’s tour of the Netherlands, Sri Lanka recorded their highest-ever ODI score with Sanath Jayasuriya’s 153 off 104 balls and Tillakaratne Dilshan’s unbeaten 117 off 78 balls. Their aggressive batting set a new record for the highest team score at the time. The Netherlands were dismissed for 248 in response, resulting in a dominant 195-run win for Sri Lanka.

#5. South Africa 439/2 against West Indies in 2015

On January 18, 2015, at The Wanderers Stadium, South Africa delivered a historic ODI performance against the West Indies. AB De Villiers set a record by scoring the fastest ODI century in just 31 balls, amassing 149 runs off 44 deliveries. Hashim Amla added 153 runs, while Rilee Rossouw scored an unbeaten 128.

South Africa became the first team with all batsmen scoring centuries in an ODI, with three players reaching centuries in a single innings. The West Indies could only manage 291/7 in response, leading to South Africa’s convincing 148-run victory.

#6. South Africa 438/9 against Australia in 2006

On March 12, 2006, in Johannesburg, South Africa achieved the highest successful run-chase in ODI history by chasing down Australia’s record-breaking 434 runs. Herschelle Gibbs starred with an incredible 175 off 111 balls. Captain Graeme Smith and Mark Boucher’s contributions secured a dramatic one-wicket win in a match that featured a record 872 runs.

#7. South Africa 438/4 against India in 2015

On October 25, 2015, at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, South Africa clinched a decisive victory over India in the ODI series decider. They set a formidable total of 438/4 in 50 overs, powered by centuries from Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis, and AB de Villiers.

The South African innings included 58 boundaries, with de Villiers hitting 11 sixes. India suffered a massive 214-run defeat, marking their largest home loss. South Africa secured a 3-2 series win, their first bilateral series triumph in India.

#8. Australia 434/4 against South Africa in 2006

On March 12, 2006, at Johannesburg’s New Wanderers Stadium, Australia set a monumental ODI record by scoring 434/4 against South Africa. Captain Ricky Ponting played an outstanding innings, amassing 164 runs off 105 balls, establishing a then-record for the highest team score in ODIs.

Remarkably, despite their imposing total, Australia narrowly lost by one wicket in the final over, making it the highest team score in ODI history by a team batting first but ultimately losing.

#9. South Africa 418/5 against Zimbabwe in 2006

On September 20, 2006, South Africa amassed a formidable total of 418/5 against Zimbabwe in Potchefstroom. Mark Boucher was the standout performer, earning the ‘Man of the Match’ award for his explosive innings of 147 runs from just 68 balls. Boucher’s remarkable power-hitting included eight fours and an astonishing ten sixes, at an impressive strike rate of 216.18. South Africa secured a comfortable 171-run victory, and this total stood among the highest team scores in ODI history.

#10. India 418/5 against West Indies in 2011

In 2011, India achieved a historic milestone by posting a total of 418/5 against the West Indies. Virender Sehwag’s record-breaking innings of 219 runs from 149 balls set a new individual highest score for India in ODIs. Despite hitting only seven sixes, India managed a formidable 400+ total at an impressive run rate of 8.36. The West Indies suffered a comfortable 153-run defeat, leading to India’s victory in the 5-match ODI series. India’s innings included an impressive 48 fours, the second-highest in an ODI innings by a team.