Runs Conceded by a Team in Death Overs have often defined the fate of One Day Internationals (ODIs). These final 10 overs, typically from overs 41 to 50, are where matches take dramatic turns, reputations are forged, and bowlers either rise to glory or crumble under pressure. Acting as the high-stakes climax of the ODI format, this phase demands nerves of steel from both batters and bowlers. Yet, not every team manages to withstand the onslaught, resulting in some of the most astonishing Runs Conceded by a Team in Death Overs in cricketing history.
In several unforgettable ODI clashes, teams have leaked a staggering number of runs in the death overs. Whether it was a result of fearless batting, flat pitches, dew factor, or sheer bowling inaccuracy, these moments remain etched in cricketing folklore.
Here, we unveil the Top 10 Most Runs Conceded by a Team in Death Overs of an ODI match where bowlers endured a nightmare, and batsmen enjoyed an all-access pass to mayhem.
10. Zimbabwe – 147 Runs vs Australia
Harare | 25 Aug 2014
Despite a modest start, Australia surged in the final overs to score 147 runs in the last 10 against Zimbabwe. George Bailey and Glenn Maxwell ensured the boundaries flowed, even as Zimbabwe rotated bowlers. This remains among the topmost Runs Conceded by a Team in Death Overs by Zimbabwe.
| Batting Team | Venue | Date | Runs Conceded in Death Overs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Harare | 25 Aug 2014 | 147 |
9. Sri Lanka – 147 Runs vs India
Mohali | 13 Dec 2017
Rohit Sharma once again showcased his flair for big innings, smashing his third ODI double ton. The last 10 overs witnessed India smash 147 runs, much of it through Rohit’s graceful yet punishing strokes. Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled with their lines and lengths, registering a high Runs Conceded by a Team in Death Overs tally.
| Batting Team | Venue | Date | Runs Conceded in Death Overs |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | Mohali | 13 Dec 2017 | 147 |
8. West Indies – 150 Runs vs South Africa
Sydney | 27 Feb 2015
In yet another battering from AB de Villiers, West Indies conceded 150 runs in the death overs during a group stage match of the 2015 World Cup. De Villiers finished unbeaten on 162* from 66 balls. Every bowler was taken apart. It was the second time within months that the West Indies featured in a top instance of Runs Conceded by a Team in Death Overs.
| Batting Team | Venue | Date | Runs Conceded in Death Overs |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | Sydney | 27 Feb 2015 | 150 |
7. Australia – 151 Runs vs India
Bengaluru | 2 Nov 2013
India, chasing a mammoth target, were powered by Rohit Sharma’s 209. The last 10 overs saw 151 runs added, most of which came from Rohit’s willow. Australia’s bowlers, including Clint McKay and Faulkner, couldn’t contain the onslaught. This instance is etched as one of the highest Runs Conceded by a Team in Death Overs in a successful chase.
| Batting Team | Venue | Date | Runs Conceded in Death Overs |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | Bengaluru | 2 Nov 2013 | 151 |
6. Zimbabwe – 152 Runs vs West Indies
Canberra | 24 Feb 2015
Chris Gayle’s double century in the 2015 World Cup saw West Indies blast 152 runs in the last 10 overs. Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Tinashe Panyangara, lost the plot entirely. Yorkers were missing, and Gayle was merciless. This remains Zimbabwe’s most expensive example of Runs Conceded by a Team in Death Overs.
| Batting Team | Venue | Date | Runs Conceded in Death Overs |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Indies | Canberra | 24 Feb 2015 | 152 |
5. West Indies – 153 Runs vs New Zealand
Wellington | 21 Mar 2015
In the 2015 World Cup quarterfinal, Martin Guptill scripted history with a double century. West Indies bowlers had no answer in the final phase, giving away 153 runs in the death overs. Guptill’s mix of timing and brutality dismantled the Caribbean attack, marking one of the most expensive Runs Conceded by a Team in Death Overs during a knockout match.
| Batting Team | Venue | Date | Runs Conceded in Death Overs |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | Wellington | 21 Mar 2015 | 153 |
4. West Indies – 154 Runs vs England
St George’s | 27 Feb 2019
England, led by Jos Buttler once again, scored a monstrous 154 runs in the last 10 overs against the West Indies. Buttler’s clean striking, particularly against Oshane Thomas and Carlos Brathwaite, left no margin for error. West Indies, despite their pace battery, were decimated, registering one of their worst ever Runs Conceded by a Team in Death Overs stats.
| Batting Team | Venue | Date | Runs Conceded in Death Overs |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | St George’s | 27 Feb 2019 | 154 |
3. West Indies – 163 Runs vs South Africa
Johannesburg | 18 Jan 2015
In another record-smashing performance, South Africa racked up 163 runs in the death overs against the West Indies. AB de Villiers, in arguably the most destructive innings in ODI history, scored a 31-ball century. Every over seemed like a highlight reel, with Jason Holder and Andre Russell taking the brunt. This innings defined dominance and contributed to one of the highest Runs Conceded by a Team in Death Overs.
| Batting Team | Venue | Date | Runs Conceded in Death Overs |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | Johannesburg | 18 Jan 2015 | 163 |
2. Netherlands – 164 Runs vs England
Amstelveen | 17 Jun 2022
The Netherlands witnessed a cricketing supernova as England recorded the highest-ever ODI total (498), with 164 of those runs coming in the last 10 overs. Jos Buttler and Liam Livingstone destroyed the Dutch attack, showcasing what modern power-hitting looks like. The English assault was so relentless that sixes rained all over Amstelveen. This remains one of the most brutal examples of Runs Conceded by a Team in Death Overs.
| Batting Team | Venue | Date | Runs Conceded in Death Overs |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | Amstelveen | 17 Jun 2022 | 164 |
1. South Africa – 173 Runs vs Australia
Centurion | 15 Sep 2023
In a breathtaking display of power-hitting, Australia plundered 173 runs in the final 10 overs against South Africa during the 4th ODI at Centurion in 2023. David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne laid the foundation, but it was Tim David and Alex Carey who went berserk at the death. South African bowlers, especially Lungi Ngidi and Andile Phehlukwayo, had no answers as full tosses and length balls were punished relentlessly. This remains the highest Runs Conceded by a Team in Death Overs in ODI history.
| Batting Team | Venue | Date | Runs Conceded in Death Overs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Centurion | 15 Sep 2023 | 173 |
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