South Africa, Sri Lanka headline list of highest second innings totals in ODIs

The South Africa national cricket team holds the record for the highest second innings total in ODIs.

During the fifth ODI of Australia’s tour of South Africa in 2006, the Proteas created history as they successfully chased down a mammoth target of 435 at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. South Africa finished with 438/9 in 49.5 overs as they broke several cricket records, including recording the highest second innings total in ODIs. 

South Africa’s 438/9 surpassed the previous highest second innings total in ODIs, which was 344/8 scored by Pakistan against India in Karachi in 2004.

With the advent of Powerplay rules, shrinking cricket ground sizes and better cricket bats, teams have posted massive totals while batting first as well as while chasing in One-Day International (ODI) cricket. Get the list of highest second innings totals in ODIs.

Highest second innings totals in ODIs

South Africa | 438/9 vs Australia, Johannesburg, 2006

The Graeme Smith-led South Africa smashed the world record as they successfully chased down 435 against Australia in Johannesburg in 2006. With the five-match series tied 2-2, Australia captain Ricky Ponting won the toss and opted to bat in the final ODI. Ponting led from the front as he slammed 164 off just 105 balls while fifties from Michael Hussey (81), Simon Katich (79) and Adam Gilchrist (55) helped Australia post a record total of 434/4 in their 50 overs. With the mammoth total, Australia became the first team to score 400 runs in an ODI. In reply, South Africa rode on Herschelle Gibbs’ 175, along with contributions from captain Graeme Smith (90) and Mark Boucher (50 not out) to chase down the total with one wicket and one ball to spare. South Africa’s 438/9 is still the highest second innings total in ODIs.

Sri Lanka | 411/8 vs India, Rajkot, 2009

The Sri Lankan cricket team features second on the list for highest second innings totals in ODIs. Sri Lanka registered 411/8 in reply to India’s 414/7 during the first ODI of Sri Lanka’s tour of India in 2009. Put in to bat, opener Virender Sehwag hammered a 102-ball 146 and fifties from Sachin Tendulkar (69) and captain MS Dhoni (72) powered India to a huge total of 414/7 in their 50 overs. Chasing 415, Sri Lanka got off to a scintillating start courtesy openers Upul Tharanga (67) and Tillakaratne Dilshan (167). Skipper Kumar Sangakkara also slammed 90 off 43 balls as Sri Lanka posted 411/8 in their allotted overs, succumbing to a heartbreaking three-run defeat. 

West Indies | 389 vs England, St George’s, 2019

West Indies’ 389 against England in 2019 is the third-highest second innings total in ODIs. During the fourth ODI of England’s tour of West Indies, the visitors rode on Jos Buttler (150), captain Eoin Morgan (103), Alex Hales (82) and Jonny Bairstow (56) to post 418/6 in their 50 overs. In reply, Chris Gayle smashed 162 off just 97 balls while contributions from Darren Bravo (61) and Carlos Brathwaite (50) helped West Indies give a tough fight to England. However, West Indies fell short by just 29 runs as they were bowled out for 389 in 48 overs.

Photo credit: Alamy