Which Team Has the Highest Powerplay Score in ODI History?

In the opening phase covering the first 10 overs, only two fielders were allowed outside the inner circle. The second powerplay period (overs 11-40) permitted four fielders, while the final phase allowed five fielders outside the circle.

Ultimately, powerplay tilted things in the favour of the batsmen as they had more empty spots to exploit. It has arguably made international cricket engrossing viewing, but which team holds the record for the highest score in powerplay? Sportsboom.com has trawled through the archives and shared this stat.

Highest Powerplay Score in ODI History

New Zealand boasts the highest score by a team in powerplay (118 runs), and they achieved that against Sri Lanka. We have created a table and provided a recap of that extraordinary feat:

• Match: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka (2nd ODI)
• Date: December 28 2015
• Runs in powerplay: 118
• Venue: Christchurch

Sri Lanka were put to the sword that day. A disastrous batting performance saw the tourists collapse to 117 inside 36 overs, leaving New Zealand with a very small target to hunt down.

The Black Caps had little problems with the chase, polishing off 118 in just 8.2 overs to clinch an emphatic 10-wicket win. Martin Guptill produced a headline performance, rattling off an unbeaten 93 in just 30 balls to mastermind the stunning win.

Matt Henry and Mitchell McClenaghan had done the damage with the ball, combining for seven wickets, which in turn, allowed Guptill to free up his shoulders and blitz the Sri Lankans.

2. Australia vs New Zealand ICC Cricket World Cup (October 28 2023 – Dharamsala, India)

This display ultimately sums up why Australia is so good at cricket. Travis Head was on fire that day bringing up a century in just 59 balls, and with the support of David Warner, they bludgeoned 118 runs in the opening powerplay.

A mammoth total of 388 was set, and New Zealand came agonisingly close, falling five runs short. Nevertheless, that contest won’t be forgotten about in a hurry!

3. New Zealand vs England ICC Cricket World Cup (February 20 2015 – Wellington)

A damning day for England as they wilted against the Black Caps. Brendon McCullum, who is now England’s white-ball head coach, was destructive for New Zealand.

He notched up 77, as New Zealand chased a measly total of 124 down in just 12.2 overs. McCullum reached the half-century milestone in just 18 balls, and at the time, it was the joint-quickest run chase against England.

4. West Indies vs India ODI Series (August 14 2019 - Port of India)

Despite boasting a strong team that included one of the most dangerous batsmen in the world in Chris Gayle at the top of the order, the West Indies, who posted 114 runs during the powerplay, were overwhelmed.

Gayle had set the tone with a knock of 72, but Khaleel Ahmed was the star turn for the visitors, picking up three wickets for 68 runs off seven overs. A total of 240/7 looked like it was going to be beaten. India crossed the line safely with 15 balls to spare and by a margin six wickets.