The history of women's one day international cricket features some of the most aggressive, resilient, and masterclass batting performances ever witnessed on a pitch. When a batter stays solid at the crease to pile up massive individual runs, it does not merely secure a victory for the side, it permanently cements their legacy in the annals of the sport. From setting monumental targets in the first innings to pulling off improbable run chases, the six highest individual scores in women's ODI history reflect sheer dominance and batting brilliance.
Amelia Kerr's Historic World Record in Dublin
On June 13, 2018, the cricket ground in Dublin witnessed a breathtaking masterclass from New Zealand young sensation Amelia Kerr against Ireland. The Kiwi batter took complete control of the match, dispatching deliveries to every boundary rope. Kerr anchored herself in the middle for 195 minutes, facing just 145 deliveries on her way to an unbeaten 232 runs.
Her explosive knock was decorated with 31 boundaries and 2 sixes, struck at an astonishing strike rate of 160.00. That innings still stands as the highest individual score in the entire history of women's ODI cricket, setting a benchmark that remains unchallenged even eight years later.
Belinda Clarke's Pioneering Double Century in Mumbai
More than two decades before Amelia Kerr broke the record, Australia's legendary skipper Belinda Clarke set the original standard for double hundreds in the format. On December 16, 1997, during a match against Denmark in Mumbai, Clarke dismantled the bowling attack in the first innings. She batted for 181 minutes, facing 155 balls to compile an unbeaten 229 runs.
Scoring at a strike rate of 147.74, Clarke hit 22 boundaries during her commanding stay. With this heroic display, Belinda Clarke became the first player in history to score a double century in women's ODIs, establishing a record that stood untouched at the summit for decades.
Chamari Athapaththu's Unbelievable Run Chase in Potchefstroom
Chasing down a daunting target in modern cricket brings immense pressure, but Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu rose to the occasion on April 17, 2024, in Potchefstroom. Facing South Africa, Athapaththu orchestrated one of the finest successful run chases in one day history, single handedly altering the outcome of the contest.
Athapaththu blasted an unbeaten 195 runs off 139 balls, punishing the opposition with 26 fours and 5 towering sixes. Operating at a strike rate of 140.28, she dismantled the bowling attack, brushed aside the pressure of the second innings, and steered Sri Lanka to a memorable victory.
Deepti Sharma's Marathon Record Knock for India
Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma scripted her own historic chapter at the same Potchefstroom venue on May 15, 2017. Opening the batting against Ireland, Deepti laid an rock solid foundation for India from the outset. She spent 195 minutes at the crease, facing 160 balls to craft an exceptional 188 runs.
Her calculated knock included 27 boundaries and 2 sixes, compiled at a steady strike rate of 117.50. Deepti Sharma's marathon effort remains the highest individual ODI score by any Indian woman, highlighting her endurance and technical mastery.
Laura Wolvaardt's Sublime Captain's Knock
In that very same encounter in Potchefstroom where Chamari Athapaththu pulled off her miraculous 195 run blitz, South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt had set the game alight in the first innings. On April 17, 2024, Wolvaardt showed no mercy to the Sri Lankan attack, remaining unbeaten on 184 off 147 balls.
Her stylish and authoritative innings featured 23 fours and 4 sixes at a strike rate of 125.17. While Athapaththu's second innings fireworks eventually eclipsed the result, Wolvaardt's resilient batting stands among the premier captain's knocks in the history of the 50 over format.
Hayley Matthews' Power Hitting in Harare
West Indies attacking all-rounder Hayley Matthews delivered a batting clinic against Zimbabwe in Harare on September 24, 2026. Batting in the first innings, Matthews immediately made her attacking intentions clear by putting the bowling attack under relentless pressure. She faced 156 deliveries to rack up a massive 182 runs.
Scoring at a strike rate of 116.66, Matthews struck 26 fours and 2 sixes. Her commanding performance propelled the West Indies to an imposing total and firmly placed her inside the elite club of the six highest individual run scorers in women's ODI history.
