Highest Successful Run Chases in ODI Cricket History

ODI cricket has numerous times in the last few years proved that it is a format which takes control, poise and discipline, which is found wanting sometimes with the advent of T20 cricket. Let us take a look at the three highest successful run-chases in ODI cricket, which show that even with the big hits, it takes temperament to get these scores.

3. England (364/4, 48.4 overs) beat West Indies (360/8, 50 overs) 

Eoin Morgan’s dynamic England are often considered revolutionaries in this format with their dynamic strokeplay and mesh of early batting chaos combined with calm and poise. Batting first in Barbados, West Indies posted an imposing 360/8, courtesy of a brilliant 135 from the Universe Boss Chris Gayle.

England aced the chase with a blistering 123 off just 85 balls from Jason Roy and a masterful century from the ever-graceful Joe Root. A comfortable six-wicket win with eight balls to spare, with the aggression of Roy and the composure of Root taking centre-stage. This was a template that eventually took England to World Cup glory at home that summer.

2. South Africa (372/6, 49.2 overs) beat Australia (371/6, 50 overs) 

Already 2-0 up in the series, South Africa took on Australia with their fates for the series at stake in Durban. Batting first they put on a massive 371/6, with masterful hundreds from David Warner and Steve Smith, and a late cameo from Travis Head. Smith and Warner together put on 124 for the second wicket after Warner and Aaron Finch had put on 110 for the first, with Finch also getting a half-century.

South Africa kept chipping away at the daunting total, with batters getting starts but not being able to convert. In the 24th over, with the score at 179-4, in walked David Miller. The left hander held the innings together, and took South Africa home by four wickets with just two balls to spare, staying unbeaten on 118. He was ably supported by Andile Phehlukwayo, with whom he stitched an unbeaten 107-run partnership for the seventh wicket.

1. South Africa (438/9, 49.5 overs) beat Australia (434/4, 50 overs)

A game of folklore and history books, this one is described as ‘the greatest ODI ever’. Batting first at the Bullring in Johannesburg in 2006, Australia put on a mammoth 434/4, courtesy a Ricky Ponting masterclass. The Aussie captain finished on 164 off just 105 balls, with half centuries from Adam Gilchrist, Simon Katich, and Michael Hussey.

With the imposing total in front of them, South Africa were propelled by a 187-run partnership between Graeme Smith who got 90 off just 55 balls, and Herschelle Gibbs. Batting at number 3, Gibbs’ 175 off just 111 balls was the backbone of the Proteas’ innings. Australia kept chipping away but Mark Boucher, with important contributions from the tail, took South Africa home with one ball and one wicket to spare, creating history at the Wanderers.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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