Cricket is a game of spectacular feats, where players often break records that remain etched in history for generations. One such category that excites fans and players alike is the record for “most runs in one day,” a title which has seen numerous batting legends etch their names into the sport’s rich history. Whether it is the One Day International (ODI) format or the rapidly growing Twenty20 (T20) format, players continue to push the limits of what is possible.

The Concept of “Most Runs in One Day”
Before we get into the records, it’s important to understand what “one day” refers to in cricket. A “day” in this context can refer to a full 50-over ODI match or even the high-paced 20-over T20 format. The total runs in one day reflect a player’s ability to maintain consistency, technique, and fitness throughout the match.
In ODI cricket, each team gets a maximum of 50 overs to bat, and T20 cricket is even more thrilling with just 20 overs per side. The “most runs in one day” records refer to the most runs scored by a batsman in a single innings, or sometimes, even across multiple innings in a single day (as in certain tournaments or multi-match series).
Most Runs in One Day in ODIs
Highest Individual Score in an ODI
The record for the most runs in a single ODI innings is held by Rohit Sharma of India. On November 2, 2014, during the fourth ODI against Sri Lanka in Kolkata, Rohit scored an astonishing 264 runs. This remarkable knock not only set a new benchmark for the format but also stunned cricketing fans worldwide.
Key Highlights of Rohit Sharma’s 264:
It was the highest individual score in a one-day match.
He faced 173 balls and hit 33 boundaries and 9 sixes.
His innings was a clinical example of pacing an innings, shifting gears when necessary, and dominating the bowlers.
Rohit’s record-breaking 264 stands as the pinnacle of individual achievement in ODI cricket, a record that has yet to be broken as of the latest updates.
Top Team Runs in an ODI
When it comes to team totals, South Africa holds the record for the highest total in an ODI match. They scored a monumental 439/2 against the West Indies in January 2015 during a match in Johannesburg. This total was built around an explosive 162 runs by AB de Villiers, who scored at an astonishing strike rate.
South Africa’s 439/2 against West Indies:
AB de Villiers’ 162 runs came off just 66 balls.
This match also featured Rilee Rossouw’s 128 runs off 115 balls.
This partnership of ferocious batting between AB de Villiers and Rilee Rossouw led to the highest team score in ODI history.
Most Runs in One Day in T20 Cricket
While ODIs may showcase power and precision, T20 cricket focuses on explosive batting and big hits. Here’s a look at the most remarkable runs scored in a T20 match:
Highest Individual Score in T20s
The record for the highest individual score in T20 Internationals is held by Chris Gayle of the West Indies. He scored 175 runs* against Pune Warriors India in the 2013 Indian Premier League (IPL) match. Although this is an IPL record and not an international record, it is one of the most unforgettable knocks in T20 history.
Key Highlights of Chris Gayle’s 175*:
Gayle faced 66 balls, and his innings included 13 fours and 17 sixes.
His strike rate was an unbelievable 265.15.
This explosive knock helped him set a record that still stands as the highest individual score in any T20 match, whether international or domestic.
Top Team Total in T20s
The record for the most runs scored by a team in a T20 match belongs to Afghanistan. In 2019, during the T20 World Cup Qualifier against Ireland, Afghanistan posted a gigantic total of 278/3. This total was built on the backs of explosive innings by their top order, including a stunning 162* from Hazratullah Zazai.
Afghanistan’s 278/3 against Ireland:
Zazai’s 162* was a record-breaking performance in T20 cricket.
The team hit 16 sixes and 21 fours in the innings.
This team total is one of the most exciting records in T20 cricket, emphasizing the high-scoring nature of the shortest format of the game.
Other Notable Records in Cricket’s One-Day Format
Beyond individual performances and team totals, there are many other notable performances in the one-day game. Some of these include the most runs in a calendar year, the most runs in a career, and the most runs in a specific series.
Most Runs in a Calendar Year (ODI): Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for scoring the most runs in a calendar year in ODIs, having scored 1,894 runs in 1998.
Most Runs in an ODI Career: The “Little Master” Sachin Tendulkar also holds the record for the most career runs in ODIs, amassing an incredible 18,426 runs in 463 matches.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who holds the record for the most runs in a single ODI match?
The record for the most runs in a single ODI match is held by Rohit Sharma, who scored 264 runs against Sri Lanka in 2014.
What is the highest team score in an ODI match?
The highest team score in an ODI match is 439/2, set by South Africa against the West Indies in 2015.
Who has the most runs in a T20 match?
The most runs in a T20 match was scored by Chris Gayle, with an unbeaten 175 runs in the IPL against Pune Warriors India in 2013.
What is the highest total by a team in T20 cricket?
The highest team score in T20 cricket is 278/3, set by Afghanistan against Ireland in the 2019 T20 World Cup Qualifier.
What are the records for the most runs in an ODI career?
The record for the most runs in an ODI career is held by Sachin Tendulkar, who scored a total of 18,426 runs.
Who is the fastest to score 1000 runs in ODIs?
The fastest to 1000 runs in ODIs is South African batsman Hashim Amla, who reached this milestone in just 18 innings.
Is Rohit Sharma’s 264 still the highest individual score in ODIs?
Yes, as of now, Rohit Sharma’s 264 runs remain the highest individual score in ODI cricket.
Final Thoughts
The record for most runs in a single day in cricket, whether in ODIs or T20s, showcases the extraordinary talent and ability of cricket’s elite batsmen. From Rohit Sharma’s monumental 264 in ODIs to Chris Gayle’s breathtaking 175 in T20s, these feats are a testament to the batsmen’s skill, timing, and perseverance. As cricket evolves and records continue to be challenged, it will be exciting to see how the future unfolds for the highest scores in the game’s history.
Whether you’re a fan of the classic ODI format or the rapid-fire T20, these milestones continue to inspire aspiring cricketers around the world.
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