The ICC World Cup, the pinnacle of cricket championships, has seen numerous impressive performances from its players over the past five decades. The One-Day International format of the tournament offers ample opportunities for both batsmen and bowlers to exhibit their prowess. To date, we’ve witnessed staggering feats such as double centuries, seven-wicket hauls, totals exceeding 400, and partnerships worth more than 300 runs. Fans are eagerly anticipating the excitement that the upcoming 2023 ICC World Cup promises to bring.
One notable record in the Cricket World Cup is that of the highest individual score, which is held by New Zealand’s Martin Guptill, followed by Chris Gayle and Gary Kirsten. A detailed list of players who’ve achieved the highest World Cup individual scores can be found here.
Unveiling The Top Scorers in ICC World Cup History (1975-2019)
Scoring a high number of runs in the World Cup is a formidable challenge, given the extreme pressure and fierce competition. However, several batsmen have remarkably achieved this task, at times making it feel like a T20 game due to their dynamic performances. Below, let’s delve into the top 3 highest-scoring batsmen in World Cup history.
1. Martin Guptill
Martin Guptill from New Zealand has the distinction of holding the record for the highest individual score in World Cup history. In a 2015 match against the West Indies, Guptill scored a staggering 237 runs, unbeaten. He achieved this score in just 163 balls with a strike rate of 145.39, hitting 24 fours and 11 sixes. New Zealand’s total reached 393, ultimately defeating the West Indies by a margin of 143 runs.
2. Chris Gayle
Dubbed “The Universe Boss”, Chris Gayle is highly respected for his formidable batting. He’s considered the finest T20 player in cricket but has also demonstrated his batting prowess in the ODI World Cup. Gayle holds the unique record of scoring a triple century in Tests, a double century in ODIs, and a century in T20Is. In the 2015 World Cup, he scored an explosive 215 runs against Zimbabwe, the first and fastest double-century in the tournament. He achieved this score in 147 balls, hitting 10 fours and 16 sixes.
3. Gary Kirsten
Gary Kirsten, currently recognized as a successful cricket coach, was a formidable batsman in his playing days. During the 1996 World Cup, he scored a breathtaking 188 runs without losing his wicket against UAE. It took Kirsten 159 balls to achieve this feat, during which he struck 13 fours and 4 sixes, leading South Africa to a victory by 169 runs.
4. Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly, a legendary figure in Indian cricket and affectionately known as the ‘Prince of Kolkata’, has left an indelible mark in the annals of World Cup history with his exceptional individual score.
Ganguly’s extraordinary innings took place during the 2003 World Cup clash between India and Sri Lanka. Operating as an elegant left-handed opening batsman, renowned for his mastery of the off-side, Ganguly delivered a truly monumental performance, accumulating an impressive 183 runs from a mere 158 balls. Throughout this unforgettable display, he struck an impressive total of 17 fours and 7 sixes. Ganguly’s blend of aggression and calculated shot selection proved devastating for the Sri Lankan bowling unit, and his monumental score remained the highest by an Indian in the World Cup until Rohit Sharma surpassed it in 2019.
This innings stands as a defining moment in Ganguly’s illustrious career and played an instrumental role in propelling India towards the finals of the 2003 World Cup. The memory of his exceptional leadership as captain and his remarkable batting displays during the tournament continues to resonate with cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
Highest Individual scores in the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup
Here is the full table of the highest individual scores in the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup:
| Rank | Player | Runs | Balls Faced | Opposition | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Martin Guptill (NZ) | 237* | 163 | West Indies | 21-Mar-15 |
| 2 | Chris Gayle (WI) | 215 | 147 | Zimbabwe | 24-Feb-15 |
| 3 | Gary Kirsten (SA) | 188* | 159 | U.A.E. | 16-Feb-96 |
| 4 | Sourav Ganguly (IND) | 183 | 158 | Sri Lanka | 26-May-99 |
| 5 | Viv Richards (WI) | 181 | 125 | Sri Lanka | 13-Oct-87 |
| 6 | David Warner (AUS) | 178 | 133 | Afghanistan | 04-Mar-15 |
| 7 | Kapil Dev (IND) | 175* | 138 | Zimbabwe | 18-Jun-83 |
| 8 | Virender Sehwag (IND) | 175 | 140 | Bangladesh | 19-Feb-11 |
| 9 | Craig Wishart (ZIM) | 172* | 151 | Namibia | 10-Feb-03 |
| 10 | Glenn Turner (NZ) | 171* | 201 | East Africa | 07-Jun-75 |
| 11 | David Warner (AUS) | 166 | 147 | Bangladesh | 20-Jun-19 |
| 12 | AB de Villiers (SA) | 162* | 66 | West Indies | 27-Feb-15 |
| 13 | Tillakaratne Dilshan (SL) | 161* | 146 | Bangladesh | 26-Feb-15 |
| 14 | Andrew Hudson (SA) | 161 | 132 | Netherlands | 05-Mar-96 |
| 15 | Imran Nazir (PAK) | 160 | 121 | Zimbabwe | 21-Mar-07 |
| 16 | Hashim Amla (SA) | 159 | 128 | Ireland | 03-Mar-15 |
| 17 | Matthew Hayden (AUS) | 158 | 143 | West Indies | 27-Mar-07 |
| 18 | Andrew Strauss (ENG) | 158 | 145 | India | 27-Feb-11 |
| 19 | Kyle Coetzer (SCT) | 156 | 134 | Bangladesh | 05-Mar-15 |
| 20 | Jason Roy (ENG) | 153 | 121 | Bangladesh | 08-Jun-19 |
| 21 | Aaron Finch (AUS) | 153 | 132 | Sri Lanka | 15-Jun-19 |
| 22 | Sachin Tendulkar (IND) | 152 | 151 | Namibia | 23-Feb-03 |
| 23 | Adam Gilchrist (AUS) | 149 | 104 | Sri |
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