In the recent years times, One-Day International (ODI) cricket has become far more aggressive and England has been the side to have the highest ODI score by a team in ODI cricket. England, that won the World Cup in 2019, have redefined the way One Day International cricket has to be played and they dominate the standings as far as highest ODI score by a team is concerned. They have scored most runs scored by a team in ODI with their aggressive approach and have consistently achieved 400-plus team totals in men’s ODIs.
England has set records for the top three highest ODI score by a team in ODIs, achieving this feat over seven years since 2016.
Table of contents
Top 10 Teams with Highest Score in ODIs
| Team | Total | Opponent | Ground | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | 498-4 | Netherlands | Amstelveen | 2022 |
| England | 481-6 | Australia | Nottingham | 2018 |
| England | 444-3 | Pakistan | Nottingham | 2016 |
| Sri Lanka | 443-9 | Netherlands | Amstelveen | 2006 |
| South Africa | 439-2 | West Indies | Johannesburg | 2015 |
| South Africa | 438-9 | Australia | Johannesburg | 2006 |
| South Africa | 438-4 | India | Wankhede | 2023 |
| Australia | 434-4 | South Africa | Johannesburg | 2006 |
| South Africa | 428-5 | Sri Lanka | Delhi | 2011 |
| South Africa | 418-5 | Zimbabwe | Potchefstroom | 2019 |
1. 498 for 4 by England in June 2022
On June 17, 2022, in Amstelveen, England played against the Netherlands in an ODI match that made it to the game’s history books. England’s batting lineup unleashed a relentless assault, posting a formidable total of 498 runs for the loss of just four wickets. Phil Salt, David Malan, and Jos Buttler were at their best, each notching up centuries, while Liam Livingstone contributed with a half-century. In reply, the Netherlands succumbed to England’s bowling attack, managing only 266 runs before being bowled out. Although two of their batsmen reached half-centuries, it wasn’t sufficient to match England’s dominance. Jos Buttler’s explosive knock of 162 runs off 70 deliveries earned him the Man of the Match award.
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2. 480 by England in June 2018
On June 19, 2018, Nottingham witnessed a spectacle between England and Australia. Opting to bat first, England, led by Eoin Morgan, posted a monumental 481 runs for the loss of six wickets. Jonny Bairstow and Alex Hales stole the show with brilliant centuries, while Morgan and Jason Roy contributed vital half-centuries. This innings marked the second-highest total in ODI history. In response, Australia faltered, managing only 239 runs before being bowled out. Travis Head was the sole Australian batsman to show some resistance with a half-century. England’s bowlers, led by Adil Rashid, David Willey, and Moeen Ali, shared nine wickets among them.
3. 444 for 3 by England in August 2016
Earlier on August 30, 2016, England played against Pakistan and their batting dominance was on display again. Alex Hales emerged as the hero of the day, smashing a breathtaking 171 runs, propelling England to an imposing total of 444 for 3, which is the third-highest team score in ODI history. Jos Buttler’s blistering 90, along with solid contributions from Joe Root (85) and captain Eoin Morgan (57), further bolstered England’s formidable innings. In reply, Pakistan struggled against England’s bowling attack, being bowled out for 275. Chris Woakes claimed four crucial wickets.
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4. 443 for 9 by Sri Lanka in July 2006
Amstelveen had witnessed a batting spectacle earlier in July 2006 too, when Sri Lanka clashed with the Netherlands. Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka scored formidable total of 443 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Sanath Jayasuriya led the charge with a sensational knock of 157 runs, ably supported by Tillakaratne Dilshan, who contributed a brilliant 117. In response, the Netherlands were bowled out for 248 runs. Dilhara Fernando and Kaushal Lokuarachchi starred with the ball, each claiming three wickets, as Sri Lanka emerged victorious by a commanding margin of 195 runs.
5. 439 for 2 by South Africa in January 2015
South Africa faced off against the West Indies in January 2015 in Johannesburg. The hosts piled up an imposing total of 439 for 2, anchored by stellar performances from Hashim Amla (153), Rilee Rossouw (128), and AB de Villiers (149). This formidable total ranks as the fifth-highest team score in ODI history. In response, the West Indies tried their best, with Dwayne Smith and Denesh Ramdin notching up half-centuries. However, their efforts fell short as they managed only 291 for 7, resulting in a comprehensive 148-run victory for the Proteas.
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6. 438 for 9 by South Africa in March 2006
In a nail-biting match in March 2006 at Johannesburg, Australia set a monumental target against South Africa, posting 434 for four, led by captain Ricky Ponting’s knock of 164 runs. However, the hosts staged an extraordinary chase and achieved the unthinkable, reaching 438 runs with just one wicket and one ball to spare. Herschelle Gibbs was the hero of the chase with a scintillating 175, while captain Graeme Smith contributed a vital 90, and Mark Boucher added a crucial 50.
7. 438 for 4 by South Africa in October 2015
South Africa secured a resounding victory over India by a whopping 214 runs at the Wankhede. The visitors posted an imposing total of 438 for 4 as opener Quinton de Kock set the tone with a solid 109, followed by centuries from Faf du Plessis (133) and captain AB de Villiers (119). India did not show much confidence in their chase, and were bowled out for a mere 224 runs. Kagiso Rabada led the bowling charge for South Africa with four wickets.
8. 434 for 4 by Australia in March 2006
This is the same game that has been discussed above. Australia posted 434 for four against South Africa, but were unable to defend it. The 434 is the eight-highest total in ODI cricket.
9. 428 for 5 by South Africa in October 2023
In a Cricket World Cup 2023 match between South Africa and Sri Lanka in Delhi, the Proteas scored 428 for 5. Their innings was highlighted by brilliant centuries from Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram. Despite a valiant effort, Sri Lanka faltered in their chase and were eventually bowled out for 326. Though three of their batsmen notched up half-centuries, it proved insufficient against the relentless South African bowling attack.
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10. 418 for 5 by South Africa in September 2006
South Africa and Zimbabwe played an ODI in September 2006 at Potchefstroom. The hosts posted a mammoth total of 418 for 5. Mark Boucher led the charge with a sensational knock of 147 runs, supported by Loots Bosman’s 88 and Alviro Petersen’s 80. Captain Jacques Kallis also contributed a half-century. In reply, Zimbabwe finished their innings at 247 runs. South Africa won the game by a commanding margin of 171 runs.
FAQs about Which Team Scored Most Runs in ODIs
Q) Who is the current ODI Cricket World Cup champion?
A) Australia are the current ODI Cricket World Cup champion when they won the title in 2023.
Q) Which team has dominated highest scores in ODIs?
A) England has been quite dominant and have the top 3 scores in ODI cricket over the years.
Q) Why have scores increased in ODI cricket?
A) Owing to batting pitches and short boundaries, scores in ODI cricket have increased substantially.
Q) Which team has the most highest scores in ODI cricket?
A) England have been very dominant as they occupy the top 3 spots in highest scores in ODI cricket.
Q) How has England redefined One-Day International cricket in recent years?
A) England adopted an ultra-aggressive approach and this saw them pile up huge scores.
