Top 5: Highest Team Totals in ODI Cricket

The advent of modern bats, flatter pitches, and aggressive fielding restrictions have accelerated a scoring revolution, allowing teams to post astronomical totals that were once unimaginable. These mammoth scores not only entertain fans but also set new benchmarks for teams around the world.

ODI cricket has witnessed numerous high-scoring encounters, but a select few have stood out, breaking records and etching their names into the annals of cricket history.

The following are the top five highest team totals in ODI cricket, each representing a remarkable feat of collective batting prowess.

1. 498/4 by England vs Netherlands, Amstelveen | 2022

England’s record-breaking innings against the Netherlands at Amstelveen on 17 June 2022, stands as the highest team total in ODI history. The English batsmen put on a spectacular display of power-hitting and relentless aggression, demolishing the Dutch bowling attack.

Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, and Dawid Malan were the stars of the show, each contributing heavily to the colossal total. Buttler’s 162 off 70 balls, filled with towering sixes and rapid boundaries, epitomized England’s dominance.

Livingstone’s blistering 66 off 22 balls further cemented their grip on the match, ensuring England set a new benchmark in ODI cricket.

2. 481/6 by England vs Australia, Nottingham | 2018

England’s 481/6 against Australia at Nottingham on 19 June 2018, was a masterclass in aggressive batting and strategic placement. This innings was led by Jonny Bairstow and Alex Hales, who both scored centuries at a breakneck pace.

Bairstow’s 139 and Hales’ 147 ensured England maintained a high run rate throughout their innings. Eoin Morgan’s quick-fire 67 off 30 balls provided the finishing touch, propelling England to what was then the highest ODI total.

The Australian bowlers were left bewildered as England’s batsmen found the boundary with ease, making this performance one of the most memorable in ODI history.

Also Read | Top 5: Lowest Team Totals in ODI Cricket

3. 444/3 by England vs Pakistan, Nottingham | 2016

Nottingham seems to be a favoured hunting ground for England, as they set another record here with their 444/3 against Pakistan on 30 August 2016. Alex Hales was the standout performer with a scintillating 171 off 122 balls, the highest individual score for England in ODIs at the time.

Joe Root’s 85 and Jos Buttler’s 90 not out off 51 balls provided substantial support, while Eoin Morgan’s unbeaten 57 off 27 balls ensured England finished with a flourish. This innings highlighted England’s depth and the sheer firepower in their batting line-up, setting a new standard in ODI cricket.

4. 443/9 by Sri Lanka vs Netherlands, Amstelveen | 2006

Long before England’s exploits, Sri Lanka held the record for the highest ODI total with their 443/9 against the Netherlands at Amstelveen on 4 July 2006. This innings was anchored by Sanath Jayasuriya’s explosive 157 off 104 balls, ably supported by Tillakaratne Dilshan’s 117 off 78 balls.

The Sri Lankan batsmen took full advantage of the Dutch bowlers, displaying an array of aggressive strokes and clever placements. The innings set a new benchmark at the time and showcased Sri Lanka’s ability to dominate with the bat, laying the groundwork for future high-scoring matches.

5. 439/2 by South Africa vs West Indies, Johannesburg | 2015

South Africa’s 439/2 against the West Indies at Johannesburg on 18 January 2015, remains one of the most remarkable team totals in ODI history. This match was marked by AB de Villiers’ record-breaking 149 off just 44 balls, the fastest century in ODI history.

Hashim Amla’s steady 153 not out and Rilee Rossouw’s 128 provided the perfect platform for de Villiers to unleash his assault. The South African innings was a blend of classical stroke play and brute force, leaving the West Indies bowlers helpless and setting a record that stood for several years.