In the world of One Day Internationals (ODIs), cricket has changed a lot over the years. Earlier, teams were happy scoring 250–270 runs. But today’s modern ODI game is fast, aggressive, and full of boundaries. With fearless batters, flat pitches, and new rules, teams now aim for huge totals above 400. These big scores leave the bowlers helpless and the fans excited.
This article brings you the Top 5 Highest Totals in ODI Cricket History—innings where teams broke records, amazed fans, and showed the power of modern batting. Let’s look at each of these memorable matches, starting from number five to number one.
Here Are the Top 5 Highest Totals in ODI Cricket History
5. South Africa – 428/5 vs Sri Lanka
Date: October 7, 2023
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
South Africa started their 2023 ODI World Cup campaign with a loud statement. Batting first against Sri Lanka, they smashed a record-breaking 428 runs for 5 wickets, the highest team total ever in a World Cup match. What made this innings so special was that three South African batters scored centuries in the same game—Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram.
Markram’s century was the highlight. He scored 100 runs in just 49 balls, setting a World Cup record for the fastest century. Sri Lankan bowlers had no answers as South Africa hit 45 fours and 14 sixes. The ball flew all over the Wankhede Stadium, and fans witnessed an explosive display of stroke-making. This match proved that South Africa was one of the most dangerous batting sides in the tournament. Their total of 428 not only gave them a huge win but also put their name in the record books.
South Africa Batting Scorecard:
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quinton de Kock | 100 | 84 | 12 | 3 | 119.04 |
| Rassie van der Dussen | 108 | 110 | 13 | 2 | 98.18 |
| Aiden Markram | 106 | 54 | 14 | 3 | 196.29 |
| Heinrich Klaasen | 32 | 20 | 2 | 2 | 160.00 |
| David Miller | 39 | 21 | 3 | 2 | 185.71 |
| Extras | – | – | – | – | 27 |
| Total | 428/5 in 50 Overs | – | – | – | – |
4. South Africa – 438/9 vs Australia
Date: March 12, 2006
Venue: Wanderers, Johannesburg
This is known as the greatest ODI match ever played. Australia batted first and made a massive 434 runs, which was a world record at that time. No one believed South Africa could chase it, but they did—and how! Led by Herschelle Gibbs and Graeme Smith, the Proteas created history by scoring 438/9 with just one ball remaining.
Herschelle Gibbs was outstanding. He scored 175 off 111 balls, playing fearless and attacking cricket. Smith added a quickfire 90 runs. In the end, Mark Boucher hit the winning runs and remained not out on 50. The stadium went wild, and this match became a classic example of how nothing is impossible in cricket.
This was not just about big runs—it was about fighting spirit, self-belief, and history being made. The total of 438 became a legendary number in ODI cricket.
South Africa Batting Scorecard:
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graeme Smith | 90 | 55 | 13 | 2 | 163.64 |
| Herschelle Gibbs | 175 | 111 | 21 | 7 | 157.66 |
| Mark Boucher | 50* | 43 | 4 | 1 | 116.28 |
| Johan van der Wath | 35 | 18 | 3 | 2 | 194.44 |
| Extras | – | – | – | – | 25 |
| Total | 438/9 in 49.5 Overs | – | – | – | – |
3. South Africa – 439/2 vs West Indies
Date: January 18, 2015
Venue: Wanderers, Johannesburg
This match is famous for one main reason—AB de Villiers’ record-breaking knock. On this day, AB scored the fastest ODI century ever, reaching 100 in just 31 balls. South Africa posted 439/2, and the West Indies bowling looked helpless.
The innings started with Hashim Amla and Rilee Rossouw building a solid partnership of 247 runs. Amla scored 153* and Rossouw 128. Then came AB, and what followed was pure destruction. He smashed 149 off 44 balls, including 16 sixes. Fans couldn’t believe what they were watching.
South Africa’s total of 439 was built on calm batting, explosive hitting, and clever strike rotation. This match is one of the best examples of modern-day power-hitting in ODIs.
South Africa Batting Scorecard:
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hashim Amla | 153* | 142 | 14 | 0 | 107.74 |
| Rilee Rossouw | 128 | 115 | 11 | 2 | 111.30 |
| AB de Villiers | 149 | 44 | 9 | 16 | 338.63 |
| Extras | – | – | – | – | 9 |
| Total | 439/2 in 50 Overs | – | – | – | – |
2. England – 481/6 vs Australia
Date: June 19, 2018
Venue: Trent Bridge, Nottingham
In this match, England showed how strong their white-ball team had become. Playing against Australia, England smashed 481/6, which was the highest ODI total at the time. Every batter came with the same mindset: attack from ball one.
Jonny Bairstow scored 139 off 92 balls, and Alex Hales hit 147 off 92. They made a partnership of 151 runs in just 19 overs. Later, Eoin Morgan joined in and smashed 67 off 30 balls. Australia had top bowlers, but they looked clueless.
England’s aggressive batting and smart planning led to one of the most destructive innings in ODI cricket. This match set a new standard in high-scoring games.
England Batting Scorecard:
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonny Bairstow | 139 | 92 | 15 | 5 | 151.08 |
| Jason Roy | 82 | 61 | 7 | 4 | 134.42 |
| Alex Hales | 147 | 92 | 16 | 5 | 159.78 |
| Eoin Morgan | 67 | 30 | 3 | 6 | 223.33 |
| Jos Buttler | 11 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 91.67 |
| Moeen Ali | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 75.00 |
| Extras | – | – | – | – | 12 |
| Total | 481/6 in 50 Overs | – | – | – | – |
1. England – 498/4 vs Netherlands
Date: June 17, 2022
Venue: VRA Cricket Ground, Amstelveen
England made history once again by scoring the Highest Total in ODI Cricket History—498/4 against the Netherlands. This was a perfect example of how powerful and deep England’s batting lineup had become. The star of the day was Jos Buttler, who played one of the greatest ODI innings ever.
Buttler scored an unbeaten 162 off just 70 balls, hitting 14 sixes. He was well supported by Phil Salt (122) and Dawid Malan (125), who also scored centuries. At the end, Liam Livingstone added 66 runs in just 22 balls, taking England near the 500-mark.
The Netherlands had no chance as England played fearless cricket and made the record books once again.
England Batting Scorecard:
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phil Salt | 122 | 93 | 14 | 3 | 131.18 |
| Dawid Malan | 125 | 109 | 9 | 3 | 114.67 |
| Jos Buttler* | 162* | 70 | 7 | 14 | 231.42 |
| Liam Livingstone* | 66* | 22 | 6 | 6 | 300.00 |
| Moeen Ali | 22 | 18 | 2 | 1 | 122.22 |
| Extras | – | – | – | – | 21 |
| Total | 498/4 in 50 Overs | – | – | – | – |
Conclusion (100 words)
The Highest Totals in ODI Cricket History show how far the game has come. Teams are no longer scared to aim for big scores. With better fitness, fearless mindsets, and batting depth, 400+ totals are no longer a surprise. South Africa and England have led the way, rewriting records and thrilling fans. Each match in this list is a reminder of how exciting ODI cricket can be. The future might bring even bigger totals, but these five performances will always stand out for their brilliance and historical impact.
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