ODI cricket has transformed into a run-fest, where 300 is no longer safe and records tumble with fearless batting and flat pitches. From World Cup clashes to one-sided thrillers, teams have posted mammoth scores that stunned bowlers and wowed fans. Here’s a look at the Top 5 Highest Totals in ODI Cricket History—innings that shattered limits and redefined the format.
Let`s take a look at 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 kicked off their ODI World Cup 2023 campaign in explosive fashion, smashing a record 428/5—the highest total in World Cup history. Centuries from Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram lit up the scoreboard, with Markram’s 49-ball ton becoming the fastest ever in a World Cup. The Proteas hammered 45 fours and 14 sixes, leaving Sri Lanka’s bowlers clueless and the Mumbai crowd roaring. This dominant display firmly secured its place among the Top 5 Highest Totals in ODI Cricket History.
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 | 50 Overs | – | – | – |
4. South Africa – 438/9 vs Australia
Date: March 12, 2006
Venue: Wanderers, Johannesburg
The iconic 438-game remains arguably the greatest ODI ever played. After Australia set a then-record 434/4, few believed South Africa could chase it. But Graeme Smith (90) and a blazing 175 from Herschelle Gibbs turned the impossible into reality. In a match overflowing with drama and 872 runs, Mark Boucher’s final boundary sealed a historic win with one ball to spare. This unforgettable clash easily earns its spot among the Top 5 Highest Totals in ODI Cricket History.
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 | 49.5 Overs | – | – | – |
3. South Africa – 439/2 vs West Indies
Date: January 18, 2015
Venue: Wanderers, Johannesburg
This wasn’t just a record-breaking innings—it was a masterclass in AB de Villiers’ brilliance. South Africa’s 439/2 against West Indies featured the fastest ODI century ever: de Villiers’ stunning 100 off just 31 balls. Hashim Amla (153*) and Rilee Rossouw (128) set the stage with a massive 247-run stand before de Villiers unleashed absolute mayhem—149 off 44 balls, including 16 sixes. The West Indies bowlers could only watch as history unfolded at warp speed. This unforgettable assault rightly belongs among the Top 5 Highest Totals in ODI Cricket History.
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 | 50 Overs | – | – | – |
2. England – 481/6 vs Australia
Date: June 19, 2018
Venue: Trent Bridge, Nottingham
Four years before their 498-run record, England stunned the cricketing world by smashing 481/6 against arch-rivals Australia. On a batting paradise, the English lineup launched a merciless assault. Jonny Bairstow (139 off 92) and Alex Hales (147 off 92) added 151 runs in just 19 overs, dismantling Australia’s plans early. Eoin Morgan then tore into the attack with a blistering 67 off 30, leaving no room for recovery. Australia’s world-class bowlers looked helpless as England redefined batting dominance—earning this innings a firm place among the Top 5 Highest Totals in ODI Cricket History.
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 | 50 Overs | – | – | – |
1. England – 498/4 vs Netherlands
Date: June 17, 2022
Venue: VRA Cricket Ground, Amstelveen
England’s 498/4 against the Netherlands isn’t just the highest team total in ODI history—it’s a defining moment of their white-ball revolution under Eoin Morgan. On a sunlit day in Amstelveen, England turned the Dutch ground into a run-scoring arena. Jos Buttler led the carnage with a jaw-dropping 162* off just 70 balls, supported by maiden tons from Phil Salt (122) and Dawid Malan (125). The fireworks peaked with Liam Livingstone’s explosive 66* off 22 balls, pushing England to the edge of 500. This epic performance easily claims a spot in the Top 5 Highest Totals in ODI Cricket History.
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 (not out) | 162* | 70 | 7 | 14 | 231.42 |
| Liam Livingstone (not out) | 66* | 22 | 6 | 6 | 300.00 |
| Moeen Ali | 22 | 18 | 2 | 1 | 122.22 |
| Extras | 21 | ||||
| Total | 498/4 | 50 Overs | – | – | – |
Conclusion
The Top 5 Highest Totals in ODI Cricket History showcase the evolution of the format—from strategic play to sheer dominance with the bat. These record-breaking innings are not just numbers on a scoreboard; they represent fearless intent, tactical brilliance, and the ever-growing boundaries of what’s possible in modern cricket. As teams continue to push limits and redefine excellence, one thing is certain—ODI cricket remains as thrilling and unpredictable as ever.
Read More: Top 5 Players with Most ODI Centuries in Cricket History
FAQ`s
Q1: What is the highest team total in ODI cricket history?
A: England holds the record with 498/4 against the Netherlands on June 17, 2022, in Amstelveen.
Q2: Which team has the most entries in the top 5 highest ODI totals?
A: South Africa features three times in the top 5, showcasing their dominant batting performances over the years.
Q3: Has any team ever scored over 400 runs in a World Cup match?
A: Yes, South Africa scored 428/5 against Sri Lanka in the 2023 World Cup, the highest total ever in a World Cup game.