Biggest victories in World Cup history (by runs)
There have been some enthralling contests over the years in the ODI World Cup. When top teams in world cricket play for the biggest prize, they take their level up by a few notches. Fans expect to see some closely-contested affairs. However, there have been instances where one team has completely annihilated the other on a particular day and the margin of victory amazes the cricket fraternity. In this article, we will take a look at three of the biggest wins by runs in ODI World Cup history.
3) 275 – Australia vs Afghanistan in 2015
Australia and Afghanistan locked horns in a Pool A fixture in the ODI World Cup 2015 in Perth on March 4. Batting first, the eventual champions posted a mammoth 417/6 in 50 overs. David Warner took the Afghan bowlers to the cleaners, scoring a scintillating 178 off 133 balls. His knock comprised 19 fours and five sixes. Steve Smith missed a well-deserved century by just five runs but his 260-run partnership with Warner set the foundation for a Glenn Maxwell finish. A swashbuckling knock of 88 off 39 balls from Maxwell blew Afghanistan away. The ‘Blue Tigers’ were bundled out for 142, losing by 275 runs. Mitchell Johnson stood out with the ball, finishing with figures of 4/22.
2) 302 – India vs Sri Lanka in 2023
India took on Sri Lanka in the ODI World Cup 2023 on November 2 in Mumbai. Kusal Mendis won the toss and opted to field first. India scored 357/8 in their 50 overs on the back of half-centuries from Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer. Ravindra Jadeja also chipped in with a handy cameo. In reply, Sri Lanka’s innings ended in 19.4 overs as they were bowled out for 55. Mohammed Shami was the standout performer as he picked up a five-for.
1) 309 – Australia vs Netherlands in 2023
Australia opted to bat first and amassed 399/8 against the Netherlands in 50 overs in the ODI World Cup 2023. David Warner scored 104 runs off 93 balls while Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne hit enterprising half-centuries. However, Glenn Maxwell’s breathtaking 106 off 44 balls set the stage on fire. He broke the record for the fastest century in World Cup history, reaching the three-figure mark off just 40 balls. The forgettable day for the Dutch side ended when they were bowled out for 90, with Adam Zampa starring with a four-for.
