The recent second ODI between India and South Africa in their three-match series saw both teams scoring over 300 runs, with the host nation clinching victory by four runs, defending a total of 325. This match marked India’s highest score on their home soil in women’s ODIs. This article delves into the top five ODI aggregates in women’s cricket, highlighting teams that have etched their names in the history books with monumental scores.
1) England vs South Africa, 2017 – 678 runs
During the 2017 Women’s ODI World Cup in England, the hosts and South Africa produced a record-breaking spectacle in Women’s ODI cricket, amassing a combined total of 678 runs. England, batting first, posted a formidable total of 373 runs for the loss of 6 wickets, powered by centuries from Tammy Beaumont and Sarah Taylor. Both batters were involved in a second-wicket stand of 275 – the highest in Women’s World Cup history and the second highest in all women’s ODIs – to knock the stuffing out of South Africa. Needing to pull off the highest successful chase ever, South Africa became the first team to score in excess of 300 batting second in a women’s ODI, thanks to impressive knocks from Laura Wolvaardt, Lizelle Lee, and Chloe Tryon. Ultimately, England’s total proved just enough to secure a 68-run victory in a high-scoring affair that left a lasting impression on Women’s ODI cricket.
2) India vs South Africa, 2024 – 646 runs
In the recent ODI match between India and South Africa, a landmark was set with the second-highest match aggregate in a Women’s ODI match, totaling 646 runs. It was a match filled with four centuries, the first in women’s cricket. India clinched a last-ball win over South Africa after scoring 325 runs batting first. It was also India’s third-highest WODI total. India’s dependable duo of Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur smashed 136 and 103 runs respectively. They were also involved in a 171-run partnership for the third wicket. The match witnessed 15 sixes combined, the most in ODIs, surpassing the 14 between Australia and New Zealand in 2012. Chasing 326 was always going to be difficult for the Proteas, but Marizanne Kapp and Laura Wolvaardt put up a fight with a 184-run partnership. Kapp scored 114 off 94 balls, hitting 11 boundaries and three sixes, while Laura Wolvaardt scored an unbeaten 135. She faced the last ball of the innings when the team required 5 runs but unfortunately couldn’t connect, resulting in a four-run victory for India.
3) Australia vs England, 2022 – 641 runs
The 2022 Women’s World Cup final on April 3, 2022, was a historic clash between Australia and England, producing a combined total of 641 runs. Played at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, New Zealand, Australia demonstrated their dominance by posting an imposing total of 356 runs for the loss of 5 wickets. Alyssa Healy played a career-defining innings, scoring a remarkable 170 runs off 138 balls, anchoring the Australian innings with powerful and precise stroke play. She was well-supported by Rachael Haynes, who contributed 68 runs, and Beth Mooney’s aggressive 62. The Australian batting lineup capitalized on England’s erratic bowling, setting a daunting target. In response, England put up a valiant fight, with Nat Sciver playing an outstanding innings of 148 runs off 121 balls, showcasing her resilience and skill under pressure. Despite her heroic effort, England’s batting order crumbled under the relentless Australian bowling attack, and they were bowled out for 285 in 43.4 overs. Australia’s comprehensive victory by 71 runs highlighted their supremacy in the sport and marked one of the highest-scoring finals in Women’s ODI history.
4) Ireland vs New Zealand, 2018 – 635 runs
In June 2018, New Zealand set the highest total in women’s ODI history by scoring an incredible 490/4 against Ireland in Dublin. Both teams combined scored 635 runs, with the majority coming from New Zealand. They were close to breaking the 500-run mark, thanks to captain Suzie Bates and top-order batter Maddy Green. Bates scored a blistering 151 off 94 balls, while Green smashed 121 off 77 balls. New Zealand’s aggressive batting strategy and relentless pursuit of runs left Ireland’s bowlers struggling to contain the onslaught, resulting in the highest-ever total in women’s ODI cricket. Ireland was bowled out for 144, giving New Zealand a massive 346-run victory. This match also saw Bates surpass Debbie Hockley to become New Zealand’s leading run-scorer.
5) England vs South Africa, 2022 – 633 runs
England scored a record-breaking 371 runs batting first, which was also their fifth-highest total in WODIs, completing a clean sweep in the three-match series. Tammy Beaumont scored a brilliant century, leading the English batting attack. Her century was well supported by Emma Lamb’s 65 and Heather Knight’s half-century. South Africa put on their best batting performance of the series. Laura Wolvaardt scored her 29th ODI half-century, Marizanne Kapp her 11th, and Chloe Tryon her 10th, but no South African batter managed three figures. Their efforts went in vain as England bowled them out for 262. Despite the efforts, the match turned out to be a high-scoring affair from both sides, totaling 633 runs.
These matches not only highlight the incredible skill and competitiveness of women’s cricket but also emphasize the evolution of the game. With teams consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible, women’s ODI cricket has seen record-breaking performances and thrilling contests that captivate audiences worldwide.