One Day Internationals (ODIs) have evolved into a venue for batting fireworks, but cricket has always been a game of glorious uncertainty. Powerplays, flat pitches, and bold hitters have produced some enormous totals. Teams have pushed the limits of what is feasible in 50 overs, from run fests that smash records to complete batting devastation. This article highlights the development of attacking cricket and honours teams that have rewritten the record books by examining the Top 10 Highest Team Scores in ODI Cricket History.
Therefore, you’re at the ideal place if you want to know which country has the one-day highest scoring team title, the highest ODI score by a team, or the highest total in ODI matches.
| # | Team | Score | Against | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | England | 498/4 | Netherlands | Amstelveen | 17-Jun-2022 |
| 2 | England | 481/6 | Australia | Nottingham | 19-Jun-2018 |
| 3 | England | 444/3 | Pakistan | Nottingham | 30-Aug-2016 |
| 4 | Sri Lanka | 443/9 | Netherlands | Amstelveen | 04-Jul-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 | Wankhede | 25-Oct-2015 |
| 8 | Australia | 434/4 | South Africa | Johannesburg | 12-Mar-2006 |
| 9 | South Africa | 428/5 | Sri Lanka | Delhi | 07-Oct-2023 |
| 10 | South Africa | 418/5 | Zimbabwe | Potchefstrom | 20-Sep-2006 |
1. England – 498/4 vs Netherlands (2022)
Venue: Amstelveen
England’s incredible 498/4 against the Netherlands in June 2022 holds the record for the greatest ODI score by a side. Three English batters—Phil Salt, Dawid Malan, and Jos Buttler- scored hundreds in this game. Buttler, who hammered 162 off just 70 balls, was particularly vicious. It almost crossed the 500-run threshold and is still the most runs scored by a team in an ODI.
2. England – 481/6 vs Australia (2018)
Venue: Nottingham
With 481/6 against bitter rivals Australia, England previously held the record for the highest total in ODI cricket. The Australians were left in amazement as Jonny Bairstow (139) and Alex Hales (147) led England to an incredible score. After England’s disappointing World Cup campaign in 2015, this innings marked the beginning of a new era of aggressive cricket.
3. England – 444/3 vs Pakistan (2016)
Venue: Nottingham
When England defeated Pakistan in 2016, they recorded 444/3, adding another victory to their record. Alex Hales’ career-high 171 set the tone. Jos Buttler also scored the fastest England fifty in ODI history during the match. It was the highest team score in ODI history at the time.
4. Sri Lanka – 443/9 vs Netherlands (2006)
Venue: Amstelveen
Long before ODI power-hitting became commonplace, Sri Lanka stunned the cricket world in 2006 by defeating the Netherlands with a score of 443/9. Tillakaratne Dilshan’s 117 and Sanath Jayasuriya’s stunning 157 made this one of the first entries into the 400+ club. At the time, it was the highest international ODI score ever.
5. South Africa – 439/2 vs West Indies (2015)
With an incredible 149 from just 44 balls, including the fastest ODI century (31 balls), AB de Villiers revolutionised batting. With a final score of 439/2, which included hundreds from Hashim Amla and Rilee Rossouw, South Africa solidified their place among the top-scoring Odi teams.
6. South Africa – 438/9 vs Australia (2006)
Venue: Johannesburg
South Africa defeated Australia’s then-record 434 with 438/9 in what is frequently referred to be the best ODI contest ever. History was made by Herschelle Gibbs’ spectacular 175 and Mark Boucher’s calm finish. In terms of the greatest ODI score by a chasing team, it was historic as it was the first time a team pursued over 400.
7. South Africa – 418/5 vs Zimbabwe (2006)
Venue: Potchefstroom
When South Africa amassed 418/5 against Zimbabwe, they produced another batting clinic. Mark Boucher supplied the final fireworks, while Graeme Smith and Loots Bosman laid the groundwork. This sum solidified South Africa’s standing as a batsman powerhouse in the middle of the 2000s.
8. Australia – 434/4 vs South Africa
Venue: Johannesburg
In the same historic match where South Africa chased it down, Australia had earlier posted 434/4, then the highest ODI score by a team ever. Ricky Ponting’s blazing 164 led the charge, and at the time, it seemed like an unbeatable total. It was the first instance of a team crossing 430 and rewriting what was possible in 50-over cricket.
9. South Africa – 428/5 vs Sri Lanka
Venue: Delhi
South Africa once again demonstrated their batting brilliance at the 2023 ICC World Cup, defeating Sri Lanka with a score of 428/5. They once again surpassed the 400-mark thanks to centuries from Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram. Markram set a new record for the highest score by team performance with his 49-ball century, which was the fastest in World Cup history.
10. South Africa – 418/5 vs Zimbabwe
Venue: Potchefstroom
With a solid 418/5 versus Zimbabwe, South Africa further solidified their supremacy in the 2000s. The launchpad was supplied by Loots Bosman and Graeme Smith, and the Proteas never turned back. Their inclusion in the list of the greatest one-day team efforts in history was guaranteed by this game.
Final Thoughts: Who Will Break the 500-Run Barrier?
It’s only a matter of time until a team reaches the 500-run mark, with England threatening at 498/4. Will it be India on a level subcontinental pitch, the Three Lions once more, or maybe an unexpected underdog?
These records show how explosive cricket has become and how it is still changing. Expect even more incredible events and additions to the list of highest ODI international scores in the years to come as the game keeps evolving.
Therefore, keep an eye out for the next highest runs in ODI by team, regardless of your preference for batting carnage or statistics.
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