Top 10 Greatest ODI Knocks in Cricket History

ODI cricket has witnessed countless unforgettable innings, but a select few rise above the rest as the greatest of all time. These iconic knocks aren’t just measured by runs alone—they’re defined by the context, the tension, and their game-changing impact. Whether forged in World Cup finals or during miraculous chases, these performances have left an enduring legacy, continuing to inspire cricket lovers across the globe.

Here’s our ranking of the Top 10 Greatest ODI Knocks in Cricket :

10. Kevin O’Brien

Among the Greatest ODI Knocks in Cricket History, Kevin O’Brien’s blazing 113 stands as the ultimate giant-killing masterpiece. With Ireland reeling at 106/4 in pursuit of 328, O’Brien unleashed a fearless assault, hammering the fastest World Cup century at the time—off just 50 balls. His explosive innings powered Ireland to a stunning victory over England, delivering one of the tournament’s biggest upsets and proving that no target is unreachable, and no team should be underestimated.

Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Strike Rate	Match Result
113	63	13	6	179.36	Ireland won by 3 wickets

9. Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting’s unbeaten 140 in the World Cup final is undeniably one of the Greatest ODI Knocks in Cricket—made even more special by the magnitude of the occasion. Facing a formidable Indian side, Ponting led from the front, dismantling the bowling attack with commanding ease. His explosive finish, including eight towering sixes, powered Australia to a massive total of 359—well beyond India’s reach. It was a captain’s innings that stamped Australia’s supremacy on the world stage.

Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Strike Rate	Match Result
140*	121	4	8	115.7	Australia won by 125 runs

8. Viv Richards

Viv Richards’ iconic 189* is widely hailed as one of the Greatest ODI Knocks in Cricket History, not just for the runs but for the sheer dominance under pressure. With West Indies in deep trouble at 166/7, Richards took charge and single-handedly lifted the team to 272/9—no other batter even managed 30. His commanding performance stood as the highest ODI score for years, a timeless display of West Indian flair and resilience.

Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Strike Rate	Match Result
189*	170	21	5	111.18	West Indies won by 104 runs

7. Adam Gilchrist

Adam Gilchrist’s blazing 149 in the 2007 World Cup final stands as one of the Greatest ODI Knocks in Cricket History. Opening the innings with trademark aggression, he set the tone from the very first ball, hammering 13 fours and 8 sixes in a breathtaking display. His assault gave Australia a flying start, laid the foundation for a huge total, and all but ended Sri Lanka’s chances, sealing another World Cup triumph in emphatic style.

Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Strike Rate	Match Result
149	104	13	8	143.26	Australia won by 53 runs (D/L)

6. Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle’s double century ranks among the Greatest ODI Knocks in Cricket, marking a historic milestone as the first-ever double ton in World Cup history. He powered his way to 200 off just 138 balls and finished with a monumental 215, including 16 towering sixes. His brutal hitting left Zimbabwe with no answers and etched his name into World Cup folklore with a record-breaking performance that redefined dominance.

Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Strike Rate	Match Result
215	147	10	16	146.25	West Indies won by 73 runs

5. Kapil Dev

Kapil Dev’s unbeaten 175 is undeniably one of the most significant and Greatest ODI Knocks in Cricket History. With India staring at elimination in the 1983 World Cup at 17/5, Kapil walked in and delivered a captain’s innings for the ages—filled with grit, power, and impeccable timing. With little support from the other end, he single-handedly carried India to 266/8, setting the stage for an extraordinary comeback that ultimately led to India’s first World Cup triumph.

Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Strike Rate	Match Result
175*	138	16	6	126.81	India won by 31 runs

4. AB de Villiers

This isn’t just one of the Greatest ODI Knocks in Cricket—it’s the fastest of them all. AB de Villiers combined innovation, raw power, and breathtaking speed in a jaw-dropping 44-ball assault. His century came off just 31 balls, still the quickest in ODI history. Every corner of the field was under attack, and the bowlers could do little more than watch as he redefined the limits of batting brilliance.

Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Strike Rate	Match Result
149	44	9	16	338.63	South Africa won by 148 runs

3. Martin Guptill

Martin Guptill’s unbeaten 237 is undeniably one of the Greatest ODI Knocks in Cricket—not just for its sheer volume, but for the stage on which it was played. In a high-stakes World Cup quarterfinal, he tore through the West Indies bowling attack with effortless timing and explosive power. His record-breaking innings propelled New Zealand into the semifinals and left the cricketing world in awe.

Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Strike Rate	Match Result
237*	163	24	11	145.39	New Zealand won by 143 runs

2. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma’s 264 remains the highest individual score in ODI history, cementing its place as one of the Greatest ODI Knocks in Cricket ever played. Starting steadily before unleashing a brutal assault, he struck 33 fours and 9 sixes in a masterclass of timing and control. Batting through the entire innings, Rohit dismantled Sri Lanka’s bowling attack with elegance and authority, redefining consistency with unmatched flair.

Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Strike Rate	Match Result
264	173	33	9	152.60	India won by 153 runs

1. Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell’s unbeaten 201 is often hailed as one of the Greatest ODI Knocks in Cricket History. Battling cramps and limping, he stood firm and masterminded an extraordinary chase from a precarious 49/4. Against all odds, Maxwell’s fearless power and determination propelled Australia to victory. His clutch sixes under immense pressure turned this innings into a legendary tale that will be remembered forever.

Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Strike Rate	Match Result
201*	128	21	10	157.03	Australia won by 3 wickets

Conclusion

These top 10 Greatest ODI Knocks in Cricket History showcase the incredible skill, resilience, and sheer brilliance that define the spirit of the game. Each innings tells a unique story of pressure, determination, and match-winning heroics that have captivated fans worldwide. From historic World Cup finals to unforgettable chases, these legendary performances continue to inspire generations, reminding us why ODI cricket remains one of the most thrilling formats in the sport.

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