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Top 5 highest scores in ODI World Cup by wicketkeeper-batters
Wicketkeeper-batters play a crucial role for teams in tournaments like the ODI World Cup.
Wicketkeeper-batters play a crucial role for teams in tournaments like the ODI World Cup. They have the dual responsibility of both scoring runs and handling the challenging task of keeping wickets. Their unique position allows them to assess the condition of the pitch and make informed decisions that can greatly impact the team’s performance.
By closely observing the behaviour of the wicket, they can anticipate the movements of the ball, enabling them to make effective judgements on how to approach their batting and wicket-keeping duties. These abilities have always made them one of the biggest assets in the history of the game. So in today’s article, we will discuss the top 5 wicketkeeper-batters with the highest individual runs in ODI World Cup history.
5. Brendan Taylor, 138 vs. India in Auckland, 2015
Brandan Taylor (Source: Twitter)
On March 14, 2015, at Eden Park, Zimbabwe wicketkeeper-batter BRM Taylor delivered a remarkable batting performance. He scored a stunning 138 runs against India in the ODI World Cup game. His innings left a lasting impact on the match, showcasing his exceptional batting skills and resilience on the field. Notably, this is also the fifth-highest individual score by a wicketkeeper-batter in the history of the ODI World Cup.
After being 33/3, Zimbabwe had lost all hope, but Taylor had some other plans. He struck a 93-run partnership with Sean Williams and led Zimbabwe to a comfortable position. Taylor, in his inning, scored 138 runs off 110 balls with the help of 15 fours and five sixes. However, an amazing batting performance from Suresh Raina helped India win the game. Raina, in his innings, scored an unbeaten 110 runs off 104 balls with the help of nine fours and four sixes.
4. Dave Haughton, 142 vs. New Zealand in Hyderabad, 1987
Dave Haughton (Source: Twitter)
Legendary Zimbabwean batter Dave Haughton has been phenomenal throughout his career. However, his fighting knock of 142 runs will be remembered forever because of its importance. In a group game at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, New Zealand faced Zimbabwe. The Kiwis batted first and posted a competitive total of 242/7 in 50 overs.
In response, Zimbabwe had the poorest start as they lost seven wickets for a mere 104 runs. However, Dave Haughton and Ian Butchart added 117 runs for the eighth wicket. Dave, in his inning, scored 142 runs off 137 balls with the help of 13 fours and six sixes. Despite his amazing efforts, Zimbabwe fell three runs short of the target and lost the game.
3. Rahul Dravid, 145 vs. Sri Lanka in Taunton, 1999
Rahul Dravid (Source: Twitter)
In the 21st match of the tournament, India faced defending champion Sri Lanka in Taunton. Batting first, India had a poor start as opener Sadgoppan Ramesh failed to make an impact. However, after his departure, India skipper Sourav Ganguly, along with Rahul Dravid, added 318 runs for the second wicket. Dravid, in his inning, scored 145 runs off 129 balls with the help of seventeen fours and a six.
Meanwhile, Ganguly, in his innings, scored 183 runs off 158 balls with the help of 17 fours and seven sixes. With their amazing performance, India posted a massive total of 373/6 in 50 overs. In response, Sri Lanka failed to hold nerves and lost the game by 157 runs. Star India pacer Robin Singh clinched five wickets and restricted Sri Lanka to 216/10 in 37 overs.
2. Adam Gilchrist, 149 vs. Sri Lanka in Barbados, 2007
Adam Gilchrist (Source: Twitter)
On April 28, 2007, during the World Cup final against Sri Lanka at the Kensington Oval, Barbados, Adam Gilchrist showcased a phenomenal display of batting prowess. Amidst a formidable Sri Lankan bowling attack, Gilchrist’s remarkable 149 off 104 balls stood as a testament to his unparalleled skill. With 13 fours and eight towering sixes, Gilchrist’s masterclass left the Sri Lankan team rattled.
With his amazing batting performance, Australia posted a formidable total of 281/4 in 38 overs. Despite half-centuries from Sanath Jayasuriya and Kumar Sangakkara, Sri Lanka fell 57 runs short of the target in the rain-affected game. This was Australia’s third consecutive World Cup title, while Sri Lanka’s dream of a second one was shattered.
1. Quinton de Kock, 174 vs. Bangladesh in Mumbai, 2023
Quinton De Kock (Source: Twitter)
After having two poor ODI World Cups in the last two editions, South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock made his last marquee tournament a memorable one. With three centuries in just five innings, De Kock was looking unstoppable. While batting first against Bangladesh at one of his favourite grounds The 30-year-old wicketkeeper-batter scored 174 runs off 140 balls with the help of fifteen fours and seven sixes.
His amazing batting performance helped South Africa post a massive total of 382/5 in 50 overs. Apart from De Kock, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, and David Miller also scored quick runs and led South Africa. While chasing a formidable total, Bangladesh failed to hold nerves as they lost their first five wickets for a mere 58 runs.
