Highest individual scores in World Cup finals
The Cricket World Cup serves as the premier international championship for ODI cricket, organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) every four years. Regarded as one of the world’s most-watched sporting events, the tournament holds the distinction of being the “flagship event of the international cricket calendar” according to the ICC.
The tournament was first organized in June 1975 in England. Australia have clinched the championship six times, with India and West Indies securing victory twice each. Additionally, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and England have each claimed the title once. The current champions are Australia, emerging victorious in the 2023 edition hosted solely by India. Meanwhile, the upcoming 2027 World Cup is scheduled to be jointly held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Throughout the years, the tournament has witnessed numerous thrilling performances from teams and players alike. Here is a list of the top three highest individual scores in a World Cup final.
3) Viv Richards (138*) versus England
Viv Richards secured the third spot with an unbeaten 138 in the 1979 edition of the World Cup (second edition), formerly known as the Prudential World Cup. Batting at No. 3 after being put in to bat first against England, Richards crafted an impressive innings of 138* off 157 balls, which included 11 boundaries and three sixes. His contribution played a pivotal role as West Indies posted 286 runs, ultimately defeating England by 92 runs to clinch their second consecutive title.
2) Ricky Ponting (140*) versus India
An Australian cricket icon, Ricky Ponting, claims the second position in the chart with an unbeaten 140 in the 2003 World Cup final against India in Johannesburg. The then-captain of Australia showcased his brilliance by scoring 140* off 121 deliveries, including four fours and eight sixes. Australia emerged triumphant, defeating the then Sourav Ganguly-led Indian team by a significant margin of 125 runs.
1) Adam Gilchrist (149) versus Sri Lanka
Australian cricket legend Adam Gilchrist occupies the top spot for the highest individual score in a World Cup final. In the 2007 World Cup held in Bridgetown, Gilchrist delivered a spectacular performance, scoring 149 off just 104 balls against Sri Lanka. His innings featured 13 boundaries and eight maximums. Gilchrist was awarded the Player of the Match, and Australia secured the title with a 53-run victory, using the D/L method.
