Cricket, with its unique blend of tradition and innovation, has witnessed some truly awe-inspiring moments in One Day International (ODI) cricket. The powerplay phase, encompassing the first ten overs, often becomes a battleground where batsmen aim to lay the foundation for their team’s success. With only two fielders allowed outside the inner circle during this period, it provides a thrilling spectacle of aggressive batting.
In this article, we embark on a journey through the exciting world of powerplay cricket, specifically focusing on the top five highest powerplay scores in ODI history. These remarkable feats exemplify the audacity and skill of batsmen aiming to make a significant impact on the game.
Top Five Highest Powerplay Scores in Cricket World Cup
| Rank | Team | Runs | Opposition | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 118 | Sri Lanka | Christchurch | 2015 |
| 2 | Australia | 118 | New Zealand | Dharamsala | 2023 |
| 3 | New Zealand | 116 | England | Wellington | 2015 |
| 4 | West Indies | 114 | India | Port of Spain | 2019 |
| 5 | Australia | 112 | India | Vishakapatnam | 2023 |
Highest Powerplay Scores in ODI Cricket
5. Australia – 112 (10 overs) vs India, Vishakapatnam, 2023
Australia’s performance in the powerplay against India in Visakhapatnam in March 2023 remains etched in cricketing history. In the second ODI of the series, Australia showcased their dominance by dismissing India for a mere 117 runs in 26 overs. What followed was an astonishing display of powerplay prowess. The Australian openers combined to accumulate a staggering 112 runs within the first ten overs. Travis Head’s blistering 51 off 30 deliveries and Mitchell Marsh’s flamboyant 66 off 36 propelled their team to a commanding victory. Australia emerged triumphant, winning by ten wickets with a remarkable 234 balls to spare.
4. West Indies – 114 (10 overs) vs India, Port of Spain, 2019
The West Indies brought their flair for entertainment to Port of Spain in August 2019 when they faced India in a rain-affected 35-over contest. Batting first, the West Indies posted a total of 240/7 in the first innings. During the powerplay, the West Indian openers treated spectators to a scintillating display, amassing 114 runs in the initial ten overs. The indomitable Chris Gayle, renowned for his explosive batting, hammered a 41-ball 73, while Evin Lewis added a quickfire 43 off 29 deliveries. However, India managed to chase down the target, thanks to a Virat Kohli century, ultimately winning the game with 256/4 in 32.3 overs.
3. New Zealand – 116 (10 overs) vs England, Wellington, 2015
The powerplay phase is often where legends are born, and Brendon McCullum’s performance during the 2015 World Cup in Wellington perfectly exemplified this sentiment. England found themselves bowled out for a paltry 123 runs in the first innings, courtesy of a remarkable 7-wicket haul by Tim Southee. In response, New Zealand’s skipper, Brendon McCullum, unleashed an explosive 18-ball half-century. His dazzling display propelled New Zealand to an impressive 116/2 in the first ten overs. McCullum remained unbeaten on 77 off 25, featuring 8 fours and 7 sixes, leading New Zealand to a resounding victory with 125/2 in just 12.3 overs.
2. Australia – 118 (10 overs) vs New Zealand, Dharamsala, 2023
Australia reaffirmed their powerplay prowess against New Zealand during the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2023. In a scintillating performance, David Warner and Travis Head combined to produce a formidable partnership, amassing a whopping 118 runs without losing a wicket in the first ten overs. Their assault was relentless, reaching the 50-run mark in a mere 4.1 overs. Warner’s 27-ball fifty and Head’s 25-ball half-century showcased their unwavering determination and batting brilliance.
1. New Zealand – 118 (8.2 overs) vs Sri Lanka, Christchurch, 2015
When Martin Guptill finds his rhythm, he transforms into an unstoppable force, as Sri Lanka experienced in December 2015 in Christchurch. Sri Lanka found themselves dismissed for a paltry 117 runs in the first innings. In response, New Zealand put on an astonishing display of powerplay cricket, reaching 118/0 in a mere 8.2 overs. Martin Guptill, in a scintillating performance, crafted an unbeaten 93 off just 30 balls, embellishing his innings with nine fours and eight sixes. While Tom Latham’s contribution was less explosive, with 17 off 20 balls, it was a masterclass in powerplay cricket.
Longest Sixes In ICC Cricket World Cup 2023
In conclusion, the powerplay phase in ODI cricket provides a captivating platform where batsmen aim to seize the initiative and set the tone for their team’s innings. The top five highest powerplay scores in ODI history are a testament to the audacity, innovation, and brilliance of batsmen who embrace the challenge of dominating the early overs. Each of these moments represents a remarkable chapter in the rich history of ODI cricket, where powerplay prowess takes center stage.
