1. Martin Guptill’s 237* vs West Indies (2015)
Martin Guptill’s 237* against the West Indies on February 20, 2015, in Wellington was a stunning display of batting in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. This knock remains the highest individual score in a World Cup match.
Match Details:
- Event: 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, Quarter-final
- Date: February 20, 2015
- Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand
- Opponent: West Indies
- Batting Style: Right-handed
- Score: 237* off 163 balls
Key Highlights:
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- Strike Rate: Guptill’s innings had a strike rate of 145.40, showcasing both aggressive and calculated shot selection.
- Boundaries: He struck 19 boundaries and 11 sixes during his innings, playing a mix of controlled drives and powerful shots.
- Key Moment: Guptill’s knock played a crucial role in New Zealand setting a massive total of 393/6 in their 50 overs.
- Partnerships: He was involved in key partnerships, especially with Corey Anderson and Ross Taylor, who helped accelerate the scoring rate.
- World Cup Record: Guptill’s score of 237* was the highest individual score in a World Cup, a record he still holds.
2. Chris Gayle’s 215 vs Zimbabwe (2015)
- Chris Gayle’s 215 against Zimbabwe on February 24, 2015, in Canberra was a remarkable innings in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. It became the first double century ever scored in a World Cup match, and Gayle’s explosive performance was a testament to his destructive batting.
Match Details:
- Event: 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, Group Stage
- Date: February 24, 2015
- Venue: Manuka Oval, Canberra, Australia
- Opponent: Zimbabwe
- Batting Style: Left-handed
- Score: 215 off 147 balls
Key Highlights:
- Strike Rate: Gayle’s innings was played at a strike rate of 146.26, with his aggressive shot-making throughout the innings.
- Boundaries: He hit 10 boundaries and 16 sixes, showcasing his immense power, particularly against the slower bowlers.
- First Double Century in a World Cup: Gayle’s 215 became the first-ever double century in the history of the ICC Cricket World Cup.
- Key Moments: Gayle’s innings helped West Indies post a daunting total of 372/2 in their 50 overs. His innings was part of a record-breaking partnership with Marlon Samuels, who supported him with an equally dominant 133*.
- Record Breaker: Gayle’s 215 was not only a World Cup record for the highest individual score but also the highest score in a One-Day International (ODI) by a West Indian at that time.
3. Glenn Maxwell (Australia) 201* vs Afghanistan (2023)
- Glenn Maxwell’s remarkable 201* against Afghanistan on October 31, 2023, in Mumbai during the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup is one of the most incredible innings in the history of One-Day Internationals (ODIs). Maxwell’s performance helped Australia post a massive total and was a key factor in their dominant victory.
Match Details:
- Event: 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, Group Stage
- Date: October 31, 2023
- Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Mumbai, India
- Opponent: Afghanistan
- Batting Style: Right-handed
- Score: 201* off 128 balls
Key Highlights:
- Strike Rate: Maxwell’s innings was a high-octane display of aggressive batting with a strike rate of 157.81.
- Boundaries: He smashed 18 boundaries and 9 sixes, using a combination of precision, timing, and brute force to dominate the Afghanistan bowlers.
- First Australian to Score an ODI Double Century: Maxwell became the first Australian to score a double century in ODIs, an achievement that added a new chapter to his already impressive career.
- Key Moments: Maxwell’s knock came at a crucial time when Australia needed to post a big total. His innings lifted Australia to 472/5 in 50 overs, a total that proved far too much for Afghanistan to chase.
- Supporting Role: Maxwell’s knock was part of a strong partnership with David Warner and the rest of the middle order, where he provided the finishing touches with a rapid acceleration in the final stages of the innings.
4. Gary Kirsten (South Africa) 188 vs UAE (1996)
- Gary Kirsten’s memorable innings of 188* against the UAE on February 19, 1996, in Rawalpindi during the 1996 ICC Cricket World Cup was one of the standout performances in the tournament. Kirsten’s composed yet aggressive batting anchored South Africa’s total and was a pivotal moment in the World Cup.
Match Details:
- Event: 1996 ICC Cricket World Cup, Group Stage
- Date: February 19, 1996
- Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
- Opponent: United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Batting Style: Left-handed
- Score: 188* off 159 balls
Key Highlights:
- Strike Rate: Kirsten played at a steady strike rate of 118.24, combining patience with aggressive stroke play. His innings was built on solid technique, punctuated by well-placed boundaries and an occasional big hit.
- Boundaries: He struck 15 boundaries and 2 sixes during his knock, showcasing his versatility in both timing and placement.
- South African Record: His 188* was the highest score by a South African in an ODI at the time, a record that stood for many years.
- Key Moments: Kirsten’s knock helped South Africa to a commanding total of 424/4 in their 50 overs, a total that was too much for the UAE to chase. His innings was an excellent example of pacing an innings in a one-day game, where he accelerated in the latter stages of the innings.
- Partnerships: Kirsten was well supported by other batsmen in the top order, with a significant partnership with Hansie Cronje, who also contributed to the large total.
5. Sourav Ganguly (India) 183 vs Sri Lanka (1999)
- Sourav Ganguly’s 183 against Sri Lanka on May 26, 1999, at Taunton in the 1999 ICC Cricket World Cup is one of the most memorable performances in the history of the tournament and Indian cricket. It remains one of the highest individual scores in a World Cup match.
Match Details:
- Event: 1999 ICC Cricket World Cup, Group Stage
- Date: May 26, 1999
- Venue: County Ground, Taunton, England
- Opponent: Sri Lanka
- Batting Style: Left-handed
- Score: 183 off 158 balls
Key Highlights:
- Strike Rate: Ganguly’s innings was played at a strike rate of 115.82, showcasing a perfect mix of controlled stroke play and aggressive shot-making. His ability to accelerate as the innings progressed helped India post a challenging total.
- Boundaries: He hit 17 boundaries and 7 sixes, displaying a wide range of shots, from elegant drives to powerful pulls, particularly against the Sri Lankan spinners.
- Key Moments: Ganguly’s 183 came at a time when India needed a big total to push for qualification to the semi-finals. His knock anchored the innings and helped India reach a formidable total of 373/6 in 50 overs.
- Leadership and Influence: As the captain of the Indian team, Ganguly’s performance played a crucial role in India’s strong position during the tournament. His leadership and on-field brilliance were key factors in this win.
- Partnerships: Ganguly built a strong partnership with Rahul Dravid, who scored a vital 53, and together they laid the foundation for India’s big total. The middle-order capitalized on the platform set by Ganguly.