A Cricket World Cup final is probably the most crucial match in a player’s career due to its high magnitude and winner-deciding factor. This is such an occasion that every player wishes for in their lifetime. Nevertheless, the reality of the World Cup final dictates that not everyone can soak in the pressure of the final, hence the batters who score by going beyond the huddles are worshipped as superstars. In today’s article, we will describe the batsmen with the highest individual score in the ODI World Cup finals.
Adam Gilchrist (149)
Former Australian wicket-keeper batsman, Adam Gilchrist played a hell of an innings of 149 runs in just 104 balls in the 2007 World Cup final against Sri Lanka leads him to hold the record for the highest individual score in the ODI World Cup finals. The classy wicket-keeper batter played at a fascinating strike rate of 143.27 against a top bowling lineup consisting of Chaminda Vaas, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Lasith Malinga. “Gilly” sabotaged the Sri Lankan team with his explosive batting, which included 13 fours and 8 maximums. Courtesy of his innings, Australia clinched their 4th World Cup title by 53 runs.
Ricky Ponting (140)
The two times World Cup-winning captain, Australian stalwart Ricky Ponting aggregated 140 off 121 balls, making a mockery of top Indian bowlers like Javagal Srinath, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, Harbhajan Singh, etc saw him occupying the 2nd spot on the elite tally of highest individual score in ODI World Cup finals. The Tasmanian-born hit 8 sixes and 4 fours in the process with the help of eye-soothing front foot and back foot drives mostly in the leg side, including a few of his signature pull shots. His special innings on a special platform helped Australia to reach 359 runs after 50 overs and lift the trophy for the 3rd time.
Vivian Richards (138)
One of the greatest batters to play the One Day International format, Caribbean legend Vivian Richards took the opportunity to score the 3rd highest individual score in the World Cup finals in 1979. West Indies was defending their title against a vicious English side. Batting at No 3, Richards went on to score a magnificent 138 off 157 deliveries at the iconic Lord’s against Veterans like Ian Botham, Chris Old, and Mike Hendrick. His aggressive display of batting put 286 runs on board for West Indies, which was considered unassailable in those days. As a result, West Indies registered their 2nd consecutive World Cup triumph after packing the hosts for 194 runs,
Aravinda De Silva (107)
The only skipper who guided Sri Lanka to win a World Cup, Aravinda De Silva gets the 4th place in terms of getting the highest individual score in the World Cup finals. Grabbing the chance to bat first, mighty Australia set 242 runs target for Sri Lanka. In the pursuit to win the match, Lanka had a stumbling start but captain Aravinda De Silva took the responsibility to win the honorable silverware for his team, making a laborious and determined 107 off 124 balls by confronting the incredible deliveries of Glenn McGrath and magic of Shane Warne. This is for the first time a batter scored a ton during a chase in the World Cup final.
Mahela Jayawardene (103)
Former Srilankan classy batter, Mahela Jayawardene lit up the Wankhede stadium when he stepped up for his team in a crisis situation with his sensational 103 off 88 balls in the final of the 2011 World Cup. Riding on his hard-made century, the Lankan team got a safe score of 274 runs. Although, Gambhir’s rigid 97 and MS Dhoni’s quick knock 91 in 79 balls to win the match for India overshadowed his fine hundred.
List of Highest Individual Scores in ODI World Cup Finals
| Player | Runs | Against | Venue | Year |
| Adam Gilchrist (AUS) | 149 (104) | Sri Lanka | Bridgetown | 2007 WC |
| Ricky Ponting (AUS) | 140 (121) | India | Johannesburg | 2003 WC |
| Vivian Richards (WI) | 138 (157) | England | Lord’s | 1979 WC |
| Aravinda De Silva (SL) | 107 (124) | Australia | Lahore | 1996 WC |
| Mahela Jayawardene (SL) | 103 (88) | India | Wankhede Stadium | 2011 WC |
| C Lloyd (WI) | 102 (85) | Australia | Lord’s | 1975 WC |
Adam Gilchrist has the highest individual score in the ODI World Cup final (149 vs Sri Lanka).
Gautam Gambhir has the highest individual score in the ODI World Cup final among Indians, 97 vs Srilanka in the 2011 WC.
Senior Cricket Content Editor at Skyblogs Cricket.
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