Top 5 highest Individual Scores in ODIs

In the dynamic world of cricket, each year introduces new milestones, remarkable performances, and awe-inspiring demonstrations of skill that captivate fans. ODI cricket has experienced a significant evolution, with the 50-over format now resembling an extension of T20 cricket. Scores exceeding 400 have become increasingly common in this era of power-hitting.

Moreover, batters have frequently amassed scores surpassing 150 runs, with openers leading this revolution. Remarkably, ODI cricket had not witnessed a single score above 200 in nearly four decades of its existence. However, since the turn of the decade in 2010, there have been approximately 12 double-centuries scored. The current India skipper, Rohit Sharma, holds the record for the highest individual score, having achieved three double centuries thus far. Let us look at the top five highest individual scores in ODI cricket;

5. Fakhar Zaman, Pathum Nissanka (210*), Ishan Kishan (210)

Fakhar Zaman made history as the first Pakistani batter to achieve a double-century in ODIs, accomplishing this milestone against Zimbabwe in 2018. He blazed his way to 210 runs off 156 deliveries, featuring 24 boundaries and 5 sixes. Zaman, who had long shown promise of producing a substantial innings, finally delivered a monumental performance.

Pathum Nissanka created history for Sri Lanka by achieving a double century against Afghanistan in the first ODI match in Pallekele on Friday, February 9th. Nissanka's outstanding innings saw him score an unbeaten 210 runs off just 139 balls, marking Sri Lanka's inaugural individual double-century in ODI cricket. Additionally, the 25-year-old opener surpassed the longstanding record of legendary Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya for the highest ODI score. Jayasuriya's previous record of 189 runs, set against India at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in 2000, was surpassed by the remarkable performance of the young opener.

On December 10th of last year, left-handed batter Ishan Kishan joined an elite group of cricketers by becoming the 8th player (and the 7th in men's cricket) to achieve a double century in ODIs. Kishan accomplished this feat during an India vs Bangladesh ODI match in Chattogram, reaching the milestone off just 123 balls. This achievement placed him as the 4th Indian cricketer to score a double century in ODI cricket, following the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, and Rohit Sharma. Notably, Kishan also holds the record for the fastest double century in ODIs, a distinction that remains unbroken.

4. Chris Gayle (215)

Although Universe boss Chris Gayle joined the ODI double centurion club relatively late, his entry was nothing short of spectacular. In his signature style, Gayle smashed a blistering double century off just 138 balls against Zimbabwe, making him not only the fourth batter to achieve this milestone but also the fastest. Notably, Gayle's double century was the first in the history of the World Cup. In total, he amassed 215 runs off 147 balls, solidifying his status as one of the most formidable batters in the game.

3. Virender Sehwag (219)

On December 8, 2011, Virender Sehwag achieved the remarkable feat of becoming only the second batsman in cricket history to score a double century in ODIs. Sehwag's monumental innings of 219 runs against West Indies at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore showcased his extraordinary talent. With 25 fours and seven sixes, Sehwag propelled India to a formidable total of 418/5 in the allotted fifty overs. India ultimately secured victory in the match by a margin of 153 runs.

2. Martin Guptill (237*)

In the 2015 ODI World Cup, Martin Guptill outdid Chris Gayle by achieving the highest score in World Cup history. Guptill's innings against West Indies showcased his remarkable talent, as he played one of the most dynamic innings in ODIs. The star New Zealand batter scored an unbeaten 237 runs off 163 balls, cementing his status as the first and only New Zealander to achieve a double century in ODIs.

1. Rohit Sharma (264)

Rohit Sharma made history as the third Indian cricketer to achieve a double century in ODIs, a feat he has since repeated twice more, making him the sole batter to accomplish this remarkable milestone three times in the format. His inaugural double-century came against Australia in 2013, when he scored an impressive 209 runs.

In 2014, Sharma surpassed all previous ODI records with an astounding 264 against Sri Lanka, which remains the highest individual score in ODIs to date. This extraordinary innings comprised 33 boundaries and 9 sixes, representing the highest percentage of runs scored in boundaries by a batsman. Sharma continued his dominance with a third double-century against Sri Lanka in 2017.