In today’s ODI cricket, a batsman’s strike rate is a key factor in measuring their influence on the game. Although total runs and centuries still matter, the ability to score at a rapid pace can shift the momentum in just a few overs. This list highlights the batsmen with the Highest Career Strike Rate in ODI — dynamic hitters from nations like the West Indies, Australia, and even Bermuda. These players have revolutionized aggressive batting and are ranked by their remarkable strike rates throughout their careers.
Let’s take a look at the Top 5 Batsmen With Highest Career Strike Rate in ODI:
5. Shahid Afridi
When talking about explosive batting in ODIs, Shahid Afridi is one of the first names that comes to mind. Bursting onto the scene with a record-breaking 37-ball century in 1996, Afridi carved out a legendary career as one of the most thrilling players the game has seen. Over the course of 398 ODIs, he amassed 8,064 runs at an impressive strike rate of 117.00, securing his place among the elite with the Highest Career Strike Rate in ODI history.
Afridi’s fearless batting made him a fan favorite, with 351 sixes and 730 fours highlighting his power-hitting prowess. Despite 30 ducks, his six centuries and 39 fifties in an era of lower strike rates cemented his place among ODI’s most explosive batsmen.
Shahid Afridi – Career ODI Stats
| Country | Matches Played | Runs Scored | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 398 | 8064 | 117.00 |
4. Heinrich Klaasen
Heinrich Klaasen of South Africa has steadily earned recognition as one of the most lethal finishers in modern ODI cricket. Boasting a career strike rate of 117.05, he has the rare knack for shifting gears effortlessly at any point in an innings. His explosive 174 against Australia in 2023 showcased his raw hitting ability and secured his spot among the top names with the Highest Career Strike Rate in ODI.
With 4 centuries and 11 fifties in just 60 games, Klaasen’s blend of consistency and explosive hitting makes him a key middle-order force for South Africa. His strike rate under pressure highlights his place among ODI’s elite power-hitters.
Heinrich Klaasen – Career ODI Stats
| Country | Matches Played | Runs Scored | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 60 | 2141 | 117.05 |
3. Lionel Cann
An unexpected but worthy inclusion in this list is Bermuda’s Lionel Cann. Playing for a non-Test nation, Cann stood out for his aggressive batting and powerful strokeplay. In just 26 ODIs between 2006 and 2009, he recorded a striking career rate of 117.06, earning recognition among the Highest Career Strike Rate in ODI history.
Although he managed only one half-century, Cann’s knack for clearing the ropes—hitting 29 sixes and 46 fours—made him a crowd-pleaser during Bermuda’s brief presence on the international stage, proving that associate nations can produce hard-hitting talents too.
Lionel Cann – Career ODI Stats
| Country | Matches Played | Runs Scored | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bermuda | 26 | 590 | 117.06 |
2. Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell, famously known as “The Big Show,” has transformed the art of aggressive batting in ODIs. Since his debut in 2012, his explosive and unpredictable approach has kept bowlers on edge. With a remarkable strike rate of 126.70, he ranks second among players with the Highest Career Strike Rate in ODI history.
In 2023, Maxwell grabbed global attention with a record-breaking 201* against Afghanistan—the highest-ever score in an ODI run chase. With 4 centuries and 23 half-centuries to his name, his ability to score quickly under pressure has firmly established him as one of the most dangerous and impactful ODI batsmen of the modern era.
Glenn Maxwell – Career ODI Stats
| Country | Matches Played | Runs Scored | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 149 | 3990 | 126.70 |
1. Andre Russell
Andre Russell is globally recognized for his raw power and match-winning impact. Despite featuring in just 56 ODIs between 2011 and 2019, he made a strong impression with an incredible strike rate of 130.22— the highest among players with over 1,000 ODI runs—placing him at the very top of the Highest Career Strike Rate in ODI history.
His explosive 92 against India in 2013 remains a standout performance, showcasing his unmatched hitting ability. Though he never reached a century, his four quickfire fifties often came when West Indies needed rapid runs, making him a crucial lower-order weapon and a leading name on the list of ODI cricket’s most aggressive scorers.
Andre Russell – Career ODI Stats
| Country | Matches Played | Runs Scored | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Indies | 56 | 1034 | 130.22 |
Conclusion
In today’s ODI game, strike rate is a key measure of a batsman’s impact. Players like Afridi, Maxwell, and even Lionel Cann have thrilled fans and reshaped limited-overs cricket with their explosive hitting. Their fearless approach under pressure has set new standards for future generations.
Read More: Top 10 Best Fielders in World Cricket
FAQ`s
Q1: Who has the highest strike rate in ODI cricket history?
A: Andre Russell holds the record for the Highest Career Strike Rate in ODI (minimum 1000 runs), with a staggering 130.22.
Q2: Why is strike rate important in ODIs?
A: Strike rate measures how quickly a batsman scores. A high strike rate can shift momentum, especially in the final overs or during a run chase, making it a key metric in modern ODI cricket. That’s why cricketers with the Highest Career Strike Rate in ODI often end up as match-winners.
Q3: Has any batsman scored a double century with a high strike rate?
A: Yes, Glenn Maxwell scored 201 against Afghanistan* in 2023 with a blazing strike rate, making it one of the most impactful knocks in ODI history and contributing significantly to his place in the Highest Career Strike Rate in ODI charts.