ICC ODI World Cup: Top 5 Highest Score in World Cup history – all the details you need to know about!

The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup has been a stage for cricketing excellence ever since it first kicked off in 1975. Over the years, teams have pushed the boundaries of batting, breaking records and thrilling fans with their incredible performances. The 13th edition, held in India from October 5 to November 19, 2023, was a standout event, especially for South Africa, whose remarkable achievements added new pages to cricket’s history books. Let’s dive into the most exciting team totals in ODI World Cup history, with a special focus on the Proteas’ unforgettable batting feats.

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South Africa, in particular, stands out with an impressive record, having scored 400 or more runs in a World Cup match three times, a feat unmatched by any other team. Their highest total in the World Cup stands at a staggering 428/5, a record they set during the 2023 World Cup against the formidable 1996 World Cup champions, Sri Lanka. This match also witnessed Aiden Markram setting a new benchmark for the fastest century in the tournament.

Previously, it was Australia that held the record for the highest team score in a World Cup match, with a remarkable 417/6 achieved against Afghanistan during the 2015 World Cup.

Not to be left behind, India also features prominently in this list, having scored 413/5 against Bermuda during the 2007 World Cup.

ICC ODI World Cup: Explore The Top 5 Highest Scores in World Cup history

1. South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 7th October 2023

In a monumental clash in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, South Africa and Sri Lanka engaged in a record-breaking battle, setting the stage for one of the highest-scoring encounters in the tournament’s storied history. The Arun Jailtey Stadium in Delhi witnessed an awe-inspiring display of cricketing prowess on October 7th, 2023.

South Africa won the toss and chose to bat, a decision that would send shockwaves through the cricketing world. The Proteas unleashed an unrelenting onslaught on the Sri Lankan bowlers, amassing a staggering total of 428 runs. This monumental achievement marked the highest team total in the annals of the Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Remarkably, three South African batsmen etched their names in the history books by reaching centuries. Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen laid the foundation with their centuries, but it was Aiden Markram who stole the show with the fastest ODI World Cup century ever, reaching his ton in just 49 deliveries and finishing with a stunning 106 from 54 balls.

In a breathtaking display of cricketing prowess, South Africa’s batting lineup unleashed a devastating assault that left Sri Lanka’s already-struggling bowling attack completely overwhelmed. Heinrich Klassen, David Miller, and Marco Jansen turned the match into a masterclass of power hitting, combining their skills to create a mammoth total that seemed almost insurmountable. Their relentless onslaught in the latter stages of the innings was nothing short of a cricketing symphony, leaving spectators and opponents alike in awe of their raw batting brilliance.

In response, Sri Lanka embarked on a valiant quest to chase down the mammoth target. Kusal Mendis led the charge with an explosive 76 off just 42 balls, displaying tremendous firepower. Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka also contributed significantly with scores of 79 and 68, respectively.

However, despite their valiant efforts, Sri Lanka ultimately fell short of the monumental target set by South Africa. The Proteas’ bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada and Gerald Coetzee, took crucial wickets at pivotal moments, quelling Sri Lanka’s hopes of achieving the greatest-ever World Cup chase.

Sri Lanka’s brave chase was marred by the loss of wickets at crucial junctures, and despite their commendable scoring rate, it was the wickets column that proved to be their downfall. South Africa’s comprehensive victory was sealed when Rabada claimed the final wicket, bowling Sri Lanka out for 326, securing a resounding 102-run win.

2. Australia vs Afghanistan, 4th March, 2015

In the 2015 World Cup encounter, Australia, 5 time World Champions showcased their batting prowess, amassing a staggering total of 417 runs for the loss of 6 wickets during their 50-over innings in Perth. The star of the show was none other than David Warner, who played an innings for the ages, smashing 178 runs off just 133 deliveries, at a blistering strike rate of 133.83.

Steve Smith, the consistent run-scorer, played a pivotal role with his 95 runs off 98 balls. Adding to the fireworks, Glenn Maxwell delivered an explosive performance, tallying 88 runs in a mere 39 balls. It was an all-around batting display by the Australian team, with several other contributors chipping in.

On the other side, Afghanistan’s bowlers found the going tough as they tried to contain the Australian onslaught. Dawlat Zadran and Shapoor Zadran emerged as the most successful bowlers, both managing to grab 2 wickets each. However, they had to work hard, with Dawlat Zadran conceding 101 runs in his 10 overs and Shapoor Zadran giving away 89 runs in the same span.

Despite their efforts, Afghanistan struggled to rein in the Australian batsmen, who were in sublime form. The result was a formidable total of 417 runs on the scoreboard, making it a memorable day for Australian cricket fans and a challenging task for Afghanistan to chase down.

Afghanistan faced a formidable run chase. Unfortunately for Afghanistan, their efforts to chase down the massive target fell short.

Afghanistan’s innings began with hope, but they encountered early setbacks as their top-order batsmen struggled to build partnerships. Javed Ahmadi managed 13 runs, and Usman Ghani contributed 12 runs, but the Australian bowlers, particularly Mitchell Johnson, applied consistent pressure.

Despite a spirited 33 from Nawroz Mangal and some contributions from other middle-order batsmen, Afghanistan couldn’t keep up with the steep required run rate. Mitchell Johnson was the chief tormentor for Australia, grabbing four crucial wickets.

In the end, Afghanistan’s innings concluded at 142 runs, falling well short of the massive target set by Australia.

3. India vs Bermuda, 19th March 2007

In a memorable clash during the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, India showcased their batting prowess against Bermuda, registering the third-highest total in the history of the tournament. On the 19th of March, 2007, India’s formidable batting lineup went on a rampage in Port of Spain.

Sourav Ganguly and Virender Sehwag set the tone for India’s imposing innings. Ganguly played a steady knock, scoring 89 runs off 114 balls, while Sehwag unleashed a blistering assault on the Bermuda bowlers, smashing 114 runs from just 87 deliveries, which included 17 boundaries and 3 sixes.

The middle order also contributed significantly, with MS Dhoni adding 29 runs and Yuvraj Singh providing fireworks with 83 runs at a staggering strike rate of 180.43. Sachin Tendulkar added the finishing touch with an explosive 57 not out off 29 balls.

India’s innings concluded at a formidable 413 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their allotted 50 overs. It was a testament to India’s batting depth and their ability to capitalize on favourable conditions.

However, Bermuda faced an uphill task in their run chase. They struggled to build partnerships and lost wickets at regular intervals. Despite David Hemp’s valiant effort with an unbeaten 76 runs, Bermuda’s innings fell short of the target. They managed to score 156 runs before being bowled out in the 43.1 overs.

India’s bowlers played their part, with Ajit Agarkar and Anil Kumble both taking three wickets each. Zaheer Khan and Munaf Patel also contributed to restrict Bermuda’s batting lineup.

In the end, India secured a comprehensive victory in this high-scoring encounter.

4. South Africa vs Ireland, 3rd March 2015

In a breathtaking showdown at the Manuka Oval in Canberra during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, South Africa etched their name into the record books by notching up the fourth-highest total in the history of ODI World Cup cricket. On the 24th of March 2015, South Africa unleashed a batting spectacle against Ireland that left cricket enthusiasts in awe.

Hashim Amla set the stage ablaze with his brilliant innings, amassing a monumental 159 runs from 128 balls, punctuated by 16 boundaries and 4 towering sixes. He was ably supported by Faf du Plessis, who added 109 runs at a brisk pace, maintaining a strike rate of 100.00.

The South African batting onslaught continued with AB de Villiers contributing a quickfire 24 runs off just 9 balls, including two massive sixes. David Miller and Rilee Rossouw concluded the innings with a flourish, scoring 46 not out and 61 not out, respectively, in a blistering display of power hitting.

South Africa’s innings reached a colossal total of 411 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in their allotted 50 overs. Their batting juggernaut showcased remarkable depth and resilience.

However, Ireland faced an arduous task in their pursuit of this imposing target. Their innings were marked by early struggles as South African bowlers led by Kyle Abbott and Morne Morkel put them on the back foot. Andrew Balbirnie displayed grit with a commendable 58 runs, but the rest of the batting order found it challenging to match the required run rate.

In the end, Ireland managed to score 210 runs before being bowled out in the 45th over. Kyle Abbott emerged as the chief destroyer, claiming four crucial wickets, while Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn combined to take seven wickets between them.

Despite their best efforts, Ireland fell short of the monumental target set by South Africa.

5. South Africa vs West Indies, 27th February 2015

In a high-octane clash at the SCG (Sydney Cricket Ground) during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, South Africa etched their name in the record books by posting the fifth-highest total in the history of ODI World Cup cricket. On the 27th of February 2015, they unleashed an extraordinary batting spectacle against the West Indies.

Hashim Amla’s masterclass began South Africa’s batting blitz as he accumulated 65 runs off 88 balls. Faf du Plessis joined the run-fest with a fluent 62 off 70 balls, followed by a blistering 61 off 39 balls by Rilee Rossouw.

However, the true spectacle came from South Africa’s captain, AB de Villiers, who played an innings for the ages. De Villiers exhibited unparalleled aggression, smashing 162 runs off just 66 deliveries at an astonishing strike rate of 245.45. His innings were studded with 17 boundaries and 8 sixes, leaving the opposition in awe.

South Africa’s batting juggernaut concluded at an imposing 408 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their allotted 50 overs. It was a testament to their power-packed lineup and the relentless pursuit of dominance.

In response, the West Indies faced a daunting task in their run chase. They struggled to find their footing, losing wickets at regular intervals. Imran Tahir emerged as the chief tormentor, picking up a remarkable five-wicket haul. Kyle Abbott and Morne Morkel also played their part, taking two wickets each.

Jason Holder, the West Indies captain, showed resilience with a valiant 56 off 48 balls, but the rest of the batting order couldn’t provide the necessary support. The West Indies were eventually bowled out for 151 runs in 33.1 overs, falling well short of the colossal target set by South Africa.

Here’s a table of the highest ODI World Cup team totals: