Top 5 highest scores by batsmen in ODIs

Australian players at the end of the innings

In one-day Internationals, the feat of scoring a double hundred had eluded batsmen for years since the format’s inception in 1971. Even the most dynamic batsman such as Vivian Richards couldn't reach the magic 200 mark.

Of course, cricket back then cannot be compared to now, even though the ODI innings lasted 55 or 60 overs. Average strike rates hovered in the 60-65 range in the early years of ODI cricket, however, they have shot up since the game was officially turned into a 50-over format.

In the first decade of the 21st century, the strike rates increased by 18% and have further risen to 75 and more in the present times.

The first one to break the 200 mark barrier was Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar who achieved this feat in 2010. He scored 200 not out against South Africa at the Captain Roop Singh Stadium in Gwalior.

After creating history, the record was soon surpassed by four other players, perhaps, buoyed by the Master Blaster’s words - “Records are meant to be broken.”

Here is a list of the top five highest scores by batsmen in ODIs:

#5 Rohit Sharma – 209 runs

Rohit Sharma scored a blistering knock of 209 off 158 balls against the mighty Aussies at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore on the 2nd November 2013. He became only the third player in men’s cricket to record a double century in ODIs.

In the same match by hitting 16 sixes, Sharma broke the ODI record for hitting the most number of sixes in an innings, eclipsing Shane Watson’s tally of 15 sixes during his unbeaten knock of 185 off 96 balls against Bangladesh at Dhaka on April 11, 2011.

After the match ended, Australian George Bailey drew comparisons with Sachin Tendulkar and praised the entertainment that Sharma put on show, which was rather frustrating for the opponent.

#4 Chris Gayle – 215 runs