5 Highest ODI scores in the last year

Twenty20 cricket has truly transformed ODI cricket to a new high. Jaw dropping totals have been racked up with apparent ease, and ably been challenged in this new day and age when everything favours the batsmen. With big totals, come spectacular one-man performances that set them up. Not surprisingly, openers have a great say in sealing the fortunes of their team totals, and the top 5 ODI scores in the last year starting September 1, 2015, have all been scored by openers. These charismatic performances have resulted in big wins in 4 out of 5 instances, reiterating the importance of setting up an innings and batting the opponents out of the game. This list of the highest ODI scores in the last year features 2 Asians, 2 English cricketers and surprisingly, an Associate player. 1. Rohit Sharma – 171* v Australia: (Photo Source: Getty Images) Ironically, the most prolific performance ended up on the losing side. “Hit Man” Rohit Sharma showcased his lazy elegance and fluidity of stroke play against the world No.1 ODI team in their den. On January 12, at the WACA, in the opening ODI of the 5-match series, Sharma laid a strong foundation and scored the majority of India’s 309 runs. His runs may not have come at the brisk pace that is generally expected of him, but his 13 boundaries and 7 sixes meant that he had made the highest ever score by a visiting batsman against Australia in Australia. His solo effort, however, was unfortunately overpowered by twin tons from Steve Smith and George Bailey that resulted in Australia making easy work of a steep chase in friendly conditions. Also read – Top 10 Current batsmen with most ODI sixes 2. Alex Hales – 171 v Pakistan: England’s Alex Hales. (Photo by MARWAN NAAMANI/AFP/Getty Images) A destructive Alex Hales spared none of the hapless Pakistani bowlers in a belter at Nottingham in the 3rd ODI of the 5 match series that England won 4-1. His assault deflated the bowling line-up early on and set the innings up for the highest ODI total ever- 444 in just 50 overs. His blitz came at a strike rate of 140 and contained 22 fours and 4 sixes. This unforgettable performance was the highest ever score by England batsman in ODIs. He was particularly severe on Wahab Riaz, who went for the second most expensive ODI bowling figures ever. His assault ensured that a comeback from Pakistan was rendered impossible and England sealed the series, taking an unassailable 3-0 lead. 3. Jason Roy – 162 v Sri Lanka: Jason Roy of England celebrates scoring a century. (Photo by Mitchell Gunn/Getty Images) Another belligerent English opener, Jason Roy displayed his magnificent form in a daunting 306-run chase in a curtailed 42 over side game in the penultimate ODI of the 5 match series at Oval on 29th June. His innings just contained 13 fours and 3 sixes, showing that he rotated the strike at will and used a skilful passive aggressive approach, yet ended with a strike rate of 138. This marked the highest score by an English batsman in the second innings, the fastest century (just 74 balls) at the venue as well as gave England the series against a demoralised Sri Lankan side. Roy also stole the limelight and enhanced himself as a trustable and long term option. Also read – Top 6 Players with most sixes as winning shots in ODIs 4. Ed Joyce – 160* v Afghanistan: Ed Joyce of Ireland. (Photo By Seb Daly/Sportsfile via Getty Images) The 37-year-old veteran from Ireland is the only Associate member to make it to this list. In a do or die match in the last of the 5-match series against Afghanistan at Belfast on 19th July, Joyce’s heroics ensured that the series ended 2-2. He made a stroke-filled 160* on a difficult and challenging pitch where Ireland managed just 265 runs. His record-breaking innings, the 2nd best by an Irish and 3rd best by an Associate member contained 19 fours and 3 sixes. His inning was even more special since he essentially nullified the threat of the Afghan bowlers that in the end, gave them the edge. His runs came at a relatively brisk pace, from 148 balls at a strike rate of 108, and helped Ireland clinch a 13-run victory. 5. Sharjeel Khan – 152 v Ireland: Pakistan’s Sharjeel Khan (R) celebrates with team mate Babar Azam. (Photo by PAUL FAITH/AFP/Getty Images) Ireland find themselves again on the list, this time on the receiving end of a record-breaking assault from an aggressive Pakistan opener Sharjeel Khan. The 3rd highest score for Pakistan in ODIs was also the third fastest 150 ever, coming off a mind-boggling 85 balls. His 9 towering sixes and 16 boundaries that there was no way back for Ireland in the match as Pakistan racked up 337 runs in just 47 overs. With this 86-ball assault, Sharjeel rejuvenated a demoralised Pakistan side through his fearless approach and confident stroke play. This resulted in Pakistan’s biggest ever ODI win- by 255 runs and Ireland’s second heaviest defeat, mostly set up through Sharjeel’s immediate approach. Also read – Top 10 Teams with Most Sixes in ODI Cricket Written by Yash Gupta

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5 Highest ODI scores in the last year

2. Alex Hales – 171 v Pakistan:

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