Top 5 highest scores in women's ODIs ft. Chamari Athapaththu
Women's cricket has grown leaps and bounds in the last few years, gaining popularity and closer competition between teams.
When it comes to scoring runs, the batters have been upskilling themselves to ace new challenges and create new records. In particular, the ODI format demands endurance and perfect technique to play a big knock for their respective teams.
On that note, let's check out the top five highest scorers in women's ODI history.
#5 Laura Wolvaardt: 184* vs Sri Lanka 2024
On April 17, Laura Wolvaardt created history, as she slammed 184* off 147 against Sri Lanka and ranks first on the most runs scored by a batter on the losing side.
Opening the batting, Wolvaardt's innings comprised 23 fours and four sixes, which helped South Africa post 301 on the board. Throughout her impressive innings, she displayed immaculate timing and found the gaps perfectly.
In response, Sri Lanka chased down the score in less than 45 overs, riding on the contributions of Chamari Athapaththu (195).
#4 Deepti Sharma: 188 vs Ireland, 2017
In May 2017, India registered their highest-ever ODI total of 358 against Ireland. It was possible due to the efforts of Deepti Sharma and Punam Raut (109). Deepti mustered 188 off 160 balls, with 27 fours and two sixes.
Thereafter, the Irish team were bundled out for 109 and lost by 249 runs.
#3 Chamari Athapaththu: 195* vs South Africa, 2024
After Wolvaardt slammed 184* in the first half, Sri Lanka were tasked to chase down a stiff target of 302. They needed a few big knocks from their batters to seal the chase.
Fortunately, skipper Chamari Athapaththu was sensational to drive SL at an expensive rate, and went on to smash 195* off 139, with 26 fours and five sixes. The score was achieved in less than 45 overs.
#2 Belinda Clark: 229* vs Demark, 1997
The Women's World Cup 1997 game saw Australia captain Belinda Clark delivering a terrific performance to pave the way for the team to post 412 on the board.
Clark scored 229* off 155, as she got support from Karen Rolton (64) and Lisa Keightley (60). Then, Denmark were all-out for 49 and lost by a mammoth margin of 363 runs.
#1 Amelia Kerr: 232* vs Ireland, 2018
In June 2018, New Zealand clashed against Ireland in Dublin. Batting first, Amelia Kerr and Amy Satterthwaite put together a 113-run stand in less than 14 overs, before Satterthwaite was dismissed for 61.
However, Kerr continued her onslaught to remain unbeaten on 232* off 145, with 31 fours and two sixes. Along the way, the all-rounder stitched a 295-run stand with Leigh Kasperek (113), as New Zealand smashed 440.
In response, Ireland were all-out for 135, as Kerr was the wrecker-in-chief with figures of 5/17.