Top 10 Highest Scores in 2nd Innings of ODI Cricket: Greatest Knocks

Cricket’s second innings pressure is brutal. The required rate climbs, fielders crowd the boundaries, and every mistake feels heavier. Yet a rare group of players have produced extraordinary innings under these exact conditions. This detailed guide breaks down the top 10 highest individual scores in the second innings of ODI history, showcasing match context, player brilliance, and unforgettable moments.

List of Top 10 Highest Scores in 2nd Innings of ODI Cricket

10. Quinton de Kock – 178 vs Australia (2016)

Quinton de Kock’s majestic 178 remains one of the Highest Scores in 2nd Innings of ODI, showcasing his flawless timing and superb placement under pressure. This knock was filled with confident cover drives, wristy flicks, and fearless pulls as he totally dominated a world-class Australian bowling attack. His approach mixed caution with aggression, proving why he is considered one of South Africa’s finest ODI openers. It was an innings that set new standards in high-pressure chasing.

Player Name	Country	Runs	Opponent
Quinton de Kock	South Africa	178	Australia

9. Fakhar Zaman – 180 vs New Zealand (2023)*

Fakhar Zaman produced a heroic unbeaten 180, one of the Highest Scores in 2nd Innings of ODI, during a thrilling chase against New Zealand. His attacking mindset, effortless six-hitting, and superb strike rotation made the innings unforgettable. Fakhar controlled the chase with authority and displayed outstanding composure despite early pressure. His ability to accelerate at will turned a tough situation into a dominant Pakistan victory, proving once again why he is one of the most explosive modern ODI openers.

Player Name	Country	Runs	Opponent
Fakhar Zaman	Pakistan	180*	New Zealand

8. Jason Roy – 180 vs Australia (2018)

Jason Roy’s explosive 180 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground stands tall among the Highest Scores in 2nd Innings of ODI, redefining England’s aggressive brand of cricket. He displayed tremendous power through the off-side, pulling and driving with complete authority. Roy’s fearless shot selection dismantled Australia’s bowling attack and set the template for England’s modern ODI dominance. His exceptional ball-striking and unmatched mental strength under pressure were key to England chasing down a challenging total.

Player Name	Country	Runs	Opponent
Jason Roy	England	180	Australia

7. Martin Guptill – 180 vs South Africa (2017)*

Martin Guptill’s unbeaten 180 remains one of the most impressive entries in the Highest Scores in 2nd Innings of ODI, displaying calmness, precision, and brutal hitting. Returning from injury, Guptill immediately looked in complete rhythm, punishing South Africa’s bowlers with towering sixes and crisp drives. His exceptional reading of length and unmatched power made the chase look effortless. This innings proved his rare ability to dominate high-quality attacks with elegant yet destructive stroke play.

Player Name	Country	Runs	Opponent
Martin Guptill	New Zealand	180*	South Africa

6. Ross Taylor – 181 vs England (2018)*

Ross Taylor’s iconic 181* is celebrated among the Highest Scores in 2nd Innings of ODI, delivering masterclass shot-making and immense mental toughness. Battling injury and scoreboard pressure, Taylor guided New Zealand’s chase with maturity while launching timely boundaries. His balance between risk and control made this innings one of the greatest chase knocks in ODI history. Taylor’s unmatched game awareness and calmness under pressure defined this monumental performance.

Player Name	Country	Runs	Opponent
Ross Taylor	New Zealand	181*	England

5. MS Dhoni – 183 vs Sri Lanka (2005)*

MS Dhoni’s unforgettable 183* is a legendary knock that still ranks among the Highest Scores in 2nd Innings of ODI. Promoted up the order, Dhoni displayed fearless intent from the first ball, smashing Sri Lanka’s bowlers to all parts of the ground. His helicopter shots, raw power, and calm decision-making made India’s chase a one-sided affair. This innings established Dhoni as India’s ultimate chase master and one of world cricket’s greatest finishers.

Player Name	Country	Runs	Opponent
MS Dhoni	India	183*	Sri Lanka

4. Virat Kohli – 183 vs Pakistan (2012)

Virat Kohli’s majestic 183 is one of the most iconic knocks in the Highest Scores in 2nd Innings of ODI, showcasing elite chasing skills and relentless stroke play. Facing Pakistan’s fiery bowling lineup, Kohli delivered an exhibition of timing, footwork, and pure dominance. From elegant cover drives to blistering pulls, he dismantled every bowler with confidence. This innings not only sealed victory but also strengthened his reputation as the world’s finest ODI chase-master.

Player Name	Country	Runs	Opponent
Virat Kohli	India	183	Pakistan

3. Shane Watson – 185 vs Bangladesh (2011)*

Shane Watson’s brutal 185* ranks prominently in the Highest Scores in 2nd Innings of ODI, illustrating sheer power and unmatched ball-striking ability. Watson demolished Bangladesh’s attack, hitting boundaries at will and turning the chase into a one-man show. His ability to hit massive sixes with minimal effort showcased his extraordinary physical strength and timing. It remains one of the most dominating ODI batting performances ever recorded.

Player Name	Country	Runs	Opponent
Shane Watson	Australia	185*	Bangladesh

2. Fakhar Zaman – 193 vs South Africa (2021)

Fakhar Zaman’s heroic 193 is another incredible entry in the Highest Scores in 2nd Innings of ODI, played under extremely difficult circumstances. Chasing a massive target, Fakhar battled alone with extraordinary determination, timing, and power. His innovative stroke play troubled the South African bowlers, and his ability to keep Pakistan alive in the game made the innings historic. It remains one of the bravest lone-warrior knocks in ODI cricket.

Player Name	Country	Runs	Opponent
Fakhar Zaman	Pakistan	193	South Africa

1. Glenn Maxwell – 201 vs Afghanistan (2023)*

Glenn Maxwell’s unreal unbeaten 201 is the greatest example among the Highest Scores in 2nd Innings of ODI, redefining what is possible in cricket. Battling cramps, pressure, and a near-impossible chase, Maxwell produced the most miraculous ODI innings ever. His outrageous power-hitting, reverse-laps, helicopter swipes, and fearless attitude lifted Australia from disaster to glory. This knock is widely regarded as the greatest chase innings in ODI history and a timeless cricketing masterpiece.

Player Name	Country	Runs	Opponent
Glenn Maxwell	Australia	201*	Afghanistan

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