Top 10 Highest Individual Scores by Captains in ODI Cricket

The history of One Day Internationals has produced countless memorable innings, but when a captain leads from the front with the bat, it becomes something truly special. The Highest Individual Scores by Captains in ODI Cricket are not just about runs they are about leadership, strategy, and the ability to inspire an entire team through performance. Captains carry extra pressure because they must make tactical decisions while still delivering as a player. Yet, some have gone beyond expectations, producing monumental innings that not only changed the outcome of a match but also became iconic moments in cricket history. This list takes you through the top 10 Highest Individual Scores by Captains in ODI Cricket, starting from number 10 and working our way to the highest ever, complete with detailed match context and statistics.

List of 10 Highest Individual Scores by Captains in ODI Cricket

10. Steve Smith

Steve Smith’s 164 against New Zealand on 4 December 2016 in Sydney was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Ranked tenth in the Highest Individual Scores by Captains in ODI Cricket, Smith paced his innings perfectly, ensuring that he anchored Australia’s batting while still keeping the scoreboard moving. He faced 157 deliveries, struck 14 boundaries and 4 sixes, and maintained a strike rate of 104.45. His calm presence at the crease meant the middle and lower order could play freely. This innings was not just about runs it was about building a match-winning foundation as a leader Highest Individual Scores by Captains in ODI Cricket.

Player	Runs	Balls	6s	SR
Steve Smith	164	157	4	104.45

9. Ricky Ponting

In one of the most famous ODIs ever played, Ricky Ponting’s 164 against South Africa on 12 March 2006 came in the legendary “438 match.” This knock is ninth on the list of the Highest Individual Scores by Captains in ODI Cricket and is remembered for its fearless aggression. Ponting smashed 13 fours and 9 sixes from just 105 balls, finishing with a strike rate of 156.19. His leadership was visible in the way he constantly put pressure on the opposition bowlers, pushing Australia to a monumental score. Even though South Africa chased down the target in a record-breaking run chase, Ponting’s innings remains one of the finest examples of captaincy through batting dominance.

Player	Runs	Balls	6s	SR
Ricky Ponting	164	105	9	156.19

8. Glenn Turner

Glenn Turner’s unbeaten 171 in the first-ever Cricket World Cup against East Africa on 7 June 1975 in Birmingham is eighth in the Highest Individual Scores by Captains in ODI Cricket. Turner batted through the entire innings, facing 201 deliveries and hitting 16 boundaries and 2 sixes with a strike rate of 85.07. In an era where strike rates were generally low, this innings showed the importance of building an innings patiently and ensuring the team had a solid base. Turner’s composure underlined the qualities of a dependable captain, guiding New Zealand to a comfortable victory.

Player	Runs	Balls	6s	SR
Glenn Turner	171*	201	2	85.07

7. Sean Williams

Sean Williams’ 174 against the USA on 26 June 2023 in Harare was an innings of pure dominance and holds the seventh spot in the Highest Individual Scores by Captains in ODI Cricket. Williams attacked from the very first over, scoring 21 fours and 5 sixes from just 101 balls at an astonishing strike rate of 172.27. His shot selection was aggressive yet controlled, and he made full use of the batting-friendly conditions. The innings played a crucial role in Zimbabwe achieving a massive total, leaving the USA bowlers with no answers.

Player	Runs	Balls	6s	SR
Sean Williams	174	101	5	172.27

6. Kapil Dev

Kapil Dev’s unbeaten 175 against Zimbabwe on 18 June 1983 in Tunbridge Wells is widely considered one of the most important knocks in Indian cricket history and ranks sixth in the Highest Individual Scores by Captains in ODI Cricket. India was struggling at 17/5 when Kapil came in, but he single-handedly turned the game around, hitting 16 fours and 6 sixes off 138 balls at a strike rate of 126.81. This knock not only rescued India from certain defeat but also laid the foundation for their 1983 World Cup triumph.

Player	Runs	Balls	6s	SR
Kapil Dev	175*	138	6	126.81

5. Vivian Richards

Sir Vivian Richards’ 181 against Sri Lanka on 13 October 1987 in Karachi was a display of raw power and aggression, placing him fifth in the Highest Individual Scores by Captains in ODI Cricket. Facing 125 balls, Richards hammered 16 boundaries and 7 sixes at a strike rate of 144.80. His ability to dominate from the outset and dismantle bowlers across all areas of the ground was unmatched. This innings was a perfect blend of Caribbean flair and calculated hitting.

Player	Runs	Balls	6s	SR
Vivian Richards	181	125	7	144.80

4. Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar’s unbeaten 186 against New Zealand on 8 November 1999 in Hyderabad is fourth in the Highest Individual Scores by Captains in ODI Cricket. This was an innings of pure class, with Tendulkar mixing elegant strokeplay with calculated aggression. In 150 balls, he struck 20 boundaries and 3 sixes at a strike rate of 124.00. He batted with complete control, ensuring that India stayed ahead throughout the innings while also putting the opposition under constant pressure

Player	Runs	Balls	6s	SR
Sachin Tendulkar	186*	150	3	124.00

3. Sanath Jayasuriya

Sanath Jayasuriya’s 189 against India on 29 October 2000 in Sharjah was destructive batting at its best and ranks third in the Highest Individual Scores by Captains in ODI Cricket. Jayasuriya faced 161 balls, smashing 21 fours and 4 sixes at a strike rate of 117.39. His aggressive start prevented the Indian bowlers from building any momentum, and his dominance continued throughout the innings.

Player	Runs	Balls	6s	SR
Sanath Jayasuriya	189	161	4	117.39

2. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma’s unbeaten 208 against Sri Lanka on 13 December 2017 in Mohali ranks second in the Highest Individual Scores by Captains in ODI Cricket. Rohit paced his innings beautifully, starting cautiously before launching a brutal assault in the final overs. In 153 balls, he struck 13 boundaries and 12 sixes at a strike rate of 135.94, guiding India to a massive total.

Player	Runs	Balls	6s	SR
Rohit Sharma	208*	153	12	135.94

1. Virender Sehwag

At the top of the Highest Individual Scores by Captains in ODI Cricket is Virender Sehwag’s 219 against West Indies on 8 December 2011 in Indore. This innings was a demolition job, with Sehwag smashing 25 boundaries and 7 sixes from just 149 balls at a strike rate of 146.97. His fearless approach set the tone for the match, leaving the opposition helpless.

Player	Runs	Balls	6s	SR
Virender Sehwag	219	149	7	146.97

The Highest Individual Scores by Captains in ODI Cricket are shining examples of leadership combined with batting excellence. These innings were more than just runs; they were statements of intent, resilience under pressure, and proof that great leaders lead from the front. From Sehwag’s record-breaking 219 to Kapil Dev’s heroic rescue act in 1983, each knock has left a lasting impact on the game and inspired countless cricket fans around the world.