Top 10 highest scores by teams in the history of the ODI format

Cricket, a sport known for its balance between bat and ball, has witnessed a shift towards dominance by batsmen in ODI (One Day International) matches. What was once deemed a formidable total of 300+ runs has become routine, with teams now eyeing the elusive 400-run milestone.

In 2022, England showcased this shift dramatically, amassing a staggering 498/4 against the Netherlands. It also set a new record for the highest team total in ODI cricket. This landmark moment not only shattered previous records but also emphasized the ever-growing prowess of modern-day batsmen. The landscape of ODI cricket has evolved, with monumental scores now commonplace. It has made it imperative to explore these soaring team totals in the format.

Let us look at the top ten highest scores recorded in ODI international cricket;

#1, England 498/4 against Netherlands in 2022

The England cricket team created history in the One-day international cricket as the team went on to score a brilliant 498/4 against the Netherlands side. Led by Jos Butler's unbeaten 162 along with Dawid Malan (125) as well as Philip Salt's century. Then Livingstone's also chipped in with a fast-paced fifty. After having won the toss, England lost Jason Roy early but that did not stop them from applying brakes on their scoring rate.

In reply, the Netherlands were restricted to 266 runs resulting in England winning the match. The team won the match by a monstrous 232-run margin.

#2. England 481/6 against Australia in 2018

On June 19, 2018, England made cricket history by becoming the first team to achieve a 450-plus total in ODI cricket. They smashed 41 boundaries and 21 sixes against Australia, culminating in a staggering score of 481/6. The foundation was set by the opening duo of Jason Roy (82 off 61 balls) and Jonny Bairstow (139 off 92 balls), followed by an explosive inning by Alex Hales (147 off 92 balls), and a quickfire 67 off 30 deliveries by captain Eoin Morgan.

In reply to this monstrous total, the Australian team were bundled out for 239 runs which gave the England team a win by 242 runs.

#3. England 444/3 against Pakistan in 2016

England's ascent in white-ball cricket has been remarkable, exemplified by their performance on August 30, 2016. In a decisive ODI against Pakistan at Nottingham's Trent Bridge, England's formidable batting lineup set a new ODI record with an astonishing total of 444/3. The star with the bat was Alex Hales who smashed 171 runs off just 122 runs.

Pakistan's pursuit of this daunting target was fraught with challenges as they lost wickets consistently, eventually being dismissed for 275, resulting in a resounding 169-run victory for England. Alex Hales earned the Player-of-the-Match award for his outstanding innings.

#4. Sri Lanka 443/9 against the Netherlands in 2006

The first ODI of Sri Lanka's tour of the Netherlands saw Sri Lanka register their highest-ever score in the history of ODI Internationals. Sri Lanka, with pivotal performances from Sanath Jayasuriya (153 off 104 balls) and Tillakaratne Dilshan (117* off 78 balls), achieved their highest-ever ODI total.

Their commanding batting display established a new record for the highest team score in ODIs at that time. Sri Lanka's aggressive batting approach saw them pummel the ball all over the park. In reply, the Netherlands team were bundled out for 248 runs resulting in a resounding victory by a substantial margin of 195 runs.

#5. South Africa 439/2 against West Indies in 2015

On January 18, 2015, at The Wanderers stadium in South Africa, a historic run-fest unfolded as the home team decimated the West Indies' bowling attack. AB De Villiers made cricket history by achieving the fastest ODI century in just 31 balls. De Villiers scored an incredible 149 off 44 deliveries with a remarkable strike rate of 338.68.

Hashim Amla contributed 153 runs off 142 balls, and Rilee Rossouw remained unbeaten with 128 off 115 balls. South Africa became the first team with all batsmen scoring centuries in an ODI and the first with three players reaching centuries in a single innings. In reply to this huge total, the West Indies side were restricted to 291/7 in their 50 overs. The South African team convincingly defeated the West Indies by 148 runs.

#6. South Africa 438/9 against Australia in 2006

On March 12, 2006, in Johannesburg, South Africa achieved a historic feat by successfully chasing down Australia's record-breaking total of 434 runs in an ODI. It meant that it remained the highest successful run-chase in ODI history.

Despite a challenging start at 5/1 after 2 overs, Herschelle Gibbs played an extraordinary innings, scoring 175 runs from 111 balls at a remarkable strike rate of 157.65. Captain Graeme Smith's 90 and Mark Boucher's unbeaten 50 in the lower order secured a dramatic one-wicket victory. The match, with a total of 872 runs scored, holds the record for the most combined runs in an ODI.

#7. South Africa 438/4 against India in 2015

On October 25, 2015, at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, South Africa secured a commanding victory over India in the ODI series decider. They posted an imposing total of 438/4 in 50 overs, with three batsmen notching centuries. The opener Quinton de Kock (109), Faf du Plessis (133), and AB de Villiers (119 off 61 balls).

South Africa hit 58 boundaries, including 38 fours and 20 sixes, with AB de Villiers smashing 11 of those sixes. India suffered a crushing 214-run loss, marking their biggest home defeat in terms of runs. South Africa won the series 3-2, their first bilateral series victory on Indian soil.

#8. Australia 434/4 against South Africa in 2006

On March 12, 2006, witnessed the "Greatest game in the history of ODI Cricket" at Johannesburg's New Wanderers Stadium. Australia posted a monumental total of 434/4 in 50 overs against a formidable South African bowling lineup.

The Australian captain, Ricky Ponting, played an exceptional innings, scoring 164 runs off 105 balls. It also meant that they set a then-record for the highest team score in ODIs. Astonishingly, despite their imposing total, Australia lost the match by just one wicket in the final over. It also marked this innings as the highest team score in ODI history by a team batting first but ending up on the losing side.

#9. South Africa 418/5 against Zimbabwe in 2006

On September 20, 2006, South Africa posted a colossal total of 418/5 against a less competitive Zimbabwe bowling. Mark Boucher's explosive performance, scoring 147 runs in just 68 balls also meant that he was awarded with Player of the Match award.

Boucher displayed remarkable power-hitting, hitting eight fours and an astonishing ten sixes at a phenomenal strike rate of 216.18. South Africa comfortably secured a 171-run victory over Zimbabwe, and this total ranked among the highest team scores in ODI cricket.

#10. India 418/5 against West Indies in 2011

In 2011, India achieved a significant milestone by posting a total of 418/5 against the West Indies. Virender Sehwag played a record-breaking innings, scoring 219 runs from 149 balls. It also meant setting a new individual highest score for India in ODI cricket. Despite hitting only seven sixes, India managed to amass a formidable 400+ total at a remarkable run rate of 8.36.

The West Indies faced a comfortable defeat, losing by 153 runs, resulting in India clinching the 5-match ODI series. India's innings featured an impressive 48 fours, marking the second-highest number of fours scored by a team in an ODI innings.