Batting has evolved and is evolving over the years, making runs scored crucial an important facet for any format of the game. Although batting efforts have increased to exponential figures in recent years, some efforts still stand tall considering the stories surrounding certain knocks. While some batsmen have written their legacy, some have gone on to change the fortunes of their cricketing nation.
Today we take a look at the highest individual scores by batsmen of each position in the ODI format.
#1
Martin Guptil 237*
New Zealand's star batsman Martin Guptill created history with a sensational unbeaten double hundred in the 50-over World Cup clash against West Indies in Wellington. Guptill took the 4th quarter-final clash by storm with one of the best innings in World Cup history as he became the highest-scoring batsman in the No1 position in a match.
#2
Rohit Sharma 264
Rohit Sharma wreaked havoc in the cricketing world with a knock for the ages against Sri Lanka at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The right-hander scored a staggering 264 runs from 173 balls which is the highest individual score across the One-Day International format and also the highest individual score in the No2 position.
#3
Charles Coventry 194*
In 2009, Charles Coventry had smashed an unbeaten 194 in the 4th ODI of the Bangladesh tour of Zimbabwe, which was then the joint-highest ODI score along with Saeed Anwar's 194 from Pakistan. It remains the highest individual ODI score in a losing cause, as The Tigers won the match by 4 wickets. Charles Coventry’s effort still remains the highest score by a batsman in the No3 position.
#4
Viv Richards 189*
West Indian batting legend Viv Richards smashed the English bowling attack to all corners of Old Trafford in what is still considered by many to this day to be one of the greatest one-day international innings ever played. Scoring 189 of 170 balls including 21 fours and 5 sixes, this score became the highest individual score in the No4 position.
#5
AB de Villiers 162*
South African skipper AB de Villiers produced an electrifying power-hitting performance to a career-best unbeaten 162-runs facing only 66-balls which included 17-fours and 8-sixes helping South Africa to set up a mammoth total of 408 against West Indies in the 19th match of the 2015 World Cup. The Proteas won the match by a mammoth 257 runs and Mr 360 created the record for the highest-scoring individual score in the No 5 position.
#6
N Kapil Dev 175*
Indian Legend Kapil Dev smashed 175 runs in the match against Zimbabwe after the Indians were left struggling at 17/5, India, later on, went to win the match by 31 runs. The 1983 World Cup triumph is cited as the turnaround moment for Indian cricket started blooming. Playing a huge role for the sport in the nation, Kapil Dev became the highest scoring batsman in the No6 position in a match.
#7
Luke Ronchi 170*
Luke Ronchi’s score of 170* including 14 fours and 9 sixes was the fourth-highest score for New Zealand in One-day International and the highest score by a Kiwi batsman against Sri Lanka in ODIs. Helping New Zealand post a mammoth total of 360, Luke Ronchi became the highest scoring batsman in the No 8 position.
#8
Chris Woakes 95*
Chris Woakes set a new record for the highest score by a No. 8 batsmen of ODI cricket scoring an unbeaten 95 from 94 which included only four boundaries. Sri Lanka scored 286-9 in 50 overs in the first innings leaving the English a modest target to chase. But the England top order failed, left reeling at 82-6 before Woakes and Buttler’s effort leveled the match.
#9
Andre Russell 92*
Andre Russell scored an unbeaten 92 from just 64 balls to rescue the West Indies from against India after a batting collapse in the third ODI at Antigua. His innings consisted of 8 fours and 5 sixes, batting at a strike rate of 143.75. But an equally impressive effort from Rohit Sharma meant the Indians won the match comfortably. Nevertheless, Andre Russel’s effort remains the highest individual score in the No.9 position.
#10
Ravi Rampaul 86*
West Indies' Ravi Rampaul created the record for the highest individual score by a No 10 batsman ODIs when he struck a magnificent 86* against India in the second ODI of the West Indies tour of India. During his 66-ball stay at the crease, the West Indian hit six fours and six sixes to lift the West Indies to 269 for nine in 50 overs.
#11
Mohammad Amir 58
Pakistani bowler Mohammad Amir became the first player ever batting at the number 11 position to score a half-century, scoring 58 of 28 balls in the third ODI against England at Nottingham. The bowler was one of the highest scorers in the match for Pakistan and created history scoring the highest individual score by a batsman in the No11 position.
Whether playing with aggressive intent to dominate the position or fighting back with all you got lower down the order. We have witnessed some gargantuan efforts by batsmen of various cricketing nations over the years.
Let us know in your comments which batsman’s effort has impressed you the most.
Cover Credits: TheStatesman
