Top 5 highest team totals in ODI World Cup history

Since its inception in 1975, the Men's Cricket World Cup has produced several enthralling moments for cricket fans around the world. ODI cricket is a format in which both the batters and the bowlers gain strength. While the batters dominate with big scores and massive partnerships, the bowlers will provide crucial breakthroughs to turn the match in their favour. 

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Earlier, a total of 300 was considered too big, but things have changed and now even 350 is not safe for bowlers to defend. Teams are now even crossing the 400-run mark. On all these occasions, the batters taunt the opposition bowling unit by going all guns blazing. And in a tournament like the World Cup, such instances are very rare, but always a delight to watch. 

In this article, we look at the 5 highest totals in ODI World Cup history

5. 410/4 - India vs Netherlands in 2023 

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India recorded the fifth-highest score in ODI World Cup history in the 2023 edition, surpassing South Africa's 408/5 in 2015. After opting to bat first, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill gave a quick-fire start, taking the Dutch bowlers to the cleaners. Both of them departed after making half-centuries and then one by one, went after everyone. Virat Kohli was the next batter to notch up fifty. The momentum was carried forward by Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, scoring brilliant centuries. Rahul's blistering knock of 102 off 64 balls pushed the team's score past 400. 

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4. 411/4 South Africa vs Ireland in 2015

South Africa posted their second score of over 400 in the ODI World Cup and interestingly, it came in the same edition. On the back of centuries from Hashim Amla (159 in 128 balls) and Faf du Plessis (run-a-ball 109), South Africa scored 411/4 against Ireland. There were also contributions from David Miller (46 off 23) and Rilee Rossouw (61 off 30) lower down the order. The Irish team were bowled out for 210 and the Proteas claimed a 201-run win. 

3. 413/5 by India vs Bermuda in 2007

India annihilated minnows Bermuda during their 2007 Cricket World Cup campaign in Port of Spain. Sourav Ganguly (89 off 1140 and Virender Sehwag (114 off 87) laid the foundation at the top order. Yuvraj Singh's blistering 83 in just 46 balls and Sachin Tendulkar's 57 off 29 propelled India to 413/5 in 50 overs. This is the Men in Blue's lone 400-plus total in a premier 50-over tournament. Chasing a mammoth total, Bermuda were bowled out for 156. 

2. 417/6 by Australia vs Afghanistan in 2015

South Africa's world record for the highest team total did not last long as Australia smashed it in the 26th match of the same edition against Afghanistan. Batting first, Australia blasted 417/6 after veteran opener David Warner scored 178. He was well supported by Steven Smith (95) and Glenn Maxwell (88) to take the team total to 417/6. The Mitchell Johnson-led Aussie bowling attack bowled out the opponents for 142 in 37.3 overs. 

1. 428/5 by South Africa vs Sri Lanka in 2023 

South Africa once again came to the top of the table with a clinical batting performance in the 2023 World Cup against Sri Lanka. One of the most powerful batting units in the ongoing World Cup, South Africa hammered 428 runs in 50 overs to set a new world record. The Proteas entered the tournament as non-favourites, but this innings is a warning bell for many favourites. Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram hit centuries, while David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen played a quick-fire cameo.