ODI cricket has witnessed some of the most thrilling and unforgettable batting performances. The Greatest ODI Innings in Cricket History are not only measured by runs but also by their impact, the pressure during the match, and how they changed the outcome dramatically. These innings have inspired generations of cricket lovers worldwide and remain etched in the memories of fans forever. Below, we present the list of the Top 10 Greatest ODI Innings in Cricket History.
10. Kevin O’Brien – Ireland
Kevin O’Brien’s innings of 113 runs stands out as one of the Greatest ODI Innings in Cricket History due to its sheer impact on the game. During the 2011 World Cup, chasing a daunting target of 328 against England, Ireland was struggling at 106/4. O’Brien’s fearless and aggressive batting, including the then-fastest World Cup century in just 50 balls, completely shifted the momentum. His innings proved that no target is impossible when played with courage and skill, making it one of the Greatest ODI Innings in Cricket History.
| Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
| 113 | 63 | 13 | 6 | 179.36 |
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9. Ricky Ponting – Australia
Ricky Ponting’s unbeaten 140 in the 2003 World Cup final ranks among the Greatest ODI Innings in Cricket History because of its perfect blend of power and control under pressure. Facing a formidable Indian bowling attack, Ponting smashed eight sixes and took full command of the innings. His superb batting helped Australia set a massive total of 359 runs, which proved too high for India. Ponting’s innings remains one of the Greatest ODI Innings in Cricket History, showcasing dominance in a high-stakes final.
| Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
| 140* | 121 | 4 | 8 | 115.7 |
8. Viv Richards – West Indies
Viv Richards’ unbeaten 189* is often considered one of the Greatest ODI Innings in Cricket History for its sheer power and resilience. When the West Indies found themselves struggling at 166/7, Richards took full charge and carried the team on his shoulders. No other batsman on his team scored more than 30 runs. His ability to single-handedly rebuild the innings and lead West Indies to a comprehensive win makes this innings one of the Greatest ODI Innings in Cricket History.
| Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
| 189* | 170 | 21 | 5 | 111.18 |
7. Adam Gilchrist – Australia
Adam Gilchrist’s 149 runs in the 2007 World Cup final is widely regarded as one of the Greatest ODI Innings in Cricket History due to its explosiveness and match-defining nature. From the very first ball, Gilchrist attacked the bowling relentlessly, smashing 13 fours and 8 sixes. His aggressive approach set a strong foundation for Australia, enabling them to post a huge total and eventually defeat Sri Lanka. This innings exemplifies the true spirit of the Greatest ODI Innings in Cricket History.
| Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
| 149 | 104 | 13 | 8 | 143.26 |
6. Chris Gayle – West Indies
Chris Gayle’s 215 runs in a World Cup match marked the first-ever double century, cementing his place in the Greatest ODI Innings in Cricket History. Gayle’s destructive batting included 16 sixes, overwhelming the Zimbabwe bowling attack. His power hitting and composure helped West Indies to a comfortable victory. This innings set a new standard for ODI batting and remains one of the Greatest ODI Innings in Cricket History.
| Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
| 215 | 147 | 10 | 16 | 146.25 |
5. Kapil Dev – India
Kapil Dev’s unbeaten 175* in the 1983 World Cup is one of the most important in the Greatest ODI Innings in Cricket History. India was in deep trouble at 17/5 when Kapil came to bat. With little support from teammates, Kapil played with remarkable skill and aggression to take India to a competitive total. His innings is credited with inspiring India’s first-ever World Cup win, making it a landmark moment in the Greatest ODI Innings in Cricket History.
| Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
| 175* | 138 | 16 | 6 | 126.81 |
4. AB de Villiers – South Africa
AB de Villiers’ 149 runs off just 44 balls is one of the fastest and most dynamic among the Greatest ODI Innings in Cricket History. His 16 sixes and 9 fours showed incredible power and speed. De Villiers’ innings dismantled the opposition and led South Africa to a huge win. This knock demonstrated how quickly a batsman could turn the game, making it one of the Greatest ODI Innings in Cricket History.
| Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
| 149 | 44 | 9 | 16 | 338.63 |
3. Martin Guptill – New Zealand
Martin Guptill’s unbeaten 237* is among the highest individual scores in ODI history and ranks in the Greatest ODI Innings in Cricket History for its timing and power. Playing in a World Cup quarterfinal, Guptill smashed 24 fours and 11 sixes with an outstanding strike rate. His innings propelled New Zealand to a massive win and a spot in the semifinals, cementing his innings among the Greatest ODI Innings in Cricket History.
| Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
| 237* | 163 | 24 | 11 | 145.39 |
2. Rohit Sharma – India
Rohit Sharma holds the record for the highest individual ODI score with 264 runs, making his innings one of the Greatest ODI Innings in Cricket History. His knock featured 33 fours and 9 sixes. Starting cautiously, Rohit accelerated brilliantly to dominate the bowling. His innings helped India win comfortably and set a new benchmark in ODI batting. This innings is rightly regarded as one of the Greatest ODI Innings in Cricket History.
| Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
| 264 | 173 | 33 | 9 | 152.60 |
1. Glenn Maxwell – Australia
Glenn Maxwell’s unbeaten 201* is often called the greatest ODI innings ever, making it top of the list of the Greatest ODI Innings in Cricket History. Despite being injured and limping, Maxwell returned to bat when Australia was in trouble at 49/4. His aggressive hitting, including numerous sixes, led Australia to a challenging chase victory. Maxwell’s bravery and power under pressure define this as one of the Greatest ODI Innings in Cricket History.
| Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
| 201* | 128 | 21 | 10 | 157.03 |
This list highlights how the Greatest ODI Innings in Cricket History are about more than just runs. They reflect the timing, match pressure, and the ability to change the course of the game. These 10 innings will always hold a special place in cricket history as legendary examples of batting mastery.
1. What makes an ODI innings great?
It’s not just runs but the impact on the match, pressure faced, and how it changed the game.
2. Who has the highest individual ODI score?
Rohit Sharma holds the record for the highest individual ODI score with 264 runs. His innings is considered one of the greatest due to its timing, dominance, and the record-breaking nature of the score.
3. Why is Glenn Maxwell’s 201 special?*
Glenn Maxwell’s unbeaten 201* is called the greatest because he played aggressively despite being injured and limping. Coming in when Australia was in trouble, his fearless hitting turned the game around and helped Australia chase a tough target under pressure.
4. What is the fastest World Cup century?
Kevin O’Brien’s century against England in the 2011 World Cup is known as the fastest century in World Cup history, achieved in just 50 balls. His innings dramatically shifted the momentum for Ireland in a high-pressure chase.
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