Highest Score: One Day International (ODI) cricket has witnessed some spectacular individual performances over the years, and when it comes to the highest score in this format, it has been the subject of great admiration. Batting records in ODI cricket have evolved significantly, with modern-day players dominating the run charts with incredible consistency and power-hitting prowess.
Highest Score: The record for the highest score in One Day cricket has been a much-contested title, with legendary players striving to break the milestone of 200 runs. As of now, Rohit Sharma holds the record for the highest individual score in a single ODI innings. This article takes a deeper look at this remarkable achievement, as well as other significant milestones in the history of highest individual scores in ODI cricket.
Rohit Sharma’s Record-Breaking 264 In Kolkata (2014)
Highest Score: The record for the highest individual score in ODI cricket is held by Rohit Sharma of India, who scored a staggering 264 runs against Sri Lanka on November 13, 2014, at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This iconic innings remains the highest score ever recorded in a single ODI match, and it was a feat that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world.
Key Statistics Of Rohit Sharma’s Historic Knock:
- Runs Scored: 264
- Balls Faced: 173
- Boundaries Hit: 33 Fours, 9 Sixes
- Strike Rate: 152.87
- Opposition: Sri Lanka
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Date: November 13, 2014
- Result of the Match: India won by 153 runs
Highest Score: Rohit Sharma’s innings was a perfect blend of timing, placement, and sheer power. He paced his innings brilliantly, starting cautiously and then accelerating as the innings progressed. The combination of his impeccable stroke play and the ability to find the gaps, along with his powerful hitting, made his 264 one of the most memorable individual performances in the history of ODI cricket.
Highest Score: Sharma’s knock played a pivotal role in setting a massive total for India. The 264 runs not only set a record but also helped India post an imposing total of 404/5 in their allotted 50 overs. The Sri Lankan team, in response, could only manage 251/8, giving India a comfortable victory by 153 runs.
The Significance Of The 200-Run Milestone
Highest Score: Before Rohit Sharma’s record, the 200-run milestone in ODI cricket was considered a rare feat that very few batsmen could achieve. It was first broken by Sachin Tendulkar in 2010, and since then, it became a benchmark for exceptional batting performances in One Day cricket.
Highest Score: Rohit Sharma was the first player to cross the 200-run mark, and since then, he has achieved this remarkable feat three times, further cementing his reputation as one of the greatest ODI batsmen of all time.
Other Notable High Scores In One Day Cricket
Highest Score: While Rohit Sharma’s 264 is a record that remains untouched, many other players have come close to achieving it. Below is a table listing the top individual scores in ODI cricket history, showcasing how the game has evolved in terms of individual run-scoring performances:
| Rank | Player Name | Runs | Balls Faced | Fours | Sixes | Date of Record | Opposition | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rohit Sharma | 264 | 173 | 33 | 9 | November 13, 2014 | Sri Lanka | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| 2 | Martin Guptill | 237* | 163 | 19 | 11 | March 21, 2015 | West Indies | Wellington |
| 3 | Virender Sehwag | 219 | 149 | 25 | 7 | December 8, 2011 | West Indies | Indore |
| 4 | Chris Gayle | 215 | 147 | 10 | 16 | February 24, 2015 | Zimbabwe | Canberra |
| 5 | Sachin Tendulkar | 200* | 147 | 25 | 3 | February 24, 2010 | South Africa | Gwalior |
| 6 | Fakhar Zaman | 210* | 156 | 24 | 5 | August 19, 2018 | Zimbabwe | Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo |
| 7 | Ijaz Ahmed | 157* | 104 | 22 | 6 | February 13, 1996 | Sri Lanka | Lahore |
Detailed Analysis Of Top Performances
- Martin Guptill (237 against West Indies, 2015): The New Zealand opener played an outstanding knock during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup quarter-final. Guptill’s 237 was a crucial innings that guided New Zealand to a total of 393/6. His aggressive strokeplay, which included hitting 19 fours and 11 sixes, made him one of the most prominent figures in the 2015 World Cup.
- Virender Sehwag (219 against West Indies, 2011): Sehwag’s aggressive batting style was on full display in this match, where he decimated the West Indian bowlers to score 219 off just 149 balls. This knock included 25 boundaries and 7 sixes, a true reflection of Sehwag’s explosive power and aggressive nature in ODI cricket.
- Chris Gayle (215 against Zimbabwe, 2015): The Jamaican powerhouse, Gayle, made his mark by scoring 215 against Zimbabwe in 2015. Known for his monstrous six-hitting ability, Gayle hit 16 sixes during his knock, making it one of the most explosive innings in ODI history.
- Sachin Tendulkar (200 against South Africa, 2010): Tendulkar’s 200 remains one of the most iconic moments in ODI cricket history. He became the first player ever to score a double century in an ODI match, creating a milestone that was celebrated across the cricketing world. His 200* came off 147 balls, and it included 25 fours and 3 sixes.
- Fakhar Zaman (210 against Zimbabwe, 2018): Fakhar Zaman’s 210 in 2018 against Zimbabwe made him the first Pakistani to score an ODI double century. His innings helped Pakistan to a commanding total and was a crucial part of his team’s success.
The Evolution Of Batting In ODI Cricket
Highest Score: The ability to score big in ODIs has improved drastically over the years. With the evolution of the game, power-hitting and innovative stroke play have become key features of modern-day batting. Several factors have contributed to this, such as:
- Improved Bat Technology: The modern cricket bat is more powerful and lighter than the ones used in the past, making it easier for batsmen to hit boundaries.
- Fielding Restrictions: With fewer fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle, batsmen can find gaps more easily and score boundaries consistently.
- Fitness and Power Hitting: Modern-day players are more physically fit and have developed greater strength, which allows them to clear the boundary with ease.
Rohit Sharma’s historic 264 against Sri Lanka remains a monumental achievement in ODI cricket. While other players like Martin Guptill, Virender Sehwag, and Chris Gayle have come close, it is the sheer dominance of Sharma’s innings that has set a new benchmark for individual scores in ODI cricket.
As ODI cricket continues to evolve, it is likely that new records will be set, but Rohit Sharma’s 264 will undoubtedly remain etched in the memories of cricket fans around the world for years to come. The pursuit of high individual scores continues to be a thrilling aspect of the game, with every boundary and every run being celebrated by fans and players alike.
