Over the past decade, England has risen to become one of the strongest teams in ODI cricket. Once known for their cautious approach, they transformed their white-ball game with an ultra-aggressive style following their group-stage exit at the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup.
This bold strategy has enabled England to post massive totals in ODIs, with several explosive batsmen emerging and making them a dominant force in the format.
5. Jos Buttler – 162* vs Netherlands, Amstelveen, 2022
Walking in at 223/2, Buttler provided a brutal finishing touch, smashing an unbeaten 162 off just 70 balls, laced with seven fours and 14 sixes. His blistering knock propelled England to a record-breaking 498/4—their highest-ever ODI total.
England dominated the match, securing a massive 232-run victory.
4. Robin Smith – 167* vs Australia, Birmingham, 1993
Robin Smith’s unbeaten 167 against Australia in Birmingham in 1993 remains one of England’s most underrated ODI innings.
Anchoring the innings, Smith scored 167 off 163 balls to guide England to a total of 277/5 in the 55-over format.
Despite his heroics, Australia chased down the target comfortably, thanks to a century from Mark Waugh, winning by six wickets.
3. Alex Hales – 171 vs Pakistan, Nottingham, 2016
Alex Hales put on a batting masterclass during the third ODI of Pakistan’s 2016 tour of England in Nottingham.
Opening the innings, Hales dismantled the Pakistani attack, hammering 171 off 122 balls, including 22 fours and four sixes. His 248-run partnership with Joe Root helped England post a colossal 444/3.
England cruised to a commanding 169-run victory.
2. Jason Roy – 180 vs Australia, Melbourne, 2018
Chasing 305, Roy lit up the stadium with a stunning 180 off 151 balls, hitting 15 fours and five sixes. His 221-run partnership with Joe Root for the third wicket put England in a dominant position.
England won the match by five wickets, with Roy deservingly named Player of the Match.
1. Ben Stokes – 182 vs New Zealand, The Oval, 2023
Ben Stokes holds the record for the highest individual score by an England batter in ODIs, thanks to his phenomenal 182 against New Zealand at The Oval in 2023.
England was in early trouble at 13/2, but Stokes took charge, blasting 182 off 124 balls, striking 15 fours and nine sixes. His 199-run stand with Dawid Malan laid the foundation for England’s 368-run total.
England emerged victorious by 181 runs, with Stokes etching his name in history.