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Best Innings in Women’s ODI History

ByAyesha Sana

11 July 2025

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Introduction

Women’s cricket has grown rapidly over the past decade. From thrilling World Cup matches to record-breaking performances, the women's game has shown the world that it is full of talent, drama, and high-quality cricket. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), we’ve seen many unforgettable innings that changed the outcome of games and inspired millions. Let’s take a look at some of the best batting performances in women’s ODI history.

1. Amelia Kerr – 232 vs Ireland (2018)

When we talk about the greatest innings in women’s ODI history, Amelia Kerr’s 232 not out has to be at the top. This incredible knock came when she was just 17 years old, playing for New Zealand against Ireland in 2018.

  • Runs: 232 off 145 balls
  • Strike Rate: 160
  • Fours/Sixes: 31 fours, 2 sixes
  • Context: Second ODI of the series

This is the highest individual score in the history of women’s ODIs. What makes it even more special is that Kerr also took 5 wickets for 17 runs in the same match. A true all-round performance!

Her innings was full of classy strokes and fearless hitting. She handled the bowlers like a seasoned professional and kept the scoreboard ticking with ease. The way she paced her innings showed maturity far beyond her age.

2. Belinda Clark – 229 vs Denmark (1997)

Before Amelia Kerr, it was Australia’s Belinda Clark who held the record for the highest individual score in women’s ODIs.

  • Runs: 229 off 155 balls
  • Strike Rate: 147
  • Fours: 22
  • Context: 1997 Women’s World Cup

This innings came in a World Cup match, which makes it even more significant. Australia posted 412/3 and won by a huge margin. Clark’s performance sent a clear message that women’s cricket could be just as exciting and dominant.

Her shots were all around the ground, showing elegance, power, and great timing. At that time, a double century in ODIs was unheard of — male or female. She became the first-ever cricketer in ODI history (men or women) to score a double hundred.

3. Deepti Sharma – 188 vs Ireland (2017)

Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma played one of the finest knocks in Indian women’s cricket history during the quadrangular series in South Africa.

  • Runs: 188 off 160 balls
  • Fours/Sixes: 27 fours, 2 sixes
  • Partnership: 320-run stand with Punam Raut (world record at that time)

Deepti’s innings helped India score 358/2 and win the match easily. Her strokeplay was a mix of proper cricket shots and aggressive hitting. She became the highest individual scorer for India in women’s ODIs with this knock.

The partnership with Punam Raut also made headlines and showed how Indian women were capable of building big totals.

4. Chamari Athapaththu – 178 vs Australia (2017)

One of the most powerful and aggressive innings ever played in women’s cricket came from Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu against a mighty Australian side.

  • Runs: 178* off 143 balls
  • Fours/Sixes: 22 fours, 6 sixes
  • Opponent: Australia, ICC Women’s World Cup 2017

This knock was even more impressive because it came against one of the best teams in the world. Chamari almost single-handedly took her team to a competitive score of 257/9. Australia eventually won, but Chamari’s innings was the highlight.

Her fearless approach, big sixes, and never-give-up attitude made this one of the most memorable World Cup knocks ever.

5. Harmanpreet Kaur – 171 vs Australia (2017)

Indian vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur delivered one of the most iconic innings in women's cricket during the semi-final of the 2017 World Cup.

  • Runs: 171* off 115 balls
  • Fours/Sixes: 20 fours, 7 sixes
  • Context: Semi-final, World Cup

Under pressure, with India needing a strong score to beat Australia, Harmanpreet stepped up and destroyed the Australian attack. She hit massive sixes, played with passion, and celebrated with fire. India scored 281/4 and eventually won, entering the final.

This knock turned Harmanpreet into a global star. Her innings is considered one of the most impactful in Indian cricket history.

6. Meg Lanning – 152 vs Sri Lanka (2017)

Australian captain Meg Lanning has played many great knocks, but her 152* in the 2017 World Cup stands out.

  • Runs: 152 off 135 balls
  • Fours/Sixes: 14 fours
  • Opponent: Sri Lanka

She controlled the game from start to finish. Her shot selection, running between the wickets, and leadership were top-class. This innings helped Australia chase down the target without much trouble.

Lanning’s ability to bat long and keep scoring quickly makes her one of the best ODI batters of all time.

7. Suzie Bates – 168 vs Pakistan (2009)

Former New Zealand captain Suzie Bates played a brilliant innings against Pakistan back in 2009.

  • Runs: 168 off 105 balls
  • Fours/Sixes: 24 fours, 2 sixes
  • Context: ICC Women’s World Cup 2009

This innings was full of attacking cricket. Bates smashed the bowlers all around the park and helped New Zealand post a big total. Her power-hitting was ahead of its time.

It was one of the early signs of how aggressive women’s cricket was becoming.

8. Lizelle Lee – 132 vs India (2021)

South Africa’s Lizelle Lee is known for her fearless batting, and her innings of 132 against India in 2021 showed her class.

  • Runs: 132 off 131 balls
  • Fours/Sixes: 16 fours, 2 sixes
  • Match Result: South Africa won

It was a difficult chase on a slow wicket, but Lee kept calm. She timed the ball well and handled the Indian spinners beautifully. This innings helped South Africa win the match and the series.

Lee’s knock was a perfect example of chasing under pressure.

9. Mithali Raj – 114 vs Ireland (1999)

Mithali Raj, India’s most iconic women’s cricketer, made her ODI debut against Ireland in 1999 and scored a superb unbeaten century.

  • Runs: 114 off 147 balls
  • Age: Only 16 at that time

It was a slow innings but extremely important. At such a young age, Mithali showed the world her calmness, focus, and hunger for runs. This was the start of a career that would later make her the highest run-scorer in women’s ODI history.

10. Claire Taylor – 156 vs India (2006)

England’s Claire Taylor was one of the best batters of her era. Her knock of 156* against India was a classic example of controlled aggression.

  • Runs: 156
  • Context: India tour of England

Taylor was known for her technique and intelligence. She paced the innings well and made sure England got a winning total. She remained unbeaten, guiding the team from start to finish.

11. Smriti Mandhana – 135 vs South Africa (2018)

Smriti Mandhana is one of the most stylish batters in world cricket. Known for her elegant cover drives and calm personality, she has been a key player for India.

  • Runs: 135 off 129 balls
  • Fours/Sixes: 18 fours, 2 sixes
  • Opponent: South Africa

This innings came in difficult conditions. Mandhana dominated the South African bowlers and helped India post a solid total. Her balance between aggression and calmness was on full display.

She was the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year in 2018 and 2021 and already has over 6,000 international runs at just 28 years old.

12. Alyssa Healy – 129 vs West Indies (2022 World Cup Semi-Final)

Alyssa Healy, one of the most explosive batters in women’s cricket, produced a sensational knock in the 2022 World Cup semi-final against West Indies.

  • Runs: 129 off 107 balls
  • Fours/Sixes: 17 fours, 1 six
  • Context: Semi-final

She took the game away from the West Indies early on and gave Australia a strong platform. Her ability to score quickly in big matches makes her a big-match player.

13. Tammy Beaumont – 148 vs South Africa (2022)

England’s opener Tammy Beaumont played a remarkable innings in 2022 against South Africa.

  • Runs: 148 off 145 balls
  • Fours/Sixes: 17 fours
  • Result: England win

Beaumont’s innings was full of patience, class, and smart hitting. She anchored the innings and kept the scoreboard moving. Her performance was vital in building a strong team total.

14. Lauren Winfield-Hill – 124 vs Pakistan (2016)

England’s Lauren Winfield-Hill showed her potential in 2016 when she smashed 124 against Pakistan.

  • Runs: 124 off 106 balls
  • Fours/Sixes: 12 fours, 2 sixes

It was a quick and aggressive knock that helped England win comfortably. Her clean hitting and use of the crease were impressive.

15. Laura Wolvaardt – 117 vs India (2021)

Young South African opener Laura Wolvaardt has been a rising star, and her 117 against India was a knock to remember.

  • Runs: 117 off 123 balls
  • Fours: 11

She batted with great maturity and guided South Africa to a win. Her timing and shot selection were top-notch, and she handled pressure well.

Conclusion: A Glorious Era for Women’s ODIs

The innings mentioned above are just a few of the many that have entertained fans and changed games. Whether it was Amelia Kerr breaking records, Harmanpreet Kaur destroying Australia, or Chamari Athapaththu standing tall against giants, each knock had something special.

Women’s ODI cricket has reached a new level, and these innings have played a huge part in that growth. They show that talent, skill, and passion have no gender — just pure cricketing excellence.

As more young girls take up the sport and dream of playing for their country, these performances will continue to inspire generations.

 

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