Cricket World Cup’s Highest Ever Scores by a Batsman
The ICC Cricket World Cup has witnessed some of the most thrilling and unforgettable batting performances in the history of the sport. From pressure-packed chases to record-shattering innings, the tournament has been a grand stage for batsmen to etch their names in cricketing folklore. In this article, we look back at the highest individual scores ever recorded in World Cup matches—heroic knocks that not only lit up the scoreboard but also left a lasting impact on the game and its fans.
Here’s a detailed table of the Top 10 Highest Individual Scores in Cricket World Cup History:
| Rank | Player | Score | Balls Faced | Team | Opponent | Year | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Martin Guptill | 237* | 163 | New Zealand | West Indies | 2015 | Wellington, NZ |
| 2 | Chris Gayle | 215 | 147 | West Indies | Zimbabwe | 2015 | Canberra, Australia |
| 3 | Gary Kirsten | 188* | 159 | South Africa | UAE | 1996 | Rawalpindi, Pakistan |
| 4 | Sourav Ganguly | 183 | 158 | India | Sri Lanka | 1999 | Taunton, England |
| 5 | Vivian Richards | 181 | 125 | West Indies | Sri Lanka | 1987 | Karachi, Pakistan |
| 6 | David Warner | 178 | 133 | Australia | Afghanistan | 2015 | Perth, Australia |
| 7 | Kapil Dev | 175* | 138 | India | Zimbabwe | 1983 | Tunbridge Wells, UK |
| 8 | Glenn Turner | 171* | 201 | New Zealand | East Africa | 1975 | Birmingham, England |
| 9 | David Warner | 166 | 147 | Australia | Bangladesh | 2019 | Nottingham, England |
| 10 | Andrew Strauss | 158 | 145 | England | India | 2011 | Bengaluru, India |
Here’s a brief summary of the top individual scores in Cricket World Cup history, highlighting what made each innings special:
🥇 Martin Guptill – 237 vs West Indies (2015)*
A record-breaking knock in the 2015 quarter-final, Guptill’s 237* remains the highest individual score in World Cup history. He smashed 24 fours and 11 sixes, carrying his bat and leading New Zealand to a massive 393.
🥈 Chris Gayle – 215 vs Zimbabwe (2015)
The first ever double century in World Cup history, Gayle’s brutal assault included 16 sixes—the most in a World Cup innings at the time. His power hitting made headlines around the world.
🥉 Gary Kirsten – 188 vs UAE (1996)*
Kirsten’s unbeaten 188 was a masterclass in patience and timing. Against a weak UAE side, he anchored the South African innings with a flawless performance.
🔥 Sourav Ganguly – 183 vs Sri Lanka (1999)
In a dominant partnership with Rahul Dravid, Ganguly unleashed his aggressive side, hitting 17 fours and 7 sixes. It was India’s highest individual World Cup score until 2011.
🏏 Viv Richards – 181 vs Sri Lanka (1987)
A classic Caribbean innings from the Master Blaster. Richards destroyed the Sri Lankan bowling attack, showing his flair and dominance in the 1987 edition.
🚀 David Warner – 178 vs Afghanistan (2015)
Warner went ballistic in this group stage match, punishing Afghanistan’s bowlers with aggressive strokeplay. He reached his century in just 92 balls.
🐐 Kapil Dev – 175 vs Zimbabwe (1983)*
India were 17/5 when Kapil walked in. His iconic 175 not out saved India’s campaign and became a defining moment in their 1983 World Cup victory run.
🧱 Glenn Turner – 171 vs East Africa (1975)*
In the first-ever World Cup, Turner set the tone with a marathon innings. He carried the bat for 60 overs, showcasing endurance and control.
⚡ David Warner – 166 vs Bangladesh (2019)
Warner appears again with another powerful innings. His 166 helped Australia post a huge total of 381, dominating from the start.
🦁 Andrew Strauss – 158 vs India (2011)
Chasing 339, Strauss played one of the finest World Cup innings for England. His composed knock almost took them home in a high-pressure draw.
