Australia is one of the most dangerous teams in ODI cricket. They have won 6 World Cups, the highest by any team. Australia is also known for the hazardous batters and bowlers that they have produced in the World Cricket. Australia also have the most excellent bowling order for their team. But there have been some instances when opposition batters could score massive runs against the Australian bowlers. This article will look at the top batters who have scored the highest individual runs against the Australian team in ODI cricket.
1. Shikhar Dhawan – 143
This match was played on 10th March 2019. India was facing Australia at Mohali. India was batting first and scored 358 runs, with the help of 143 runs from Dhawan. However, in the response, Australia was able to chase this with the help of 84 runs in 43 balls from Ashton Turner.
2. Alex Hales – 147
This match was played on 19th June 2018. England was batting first and scored a massive total of 481/6. Alex Hales scored 147 runs in this match with the help of five sixes and 16 fours. Australia, in their batting, was all out for 239 runs. Alex Hales was given the player of the match award for his excellent batting performance.
3. Desmond Haynes – 148
This match was played on 22nd February 1978. West Indies batted first and scored 313 runs in their inning, with the help of 148 runs from Desmond Haynes. He smashed 16 fours in his innings. Australia, in their batting, were bowled out for just 181 runs. Desmond Haynes was given the Man of the Match award for his performance.
4. Viv Richards – 153
This match was played on 9th December 1979. West Indies was batting first in this match and scored 271 runs, with the help of 153 runs from Viv Richards. He smashed 16 fours in his innings. In the response, Australia was all out for 191 runs. Viv Richards was named Man of the Match for his performance.
5. Heinrich Klassen – 174
This match was played on 15th September 2023. South Africa was batting first and scored 416 runs, with the help of 174 runs from Heinrich. He smashed 13 fours and 13 sixes in his innings. Later, Australia was bowled out for just 252 runs. Klaasen was given Man of the Match for his excellent performance.
6. Sachin Tendulkar – 175
This match was played on 5th November 2009. Australia batted first in this match and scored 350 runs, with a century from Shaun Marsh. India got very close to the target as they scored 347 runs, thanks to 175 runs from Sachin Tendulkar. It is the highest score he has against Australia in ODIs.
7. Herschelle Gibbs – 175
This match was played on 12th March 2003. Australia was batting first and scored a massive total of 434 runs, with 164 runs from Ricky Ponting. In response, South Africa chased the score in the last ball thriller with the help of 175 runs from Herschelle Gibbs. Both Ricky and Gibbs were given the man-of-the-match award for their innings.
8. Quinton de Kock – 178
This match was played on 30th September 2016. It is also the highest score by any South African against Australia in ODIs. QDK scored 178 runs and won the match single-handedly for the South African national team. He scored 15 fours and 11 sixes in his innings.
9. Jason Roy – 180
This match was played on 14th January 2018. It is the highest score by any English batter against Australia in ODIs. Jason Roy smashed 180 runs in this match with the help of 16 fours and five sixes. He was given the Man of the Match award for his extraordinary performance in this match.
10. Rohit Sharma – 209
This match was played on 2nd November 2013. It is the only time a batter has scored a double-century against Australia in ODIs. Rohit smashed 209 runs in 158 balls, with the help of 12 fours and 16 sixes. The Indian team later won this match. Rohit was given the Man of the Match award.