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.
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
| Stat | Data |
|---|---|
| Country | India |
| Matches | 260+ |
| Runs | 10,709+ |
| Centuries | 31 |
| Highest Score | 264 vs Sri Lanka (2014) |
Rohit Sharma, fondly known as the Hitman, is one of the most gifted stroke-makers in cricket history. Renowned for his effortless timing, elegant stroke play, and ability to accelerate at will, Rohit has redefined batting in ODIs. He holds the record for the highest ODI score by a batsman — a jaw-dropping 264 against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens in 2014. Remarkably, he is also the only player to score three double centuries in ODI cricket, a feat that showcases his unmatched consistency and hunger for big runs. Whether anchoring an innings or demolishing bowlers in the death overs, Rohit Sharma’s batting is a blend of class and sheer dominance.
Martin Guptill – The World Cup Warrior with 237 Runs*
| Stat | Data |
|---|---|
| Country | New Zealand |
| Matches | 190+ |
| Runs | 7,300+ |
| Centuries | 18 |
| Highest Score | 237* vs West Indies (2015) |
Martin Guptill, one of New Zealand’s most explosive openers, is a name etched in ODI history for his breathtaking stroke play and consistency at the top. A clean striker of the ball with an eye for big scores, Guptill holds the record for the second-highest ODI score by a batsman — an unbeaten 237* against West Indies in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. That innings, filled with towering sixes and elegant drives, remains the highest individual score in a World Cup match. Known for his aggressive intent and ability to dominate both pace and spin, Guptill has been a match-winner for the Black Caps and a nightmare for opposition bowlers on his day.
Virender Sehwag – The Nawab of Najafgarh’s Blistering 219
| Stat | Data |
|---|---|
| Country | India |
| Matches | 250+ |
| Runs | 8,273 |
| Centuries | 15 |
| Highest Score | 219 vs West Indies (2011) |
Virender Sehwag, the fearless Indian opener, changed the way ODI cricket was played with his aggressive, no-holds-barred batting style. Known for his ability to dominate bowlers from the very first ball, Sehwag etched his name in history by scoring a blistering 219 against West Indies in Indore in 2011 — the third-highest ODI score by a batsman at the time. That knock, filled with trademark cuts, drives, and audacious sixes, came off just 149 balls and showcased Sehwag’s unmatched confidence. With his see-ball, hit-ball approach, Sehwag inspired a generation of cricketers to play fearless cricket and redefined opening batting in ODIs.
Chris Gayle
| Stat | Data |
|---|---|
| Country | West Indies |
| Matches | 300+ |
| Runs | 10,480+ |
| Centuries | 25 |
| Highest Score | 215 vs Zimbabwe (2015) |
Chris Gayle, the self-proclaimed Universe Boss, is one of the most destructive hitters the game has ever seen. With his towering sixes and effortless power, he has dismantled bowling attacks across the world. In the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, Gayle unleashed one of his most memorable innings, smashing 215 runs against Zimbabwe in just 147 balls. That knock, laced with 16 sixes and 10 fours, was a masterclass in brute force and timing. More than just a big-hitter, Gayle brought charisma, entertainment, and a fearless attitude every time he stepped onto the field, making him a true icon of modern-day cricket.
Fakhar Zaman
| Stat | Data |
|---|---|
| Country | Pakistan |
| Matches | 80+ |
| Runs | 3,600+ |
| Centuries | 10 |
| Highest Score | 210* vs Zimbabwe (2018) |
Fakhar Zaman burst onto the international scene with his fearless batting and natural flair for scoring quickly. The left-handed opener from Pakistan became a household name after his match-winning century in the 2017 Champions Trophy final against India, but his biggest ODI moment came in 2018 against Zimbabwe, when he scored an unbeaten 210. In that innings, Fakhar combined elegant stroke play with aggressive shot selection, reaching his double century in style and becoming the first Pakistani batsman to achieve the feat. His ability to take the game away from the opposition in the first 10 overs has made him one of Pakistan’s most dangerous one-day players.
Ishan Kishan
| Stat | Data |
|---|---|
| Country | India |
| Matches | 30+ |
| Runs | 900+ |
| Centuries | 1 |
| Highest Score | 210 vs Bangladesh (2022) |
Ishan Kishan, the energetic left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman from India, has quickly built a reputation for his fearless approach at the crease. Known for taking on bowlers from the very first ball, he blends sharp cricketing instincts with natural stroke play to dominate any attack. His aggressive intent, ability to find boundaries with ease, and knack for shifting the game’s momentum have made him one of the most exciting young talents in world cricket. With his adaptability and hunger for big performances, Ishan continues to be a rising star in India’s limited-overs setup.
Sachin Tendulkar
| Stat | Data |
|---|---|
| Country | India |
| Matches | 460+ |
| Runs | 18,426 |
| Centuries | 49 |
| Highest Score | 200* vs South Africa (2010) |
Sachin Tendulkar, often hailed as the God of Cricket, holds a special place in the history of the Top 10 Highest ODI Scores by a Batsman. In February 2010, he became the first player in the world to score a double century in ODIs, smashing an unbeaten 200 against South Africa in Gwalior. That iconic knock, filled with elegant drives, precise placements, and flawless timing, broke a long-standing barrier in one-day cricket. Sachin’s achievement not only set a new benchmark for batsmen but also paved the way for future players to believe that 200 in an ODI was possible. His innings remains one of the most celebrated moments in cricket history.
Charles Coventry
| Stat | Data |
|---|---|
| Country | Zimbabwe |
| Matches | 30+ |
| Runs | 800+ |
| Centuries | 1 |
| Highest Score | 194* vs Bangladesh (2009) |
When Charles Coventry found his rhythm, there was little any bowler could do to stop him. His career-defining knock earned him a place in the Top 10 Highest ODI Scores by a Batsman, a feat that speaks volumes about his attacking mindset and ability to build a big innings. That day, he batted with the perfect balance of patience and power, leaving cricket fans with a memory they still cherish.
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.
