In One-Day International (ODI) cricket, the 400-run mark is considered a benchmark of a team’s batting strength. Achieving such a high score in a limited-overs game is a remarkable feat and signifies not only power hitting but also consistent batting performances over the course of the innings. Over the years, several teams have crossed the elusive 400-run mark, and these high-scoring games have gone down in history as some of the most exciting and memorable matches in cricket.
In this article, we will look at the teams that have posted scores above 400 runs in ODIs, the circumstances surrounding these incredible achievements, and how they have influenced modern-day ODI cricket.
Understanding 400+ ODI Scores
Reaching the 400-run mark in an ODI requires a combination of factors:
- Aggressive Batting: The batsmen must be willing to take risks, playing high-risk, high-reward cricket.
- Power Hitting: With the evolution of the game, players today are more equipped with power-hitting capabilities, making it easier to clear boundaries.
- Good Batting Conditions: A good batting pitch, combined with weather conditions favorable to batting, increases the likelihood of posting a high score.
- Strong Partnerships: A solid foundation from the opening batsmen, followed by explosive contributions in the middle and lower order, is often key to reaching a total of 400 or more.
List of Teams That Have Scored 400+ Runs in an ODI
Over the years, several teams have reached the elusive 400-run mark in One-Day Internationals, with some teams surpassing this threshold multiple times. Let’s take a look at the most 400-run totals in ODI history.
Top 5 Teams with the Most 400+ Scores in ODIs
| Rank | Team | Number of 400+ Scores | Highest Score | Date of Highest Score | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 3 | 418/5 | 19 October 2015 | Sri Lanka |
| 2 | South Africa | 5 | 439/2 | 18 January 2015 | West Indies |
| 3 | Australia | 5 | 434/4 | 3 March 2015 | Sri Lanka |
| 4 | New Zealand | 3 | 402/2 | 20 February 2014 | West Indies |
| 5 | England | 3 | 408/9 | 14 June 2019 | Bangladesh |
Key 400+ Scores in ODI History
While many teams have achieved scores in excess of 400, some of these matches have left a lasting impact due to their thrilling nature and the players involved. Below are a few notable instances when teams posted scores above 400:
1. South Africa – 439/2 Against West Indies (2015)
- Date: 18 January 2015
- Venue: Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
- Key Contributions:
- South Africa set a world record for the highest score in a 50-over match (at the time) with 439/2.
- AB de Villiers played a stunning knock of 149 runs off just 44 balls.
- Hashim Amla contributed with an explosive 153 runs, anchoring the innings.
- This match not only marked an ODI record for the team but also showcased the evolution of aggressive batting in ODIs.
| Player | Runs Scored | Balls Faced | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AB de Villiers | 149 | 44 | 9 | 16 |
| Hashim Amla | 153 | 142 | 14 | 3 |
2. India – 418/5 Against Sri Lanka (2015)
- Date: 19 October 2015
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Key Contributions:
- Rohit Sharma played a sensational innings, scoring 264 runs off 173 balls, which remains the highest individual score in ODIs.
- India posted 418/5, and this match further cemented their dominance in world cricket at the time.
- Shikhar Dhawan also provided solid support with 112 runs off 107 balls, forming a strong opening partnership.
| Player | Runs Scored | Balls Faced | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 264 | 173 | 33 | 9 |
| Shikhar Dhawan | 112 | 107 | 14 | 3 |
3. Australia – 434/4 Against Sri Lanka (2015)
- Date: 3 March 2015
- Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne
- Key Contributions:
- Australia posted a mammoth total of 434/4, powered by a scintillating 104 from David Warner.
- The team got significant contributions from several players, including Steve Smith (49) and Glenn Maxwell (51).
- Australia’s aggressive batting was evident in their striking rate and the overall tempo of the innings, setting a target that proved too much for Sri Lanka.
| Player | Runs Scored | Balls Faced | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Warner | 104 | 89 | 11 | 3 |
| Steve Smith | 49 | 47 | 6 | 1 |
4. New Zealand – 402/2 Against West Indies (2014)
- Date: 20 February 2014
- Venue: Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
- Key Contributions:
- Martin Guptill was the star with the bat, scoring a dazzling 189 runs off 138 balls, playing an instrumental role in New Zealand’s 402/2.
- Brendon McCullum also provided valuable support, scoring 79 runs off 64 balls.
- This high total helped New Zealand achieve a commanding position in one of their most exciting ODI matches.
| Player | Runs Scored | Balls Faced | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Martin Guptill | 189 | 138 | 19 | 4 |
| Brendon McCullum | 79 | 64 | 9 | 1 |
5. England – 408/9 Against Bangladesh (2019)
- Date: 14 June 2019
- Venue: Cardiff Wales Stadium, Cardiff
- Key Contributions:
- England posted a massive total of 408/9, led by Jonny Bairstow, who scored 90 runs off 99 balls.
- England’s aggressive approach to batting was evident with Eoin Morgan contributing 148 runs off 71 balls, including 17 sixes, which helped push the team to a dominant total.
| Player | Runs Scored | Balls Faced | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eoin Morgan | 148 | 71 | 17 | 4 |
| Jonny Bairstow | 90 | 99 | 8 | 2 |
Other Notable Teams with 400+ Scores
Apart from the top five teams, several other teams have also crossed the 400-run mark in ODIs. Some of these teams include:
| Team | Number of 400+ Scores | Highest Score | Opponent | Date of Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 1 | 404/3 | Sri Lanka | 19 June 2015 |
| Sri Lanka | 2 | 398/5 | Netherlands | 4 March 2014 |
| West Indies | 1 | 389/6 | New Zealand | 19 February 2014 |
Impact of 400+ Scores on Modern-Day Cricket
- Shift in Batting Strategy: The success of high totals has led to a greater emphasis on aggressive batting, with players focusing on power hitting and boundary-focused strategies.
- Evolution of Equipment: Advancements in bat technology and fitness have allowed modern players to achieve faster bat speeds and greater power.
- Changing Pitch Conditions: In the past, it was uncommon to see such high scores, but modern pitches are often flatter, making it easier to score high runs.
- New Role for Lower Order: Teams now expect more from the lower-order batsmen to contribute quick runs in the final overs, a tactic seen in nearly all 400+ scores.
Conclusion
Achieving a 400+ total in an ODI is a landmark moment for any cricket team. As shown by the examples above, the ability to score over 400 runs has become a common feature for modern cricketing nations. With evolving technology, better fitness, and aggressive batting techniques, the likelihood of seeing even more teams surpassing this milestone in the future is high. As cricket continues to evolve, we can expect more thrilling high-scoring ODIs in the years to come.
