ODI cricket has delivered countless magical innings, but a few stand out as the Greatest ODI Knocks in Cricket history. These aren’t just about the runs scored—they’re about the match situation, the drama, and the impact on the game’s outcome. From pressure-cooked World Cup finals to impossible chases, these knocks continue to inspire cricket fans worldwide.
Here’s our ranking of the Top 10 Greatest ODI Knocks in Cricket :
10. Kevin O’Brien
Among the Greatest ODI Knocks in Cricket, Kevin O’Brien’s 113 is the definition of a giant-killing act. Chasing 328, Ireland looked down and out at 106/4, but O’Brien launched a fearless counterattack. He smashed the then-fastest World Cup century in just 50 balls and pulled off one of the biggest upsets by helping Ireland beat England. His innings proved that no total is too big and no team too small.
| Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate | Match Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 113 | 63 | 13 | 6 | 179.36 | Ireland won by 3 wickets |
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9. Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting’s unbeaten 140 in the World Cup final ranks among the Greatest ODI Knocks in Cricket, especially considering the occasion and pressure. Taking on a strong Indian team, Ponting dismantled the bowlers with pure authority. His late flourish—especially the eight sixes—helped Australia post 359, which India never came close to chasing. A captain’s knock that sealed Australia’s dominance.
| Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate | Match Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 140* | 121 | 4 | 8 | 115.7 | Australia won by 125 runs |
8. Viv Richards
This iconic innings from Viv Richards is often described as one of the Greatest ODI Knocks in Cricket because it came when West Indies were struggling at 166/7. Richards single-handedly carried the team to 272/9, displaying pure dominance with the bat. No other batter crossed 30. His 189* was the highest score in ODIs for years and a symbol of West Indian swagger.
| Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate | Match Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 189* | 170 | 21 | 5 | 111.18 | West Indies won by 104 runs |
7. Adam Gilchrist
Gilchrist’s 149 in the 2007 final is one of the Greatest ODI Knocks in Cricket when it comes to impact under pressure. He opened with a bang, smashing boundaries from ball one. With 13 fours and 8 sixes, he gave Australia a dream start. His explosive knock helped set a massive total and crushed Sri Lanka’s hopes in the final.
| Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate | Match Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 149 | 104 | 13 | 8 | 143.26 | Australia won by 53 runs (D/L) |
6. Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle’s double century is one of the Greatest ODI Knocks in Cricket, especially because it was the first in World Cup history. He reached 200 off just 138 balls and ended with 215, hitting 16 sixes. His powerful hitting left Zimbabwe helpless, and his record stood tall in the tournament’s legacy.
| Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate | Match Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 215 | 147 | 10 | 16 | 146.25 | West Indies won by 73 runs |
5. Kapil Dev
One of the most important and Greatest ODI Knocks in Cricket, Kapil Dev’s 175* saved India from elimination in the 1983 World Cup. Walking in at 17/5, he played a captain’s knock full of courage, power, and timing. With limited batting support, Kapil took India to 266/8 and helped spark a turnaround that ended in India lifting the trophy.
| Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate | Match Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 175* | 138 | 16 | 6 | 126.81 | India won by 31 runs |
4. AB de Villiers
This is not just one of the Greatest ODI Knocks in Cricket, but also the fastest. AB de Villiers brought innovation, power, and speed together in an unreal 44-ball blitz. His 31-ball century remains the fastest in ODI history. No part of the field was safe, and bowlers were reduced to spectators as he made a mockery of cricketing physics.
| Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate | Match Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 149 | 44 | 9 | 16 | 338.63 | South Africa won by 148 runs |
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3. Martin Guptill
Guptill’s 237* is among the Greatest ODI Knocks in Cricket not only for its volume but also for the occasion. In a World Cup quarterfinal, he annihilated the West Indian attack with clean hitting and brilliant timing. His record-breaking knock ensured New Zealand cruised into the semifinals and stunned the cricket world.
| Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate | Match Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 237* | 163 | 24 | 11 | 145.39 | New Zealand won by 143 runs |
2. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma’s 264 is still the highest individual score in ODIs, making it one of the Greatest ODI Knocks in Cricket ever played. From a cautious start to a final onslaught, he smashed 33 fours and 9 sixes. Batting through the innings, he toyed with Sri Lanka’s bowlers and redefined consistency with flair.
| Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate | Match Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 264 | 173 | 33 | 9 | 152.60 | India won by 153 runs |
1. Glenn Maxwell
Maxwell’s 201* is widely regarded as the Greatest ODI Knock in Cricket history. Cramping and limping, he stood tall and pulled off a once-in-a-lifetime chase from 49/4. No one believed it was possible, but Maxwell used sheer power and bravery to guide Australia home. His sixes under pressure made it a story for the ages.
| Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate | Match Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 201* | 128 | 21 | 10 | 157.03 | Australia won by 3 wickets |
FAQs
Q1: Who has the highest score among the Greatest ODI Knocks in Cricket?
Rohit Sharma with 264 runs against Sri Lanka in 2014 holds the top spot.
Q2: What is the fastest century among the Greatest ODI Knocks in Cricket?
AB de Villiers hit the fastest century in ODIs—just 31 balls—against West Indies in 2015.
Q3: Which World Cup innings is considered the Greatest ODI Knock in Cricket?
Glenn Maxwell’s 201 vs Afghanistan (2023 World Cup)* is hailed as the most unbelievable World Cup knock in ODI history.
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