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| Rohit Sharma scored 264 runs off 173 balls against Sri Lanka. |
One extraordinary innings can redefine cricket history. Over the years, One Day International (ODI) cricket has witnessed several such batting performances where individual players dominated world-class bowling attacks and rewrote record books. From explosive centuries to marathon innings lasting the entire 50 overs or scoring 200+ scores, these knocks have produced unforgettable moments in cricket history.
The record for the highest individual score in ODI cricket history currently belongs to Rohit Sharma, who smashed an incredible 264 runs against Sri Lanka in 2014. His remarkable innings remains the highest score ever achieved by a batsman in a men's One Day International.
In this article, you'll find the complete list of the highest individual ODI scores, detailed stories behind the greatest innings, record timelines, double centuries, fascinating statistics, and interesting facts every cricket fan should know.
Top 25 Highest Individual Scores in ODI Cricket History
| Rank | Player | Score | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rohit Sharma | 264 | Sri Lanka | Kolkata | 2014 |
| 2 | Martin Guptill | 237* | West Indies | Wellington | 2015 |
| 3 | Virender Sehwag | 219 | West Indies | Indore | 2011 |
| 4 | Chris Gayle | 215 | Zimbabwe | Canberra | 2015 |
| 5 | Ishan Kishan | 210 | Bangladesh | Chattogram | 2022 |
| 6 | Rohit Sharma | 209 | Australia | Bengaluru | 2013 |
| 7 | Rohit Sharma | 208* | Sri Lanka | Mohali | 2017 |
| 8 | Sachin Tendulkar | 200* | South Africa | Gwalior | 2010 |
| 9 | Fakhar Zaman | 210* | Zimbabwe | Bulawayo | 2018 |
| 10 | Glenn Maxwell | 201* | Afghanistan | Mumbai | 2023 |
Note: The above list includes the highest individual ODI scores in men's international cricket. Rankings may change as new records are created in future matches.
Rohit Sharma's Historic 264 – The Greatest ODI Innings Ever Played
When cricket fans discuss the greatest batting performances of all time, Rohit Sharma's astonishing 264 against Sri Lanka is always at the top of the conversation.
Played on 13 November 2014 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, this innings completely changed the limits of what seemed possible in One Day Internationals.
Interestingly, Rohit survived an early chance in the innings before producing one of the most destructive batting displays ever witnessed. After reaching his century, he accelerated dramatically and punished almost every Sri Lankan bowler with effortless timing, powerful pull shots, elegant drives and massive sixes.
His innings lasted 173 deliveries and included:
- 33 magnificent fours
- 9 huge sixes
- Strike Rate above 150
- The highest individual ODI score in cricket history
India posted a massive total of 404/5, while Sri Lanka never recovered from the enormous target. Rohit's 264 still stands as the highest run scored in One Day Internationals and cricket's most iconic record.
Rohit Sharma is the only cricketer in ODI history to score three double centuries, a record that remains unmatched.
Timeline of the Highest Individual Score in ODI Cricket
The record for the highest individual score in ODI cricket has evolved over several decades. Every time the record was broken, cricket fans witnessed a new chapter in batting history. Below is the complete journey of this prestigious world record.
| Year | Player | Score | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Dennis Amiss | 137 | India |
| 1984 | Viv Richards | 189* | England |
| 1997 | Saeed Anwar | 194 | India |
| 2009 | Charles Coventry | 194* | Bangladesh |
| 2010 | Sachin Tendulkar | 200* | South Africa |
| 2011 | Virender Sehwag | 219 | West Indies |
| 2014 | Rohit Sharma | 264 | Sri Lanka |
For more than 13 years, Saeed Anwar's score of 194 remained the benchmark in ODI cricket. Charles Coventry later equalled the record in 2009, but it was Sachin Tendulkar who finally broke the 200-run barrier. Within the next four years, Virender Sehwag and Rohit Sharma raised the standard even further before Rohit produced his unbelievable 264-run masterpiece in Kolkata.
The record for the highest individual ODI score has been held by an Indian batsman continuously since 2010, highlighting India's dominance in modern ODI batting.
Highest Individual Scores in ICC Cricket World Cup History
Scoring a century in an ICC Cricket World Cup is a remarkable achievement, but registering a double century on cricket's biggest stage is truly extraordinary. Over the years, only a few batters have produced innings that are remembered as some of the greatest performances in World Cup history.
New Zealand opener Martin Guptill holds the record for the highest individual score in ICC Men's Cricket World Cup history. His unbeaten 237 against West Indies in the 2015 quarter-final remains one of the finest ODI World Cup innings ever played.
| Rank | Player | Score | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Martin Guptill | 237* | West Indies | 2015 |
| 2 | Chris Gayle | 215 | Zimbabwe | 2015 |
| 3 | Glenn Maxwell | 201* | Afghanistan | 2023 |
| 4 | Gary Kirsten | 188* | UAE | 1996 |
| 5 | Sourav Ganguly | 183 | Sri Lanka | 1999 |
The 2015 World Cup was especially memorable for batting records, as both Martin Guptill and Chris Gayle scored double centuries in the same tournament. Glenn Maxwell later joined this elite list with an unforgettable unbeaten 201 against Afghanistan during the 2023 World Cup definitely the best inning in ODI cricket till now.
Players with Multiple ODI Double Centuries
While several legendary batsmen have scored one ODI double century, only one player has achieved this incredible milestone of getting it multiple times.
That player is Rohit Sharma who managed to score double century 3 times in his career. Where individual are finding hard to get the mark atleast one his 3 double century stats the stretcher of this player.
Amazing Facts About Highest Individual ODI Scores
- 🏏 Rohit Sharma's 264 is still the highest individual score in men's ODI cricket history.
- 🏏 Martin Guptill's unbeaten 237* is the highest individual score in ICC Men's Cricket World Cup history.
- 🏏 Sachin Tendulkar became the first male cricketer to score a double century in ODI cricket in 2010.
- 🏏 Rohit Sharma is the only player to score three ODI double centuries.
- 🏏 Glenn Maxwell's unbeaten 201 against Afghanistan became the highest successful run chase innings in ODI World Cup history. 3
- 🏏 More than half of all men's ODI double centuries have been scored by Indian batsmen, highlighting India's dominance in 50-over batting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who holds the highest individual score in ODI cricket history?
Rohit Sharma holds the record for the highest individual score in men's ODI cricket history. He scored an incredible 264 runs against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on 13 November 2014.
2. Who scored the first double century in ODI cricket?
Sachin Tendulkar became the first male cricketer to score a double century in One Day International cricket. He remained unbeaten on 200 runs against South Africa in Gwalior on 24 February 2010.
3. Which player has scored the most ODI double centuries?
Rohit Sharma has scored three ODI double centuries, the highest by any player in cricket history. No other batter has achieved this remarkable feat.
4. What is the highest individual score in ICC Cricket World Cup history?
Martin Guptill holds the record for the highest individual score in ICC Men's Cricket World Cup history with an unbeaten 237* against West Indies during the 2015 World Cup quarter-final.
5. Has anyone scored more than 264 runs in an ODI?
No. Rohit Sharma's 264 remains the highest individual score ever recorded in men's ODI cricket, and no player has surpassed this record so far.
6. How many batsmen have scored double centuries in ODI cricket?
Only a small number of elite cricketers have scored ODI double centuries, making it one of the rarest achievements in international cricket.
7. Which country has produced the most ODI double-centurions?
India has produced the highest number of ODI double-century scorers, including Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan.
Final Thoughts
The journey of the highest individual scores in ODI cricket history reflects the evolution of modern batting. What once seemed impossible has gradually become achievable thanks to fearless stroke play, improved fitness, advanced equipment and aggressive batting strategies.
From Dennis Amiss setting early benchmarks to Saeed Anwar's long-standing record, Sachin Tendulkar's historic first double century and Rohit Sharma's unbelievable 264, every milestone has played a significant role in shaping ODI cricket.
Although modern cricket continues to produce extraordinary batting performances, Rohit Sharma's world record remains untouched. Whether this incredible score will ever be surpassed is one of the biggest questions in cricket.
As ODI cricket continues to evolve, fans around the world eagerly wait for the next legendary innings hat could rewrite history once again.

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