Highest ODI scores for Australia in men’s cricket

Australia are the most successful team in the history of ODI World Cups by a distance. They have bagged five World Cups while no other nation has won more than two. Their dominance in the 50-over format has been headlined by some generational talents over the years. In this article, we will take a look at the highest ODI scores registered by Australian batters.

3) 181* – Matthew Hayden vs New Zealand

Matthew Hayden registered his highest ODI score in the final game of a three-match series against New Zealand in Hamilton on February 20, 2007. Batting first, the Aussies scored 346/5 against a potent Kiwi bowling attack. Hayden carried his bat, finishing on 181 off 166 balls and his knock comprised 11 fours and 10 sixes. Fellow opener Shane Watson also scored a 69-ball 68. The match turned out to be a thrilling affair as New Zealand recovered from 41/4 to chase the target with one wicket and three balls to spare.

2) 185* – Shane Watson vs Bangladesh

The star all-rounder played a mind-boggling knock against Bangladesh in the 2nd ODI in Mirpur in 2011. The home side posted a score of 229/7 in 50 overs. In reply, Australia lost Brad Haddin early but Shane Watson was in no mood to relent. He bludgeoned his way to an unbeaten 185 off 96 balls, hitting 15 fours and as many sixes in the process. The Aussies reached the target with nine wickets and 144 balls remaining.

1) 201* – Glenn Maxwell vs Afghanistan

World cricket had seen many double hundreds in ODIs but all of them had come while batting first. Glenn Maxwell put that trend to rest as his breathtaking 128-ball 201* helped Australia recover from 91/7 to chase down a target of 292 with 19 balls and three wickets to spare against Afghanistan in the ODI World Cup 2023 in Mumbai. Maxwell battled a bruised back and cramps en route to his double century. He scored 179 runs out of a 202-run partnership with captain Pat Cummins. His knock comprised 21 fours and 10 sixes.