One Day Internationals, also known as ODIs, have seen significant evolution, especially with the rise of T20 cricket. T20 has transformed the way 50-over matches are played. In T20, batsmen go for big runs right from the start, and this aggressive approach is now common in ODIs too.
The intense competition in modern cricket has made teams focus on maximizing their scoring opportunities. Today, no total is considered safe, which pushes players to prioritize team success over individual milestones. Even scores above 300, which once guaranteed victory, are now seen as vulnerable. Over the years, many teams have posted impressive totals in ODIs.
Top 10 Highest Scores in One Day International Cricket
The England cricket team holds the record for the highest score in ODI history. They achieved this remarkable feat against the Netherlands in Amstelveen on June 17, 2022. Led by Jos Buttler, England batted first and dominated the Dutch bowlers. Dawid Malan scored 125 runs off 109 balls, and Phil Salt added 122 runs off 93 balls. However, the highlight was Jos Buttler, who smashed 162 runs off just 70 balls. This performance helped England set an astonishing total of 498/4, winning the match by 232 runs.
2. England’s 481/6 vs Australia in 2018
Before breaking their own record, England set a total of 481/6 against Australia on June 19, 2018, in Nottingham. Alex Hales (147 runs off 92 balls) and Jonny Bairstow (139 runs off 92 balls) opened the innings with powerful performances, leaving the Australian bowlers struggling. Eoin Morgan also made a significant contribution with a quick 67 runs off just 30 balls. England won this match by 242 runs, marking Australia’s biggest defeat.
3. England’s 444/3 vs Pakistan in 2016
The third-highest score in ODIs belongs to England, who scored 444 runs against Pakistan at Trent Bridge in 2016. This match was crucial for England after their disappointing exit from the 2015 World Cup. Under Eoin Morgan’s captaincy, they adopted a fearless batting strategy. Alex Hales was exceptional, scoring 171 runs off 122 balls, supported by Jos Buttler (90 off 51) and Eoin Morgan (57 off 27). England won the match by 169 runs.
4. Sri Lanka’s 443/9 vs Netherlands in 2006
Before England’s high scores, Sri Lanka held the record for the highest ODI score. They achieved 443/9 against the Netherlands in Amstelveen in 2006. Sanath Jayasuriya (153 runs off 104 balls) and Tillakaratne Dilshan (117* runs off 78 balls) played key roles in this match. Sri Lanka won comfortably by 195 runs.
5. South Africa’s 439/2 vs West Indies in 2015
South Africa ranks fifth in the list of highest ODI scores. They posted 439/2 against the West Indies at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg in 2015. Hashim Amla (153 off 142 balls) and Rilee Rossouw (128* off 115 balls) provided solid openings, but the star was AB de Villiers, who scored the fastest century in ODIs, reaching 100 runs in just 31 balls. He finished with 149 runs off 44 balls, leading South Africa to a victory by 148 runs.