One Day Internationals (ODIs) have witnessed some jaw-dropping performances over the years, but nothing captures a fan’s imagination like a batsman going big, really big. From Sachin Tendulkar breaking barriers with the first-ever double hundred to Rohit Sharma redefining limits with his record-breaking 264, the rise of monumental individual scores has transformed how we view batting in ODI cricket.
As scoring rates have skyrocketed and boundaries have become routine, batters have pushed the limits of what’s possible in a single innings. In this blog, we dive deep into the top 10 highest ODI scores by a batsman, celebrating the innings that left bowlers helpless and fans speechless.
The Rise of High-Scoring Innings in ODI Cricket
ODI cricket has undergone a dramatic transformation since its inception in the 1970s. What once was a format dominated by cautious batting and modest scores has evolved into a stage for explosive, record-breaking performances. Several factors have contributed to this shift, from fielding restrictions and powerplays to flatter pitches and smaller boundaries. The influence of T20 cricket has also pushed players to adopt aggressive styles, accelerating scoring rates across all formats. With improved fitness, modern bats, and fearless mindsets, batters today are no longer content with centuries — they aim for double hundreds and beyond. This evolution has made high-scoring innings not just possible, but increasingly frequent in modern ODI cricket.
Highest Score in ODI by a Player: Top 10 Record-Breaking Innings
Over the years, ODI cricket has witnessed some unforgettable individual performances, but only a few players have managed to break through the 200-run barrier — a milestone once considered impossible in the 50-over format. These innings are a mix of power-hitting, endurance, and sheer dominance over bowling attacks. From World Cup heroics to bilateral masterclasses, these are the top 10 highest scores ever recorded by a batsman in One Day Internationals.
Top 10 Highest Individual Scores in ODI History
| Player | Score | Balls | Opponent | Year |
| Rohit Sharma (IND) | 264 | 173 | Sri Lanka | 2014 |
| Martin Guptill (NZ) | 237* | 163 | West Indies | 2015 |
| Virender Sehwag (IND) | 219 | 149 | West Indies | 2011 |
| Chris Gayle (WI) | 215 | 147 | Zimbabwe | 2015 |
| Fakhar Zaman (PAK) | 210* | 156 | Zimbabwe | 2018 |
| Ishan Kishan (IND) | 210 | 131 | Bangladesh | 2022 |
| Rohit Sharma (IND) | 209 | 158 | Australia | 2013 |
| Rohit Sharma (IND) | 208* | 153 | Sri Lanka | 2017 |
| Sachin Tendulkar (IND) | 200* | 147 | South Africa | 2010 |
| Charles Coventry (ZIM) | 194* | 156 | Bangladesh | 2009 |
Rohit Sharma – The Master of ODI Double Hundreds
When it comes to dominating One Day Internationals, no one does it quite like Rohit Sharma. The Indian opener has redefined what’s possible for a batsman in the 50-over format, holding the record for the highest individual score in ODI history — a jaw-dropping 264 runs against Sri Lanka in 2014 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. It’s a knock that still seems surreal to cricket fans across the globe.
What makes Rohit’s feat even more remarkable is that he’s not just a one-hit wonder. He is the only player in the world to have scored three double centuries in ODIs — a record that might stand the test of time.
Rohit’s 264 came off just 173 balls, laced with 33 fours and 9 sixes. He was dropped early in the innings, and Sri Lanka paid the ultimate price. The Indian opener capitalized with perfect pacing, accelerating explosively in the final 15 overs and punishing anything off line or length. His innings helped India post a mammoth total of 404/5, and it remains one of the most destructive batting performances in ODI history.
Nicknamed the “Hitman” for his clean striking, Rohit Sharma’s ability to convert starts into monumental scores sets him apart. His calm temperament, elegant strokeplay, and ability to shift gears mid-innings make him a nightmare for bowlers once he gets going.
Martin Guptill – The World Cup Warrior with 237 Runs*
Martin Guptill’s unbeaten 237 is not only the second-highest individual score in ODI history but also the highest ever recorded in a World Cup match. Achieved during the 2015 quarter-final against the West Indies in Wellington, the New Zealand opener produced a masterclass in clean hitting, patience, and calculated aggression. Guptill’s knock came when it mattered most — in a high-pressure knockout game — and remains one of the most dominant performances ever seen on the world stage.*
Facing just 163 balls, Guptill smashed 24 fours and 11 sixes, anchoring New Zealand’s innings and single-handedly taking the match away from the opposition. His performance not only helped the Kiwis post a mammoth total of 393/6, but it also sealed their spot in the semi-finals with a dominant 143-run victory.
What makes this knock even more special is its context — a high-pressure knockout game in the World Cup, where most players play cautiously. Guptill, however, chose aggression with a cool head, starting slow and exploding after reaching his century. The back half of his innings was pure carnage, and the West Indies bowling attack had no answers.
Guptill’s 237* remains the highest score ever in a World Cup match, and his innings is often ranked among the greatest in ODI history, not just for the numbers, but for the stage and the impact. With this innings, he joined the elite club of ODI double centurions and etched his name permanently in cricketing history.
Virender Sehwag – The Nawab of Najafgarh’s Blistering 219
Before double centuries became more common in ODIs, it was Virender Sehwag who truly smashed the barrier wide open with an unforgettable innings. In December 2011, Sehwag hammered a breathtaking 219 off just 149 balls against the West Indies in Indore — becoming only the second player in history after Sachin Tendulkar to reach the 200-run mark in ODIs.
Known for his fearless and attacking style, Sehwag didn’t change gears or slow down, even after reaching his hundred or 150. His innings included 25 fours and 7 sixes, and he dominated from the very start, taking advantage of the powerplay and short boundaries with his trademark cuts, flicks, and lofted drives.
This knock wasn’t just about milestones — it powered India to a then-record ODI total of 418/5, which was too much for the West Indies to chase. Sehwag’s 219 stood as the highest ODI score in the world at the time, until it was broken by Rohit Sharma three years later.
What made Sehwag’s double hundred special was that it came in a pre-T20-influenced era, where such aggression for 40+ overs was rare. His fearless batting and ability to treat even good deliveries with disdain revolutionized ODI opening strategies. More than a record, Sehwag’s 219 was a statement — that boundaries were just lines, not limits.
Final Words
The thrill of watching a batsman take complete control of an ODI match and pile on the runs is unmatched. The innings listed in this blog not only represent milestones but also moments of absolute dominance and cricketing genius. From Rohit Sharma’s iconic 264 — the highest ODI score by a batsman — to Martin Guptill’s unbeaten 237* and Sehwag’s fearless 219, each of these performances showcases what it truly means to push the limits.
As cricket continues to evolve, fans eagerly await the day someone crosses the 300-run mark. Until then, these legendary knocks will continue to inspire, captivate, and stand tall as the top 10 highest ODI scores by a batsman in history. Whether you’re a fan of technical brilliance or raw power, these innings highlight the peak of what a player can achieve in the limited-overs format.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who holds the record for the highest ODI score by a batsman?
A: Rohit Sharma holds the record for the highest ODI score by a batsman with 264 runs against Sri Lanka in 2014.
Q2. What is the highest individual score in ODI cricket?
A: The highest individual score in ODI cricket is 264, scored by Rohit Sharma for India.
Q3. Who are the players with multiple double centuries in ODIs?
A: Rohit Sharma is the only player to have scored three double centuries in ODIs — 209, 208*, and 264.
Q4. Has any player scored 300 runs in an ODI match?
A: No player has scored 300 runs in an ODI yet, but with increasing strike rates and power-hitting, it may happen in the future.
Q5. What is the top 10 highest ODI score by a batsman in history?
A: The top 10 includes innings from Rohit Sharma (264), Martin Guptill (237*), Virender Sehwag (219), Chris Gayle (215), Fakhar Zaman (210*), and more.
Q6. Who scored the highest score in ODI by a player in a World Cup match?
A: Martin Guptill scored the highest ODI score in a World Cup match — 237* against West Indies in 2015.
Q7. Who was the first cricketer to score a double century in ODIs?
A: Sachin Tendulkar was the first to score a double century in ODIs, making 200* against South Africa in 2010.