What is the highest ODI score by a team in cricket? Despite originating in the latter part of the twentieth century, ODI cricket has undergone notable evolution, particularly in its playing template. Until the 1996 World Cup, the format retained a certain intent reminiscent of Test cricket, with a minimalistic approach to bat-ball interactions, especially in the initial 15 overs. However, the Sri Lankans played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the game, introducing the world to the entertainment of Sanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitharana through their dynamic pinch-hitting.
The England cricket team holds the record for the highest score in One Day International (ODI) cricket history, amassing an impressive total of 498 runs in a match against the Netherlands at Amstelveen.
In the last two decades, the batting capabilities of cricket teams have surged to unprecedented levels, particularly in limited-overs cricket. Achieving scores exceeding 350 in One Day Internationals (ODIs) has become a regular occurrence in recent years. This shift can be attributed to various factors such as shorter boundaries, higher-quality bats, and the alteration in the rule allowing the simultaneous use of two balls from both ends. Consequently, the current cricket landscape appears notably favorable to batsmen.
In many instances, batsmen have outwitted bowlers, compelling them to exert extra effort for every wicket. Consequently, team totals in the 50-over format have consistently risen over the years.
Let’s explore some of the highest ODI scores by a team in cricket.
Table of Contents
List of Top-5 Highest ODI Score by a team
| Sl No | Team | Score | Overs | Inns | Opposition | Ground |
| 1 | England | 498/4 | 50 | 1 | v Netherlands | Amstelveen |
| 2 | England | 481/6 | 50 | 1 | v Australia | Nottingham |
| 3 | England | 444/3 | 50 | 1 | v Pakistan | Nottingham |
| 4 | Sri Lanka | 443/9 | 50 | 1 | v Netherlands | Amstelveen |
| 5 | South Africa | 439/2 | 50 | 1 | v West Indies | Johannesburg |
1. 498/4 – England vs Netherlands
England currently hold the record for the highest ODI score by a team. In the inaugural ODI of their tour to the Netherlands on June 17, 2022, England dominated the proceedings, putting the Dutch side to the sword. After winning the toss, the hosts chose to field first. Notably, Amstelveen has proven to be a favorable venue for batsmen, with Sri Lanka having previously set a substantial total of 443/9 against the Netherlands on this very ground back in 2006.
Despite the early setback of Jason Roy’s dismissal in the second over, the Netherlands, England mounted a remarkable counter-assault that proved unstoppable. Phil Salt and Dawid Malan both notched up centuries, setting the stage for Jos Buttler to steal the spotlight.
Buttler’s incredible unbeaten innings of 162 from just 70 deliveries showcased a staggering strike rate of 231.42. His extraordinary performance included seven boundaries and an impressive 14 sixes. Liam Livingstone also played a supporting role, contributing 66 runs off just 22 balls at a remarkable strike rate of 300. In total, the England team collectively hit 36 fours and 26 sixes during the contest. Their dominance translated into a resounding victory, as they won the game by 232 runs after dismissing the Netherlands for 266.
Read More: Fastest 50 in ODI History
2. 481/6 – England vs Australia
The next on the list for the highest ODI score by a team belongs to England again. In response to England’s disappointing performance in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, the England and Wales Cricket Board implemented a restructuring of its limited-over teams. Seasoned players like Ian Bell were phased out, making room for a new generation of players who were granted extended opportunities in the starting XI. The outcome was evident, culminating in the team’s triumphant victory in the 2019 World Cup at Lord’s.
During the four-year period from 2015 to 2019, England achieved three of the top 10 highest scores in One Day International (ODI) cricket. A year before their ultimate victory against New Zealand in the Lord’s finals, England achieved a colossal total of 481 runs for the loss of six wickets against arch-rival Australia. Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow led the charge with scores of 82 and 139, respectively, while Alex Hales delivered a destructive innings, amassing 147 runs in just 92 deliveries. Captain Eoin Morgan also contributed with a brisk 67 runs from a mere 30 deliveries.
Despite looking poised to breach the 500-run mark, England’s progress was curtailed by wickets in the end-overs. Nevertheless, Morgan’s team went on to secure a commanding victory in the match, prevailing by a margin of 242 runs.
3. 443/3 – England vs Pakistan
Prior to 2016, the record for the highest One Day International (ODI) score had stood for a decade, set by Sri Lanka with an impressive total of 443 against the Netherlands. However, on August 30, 2016, at Trent Bridge, this record was shattered when Eoin Morgan’s side achieved a remarkable score of 443 for the loss of three wickets, facing a somewhat weakened Pakistani bowling attack.
During their innings, England smashed 59 boundaries, which included 16 sixes. Leading the charge once again, Alex Hales scored an impressive 171 runs from 122 deliveries, securing the position of the highest individual run-scorer for his team. Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 90 contributed to England surpassing the previous record, with additional support from Joe Root, who scored 85, and Morgan, who remained not out with 57.
In the end, England comfortably defeated Pakistan by 169 runs in the rain-truncated match, as the visitors managed to score only 275. This makes their performance third in the list of highest ODI score by a team.
4. 443/9 – Sri Lanka vs Netherlands
With 443 runs for the loss of nine wickets, Sri Lanka set the stage on fire when they managed to score the then-record for the highest ODI score against the Netherlands at Amstelveen. It had just been four months since Australia and South Africa had taken part in the ‘legendary’ 438-434 match at the Wanderers.
Left-handed opener and one of the pioneers of aggressive cricket — Sanath Jayasuriya — started the innings from the Island Nation with a sensational 157 from 104 deliveries. After Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene had provided stability in the middle-overs, Tillakaratne Dilshan blasted his way to remain not out at 117 from just 79 balls.
In the second innings, Sri Lanka managed to keep the associate nation’s progress in check and went on to win the match by a massive 195 runs.
5. 439/2 – South Africa vs West Indies
It was the dream start South Africa had been longing for, as their top three batsmen each notched up centuries, losing only two wickets in their allotted 50 overs. This exceptional performance led South Africa to amass a colossal total of 439 runs against West Indies at the Wanderers, a venue known for witnessing high scores in the past.
AB de Villiers’ record-shattering innings, featuring a century in just 31 deliveries with 16 sixes, left the West Indian bowlers in disarray. Openers Hashim Amla (153) and Rilee Rossouw (128) provided a perfect foundation, with the first wicket falling at 247 runs. Stepping in with less than 70 deliveries remaining, De Villiers made history, scoring 149 runs from 44 deliveries, punctuated by 25 boundaries.
Unable to replicate such heroics, West Indies concluded their innings at 291 for seven wickets, falling a substantial 148 runs short of their target.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Highest ODI Score by a Team
Q) What is the highest team score in ODI history?
Australia achieved the distinction of being the first team to record a 400-plus total as the highest One Day International (ODI) score. The England cricket team surpassed this milestone by scoring 498/4 against the Netherlands on June 17, 2022, establishing a new record for the highest team total in ODI cricket.
Q) Has India scored 400 in ODI?
India achieved a milestone by surpassing the 400-run mark in a One Day International (ODI) for the first time when they posted a score of 413/5 against Bermuda in the 2007 World Cup.
Q) What is the highest run in ODI history?
The shift towards an increased number of One Day International (ODI) matches played by countries has led to a domination of modern players in the aggregate lists. However, this trend is gradually reversing as teams engage more in Twenty20 Internationals. Sachin Tendulkar, the Indian cricketer, holds the record for the most runs in ODIs, amassing a total of 18,426.
