Most ODIs played by a country
Since its inception, cricket has advanced significantly, and has witnessed many alterations in rules and formats. The first of its innovations was ODI cricket, which has a lengthy history today. Australia became the first team to win an ODI when it defeated England in the inaugural game by a margin of five wickets in January 1971, and since then, the format has only grown.
Let us look at the teams that have played the most ODIs to date-
3. Pakistan- 945
The Men in Green have played a total of 945 ODIs to date. Pakistan played the first ODI back in February 1973 when they locked horns against New Zealand in Christchurch but lost the game. They bounced back stronger in their next ODI outing by defeating England 2-0 in the Prudential Cup. Pakistan’s recent win in the format came against the Netherlands when they won the series 3-0.
2. Australia- 972
Australia was the first team to win an ODI match when they locked horns with England to mark the arrival of a new format in the game. The ODI format kick-started with Australia’s win against England in 1971 in Melbourne, and since then, the Men in yellow have played 972 ODIs. Their most recent series was against New Zealand at home, where they defeated the visitors by 3-0 to clinch the series.
1. India- 1013
India’s ODI outings began after Australia and Pakistan, but the Men in Blue have played the most number of ODIs. Having started playing the format in July 1974 by clashing against England in Leeds, it took more than seven years for India to mark their first-ever ODI series win, when they defeated England at home in December 1981. The Indian team has since then evolved, and their last victory came against South Africa, where they have already clinched the series 2-0 in a three-match competition.