Countries that have played the most One Day International (ODIs)

Cricket has come a long way since its inception. Seeing changes in formats and rules. ODI cricket was the first of its innovations and today it holds a long history. The first ODI match was played between Australia and England in January 1971, and winning the match by 5 wickets, Australia became the first team to register an ODI win.

Today 10 recognized teams compete in the 50 over the format of the game and more than 4300 ODIs have been played. The most prestigious cup of Cricket, ICC Cricket World Cup is also held in this format. And so the importance of this white-ball game cannot be understated. 

Today, Cricwizz we take a look at the teams who have played the most number of ODI games ever in the history of cricket.

1) India

India played their first One-day international match on 13th July 1974 and became the first team to play 900 matches in this format. Today their record stands at 996 matches, winning 518 matches, losing 428, and tying 9 games. Having etched their names to every available trophy in the 50-over format, India is one of the most successful teams in ODI. 

Their domination also continues in the longest format and they also were the winners of the inaugural T20 World Cup which took place back in 2007. Stamping their authority in the sport, they could become the first team to achieve the 1000 matches milestones in the 50-over format.

Highest ODI score: 418/5 vs WI (8th Dec 2011)

Lowest ODI score: 54 vs SL (29th October 2000)

Major Trophies won: 1983 World Cup, 2011 World Cup, 2007 ICC T20 WC, 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, 2002 ICC Champions Trophy

Highest run-getter in ODIs: Sachin Tendulkar (18,426)

Highest wicket-taker in ODIs: Anil Kumble (334)

2) Australia

Seen as the premier heavyweights of the game, the Australian might is world renown in the cricket community. They have played a total of 958 matches holding a win percentage of 63.36%. Having won 581 matches, they are also the team with the most wins in the ODI format of the game. 

Their success can be further showcased with the number of World Cup wins under their belt. Winning the competition a record high 5 times, Cricket Australia tells us a story of champions.

Highest ODI score: 434 vs South Africa (12 March 2006)

Lowest ODI score: 70 vs New Zealand (27 January 1986)

Trophies won: 1987 ICC World Cup, 1999 ICC World Cup, 2003 ICC World Cup, 2007 ICC World Cup, 2015 ICC World Cup, 2006 ICC Champions Trophy, 2009 ICC Champions Trophy

Highest run-getter in ODIs: Ricky Ponting (13,589)

Highest wicket-taker in ODIs: Gleen McGrath and Brett Lee (380)

3) Pakistan

Another country from the subcontinent, Pakistan comes in third with the most matches played in the white-ball format of the game. Having played a total of 936 matches, Team Pakistan has won a total of 490 matches and lost 417 matches. With a win percentage of 53.98%, they have also won a Cricket World Cup in 1992.

Their debut in ODI cricket took place in 1973 at Lancaster Park against New Zealand, but only goes on to register their first win against England in 1974. 

Highest ODI score: 399/1 vs Zimbabwe (20th July 2018)

Lowest ODI score: 43 vs West Indies (25 Feb 1993)

Trophies won: 1992 ICC World Cup, 2009 ICC T20 WC, 2017 ICC Champions Trophy

Highest run-getter in ODIs: Inzamam-ul-Haq (11,701)

Highest wicket-taker in ODIs: Wasim Akram (502)

4) Sri Lanka

The importance of cricket cannot be overstated, as Sri Lanka comes in fourth on the list. Having played a total of 864 matches, winning 391, losing 430 and 10 tied matches. With a win percentage of 51.81, Sri Lanka also possesses a World Cup win in their records. 

Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan is considered to be one of the best spinners in the game and has gone on to take more than 500 wickets in ODI. Chaminda Vaas another Sri Lankan legend holds the best bowling figures in ODI, recording 8/19 in a match against Zimbabwe.

Highest ODI score: 443/9 vs the Netherlands (4th July. 2006)

Lowest ODI score: 43 vs South Africa (11th January 2012)

Trophies won: 1996 ICC World Cup, 2014 World T20 WC, 2002 ICC Champions Trophy (Joint champions)

Highest run-getter in ODIs: Kumar Sangakkara (13,975)

Highest wicket-taker in ODIs: Muttiah Muralitharan (523)

5) West Indies

The Caribbean cricket team has always dazzled world cricket in different formats of the game. Having played a total of 831 matches, they have won 405, lost 386, and tied 10 matches. With a win percentage of 51.18, West Indies has won the World Cup twice in their cricketing history. West Indies has failed to replicate their dominance of earlier years in the 50 over the format of the game, but have made great strides in the T20 format. 

Highest ODI score: 389 vs England (27 Feb 2019)

Lowest ODI score: 54 vs South Africa (25 Jan. 2004)

Trophies won: 1975 ICC World Cup, 1979 ICC World Cup, 2012 ICC T20 WC, 2016 ICC T20 WC, 2004 ICC Champions Trophy

Highest run-getter in ODIs: Chris Gayle (10,425)

Highest wicket-taker in ODIs: CA Walsh (227)

6) New Zealand

Neighboring islanders of Australia, New Zealand didn't fall far behind when it came to the sport of cricket. Playing a total of 775 matches, the Kiwis have won 354, lost 374, and tied 7. Although one of the better-playing nations of the sport and seen as everyone’s favorite second team. 

Their maiden major ICC Trophy win came in the recently concluded inaugural world Test championship in which they saw the better of team India in the finals, which was played at Southampton.

Highest ODI score: 402/2 vs Ireland (1 July 2008)

Lowest ODI score: 64 vs Pakistan (15 April 1986)

Trophies won: ICC World Test Championship (2019-21)

Highest run-getter in ODIs: Roos Taylor (8,581)

Highest wicket-taker in ODIs: Daniel Vettori (297)

7) England

Seen as the pioneers of the game, it's surprising that England comes only seventh in the list. England is the current World Champions in the 50 over the format of the game. They also hold the record for the highest record in ODI’s, with a total of 481/6 coming against Australia in Nottingham, courtesy of Jonny Bairstow and Alex Hales's devastating knocks.

Highest ODI score: 481/6 vs Australia (19 June 2018)

Lowest ODI score: 86 vs Australia (14 June 2001)

Trophies won: 2019 ICC World Cup, 2010 T20 WC

Highest run-getter in ODIs: Eoin Morgan (6,957)

Highest wicket-taker in ODIs: James Anderson (269)

South Africa remains the only other top cricketing nation with a total of 631 matches, winning 387, losing 219, and tying 6 matches. With a 63.72% win percentage, South Africa holds the highest win percentage among all the Test-playing nations in the ODI format. The only major ICC Trophy won by the proteas was the 1998 ICC Knockout Trophy, under the leadership of the infamous Hansie Cronje. 

With ODI cricket seen as one of the most important formats in the game, more and more nations vie to be recognized as an ODI playing nation. With all host of games planned throughout the year, keep a lookout for exciting match action and records being tumbled around the globe. 

Let us know which is your favorite team in ODI cricket and how do you think they performed in ODI cricket.

** All stats are latest of August 7th, 2021