The England cricket team holds the record for the highest target in ODI history, achieving a staggering 498 runs against the Netherlands in Amstelveen.

In the last two decades, cricket teams worldwide have significantly enhanced their batting capabilities in limited-overs cricket. Scores exceeding 350 in ODI matches have become commonplace in recent years. Several factors contribute to this trend, including shorter boundaries, improved quality of bats, and the introduction of the rule using two balls simultaneously from both ends, favouring batsmen significantly.

Batsmen have consistently showcased their skill and tactics, often outsmarting bowlers and making them toil hard for each wicket. Consequently, team totals in the 50-over format have steadily climbed over the years, reflecting the dominance of batting prowess in modern-day cricket. Let's delve into some of the highest team scores recorded in 50-over cricket to highlight this shift in the game's dynamics.

Highest Target in ODI history: Top 7 list

1. England - 498/4 vs Netherlands | 2022

In the first ODI of their tour to the Netherlands on June 17, 2022, England showcased an exceptional display of batting prowess against the hosts. The Netherlands won the toss and opted to field first at Amstelveen, a ground historically known for high-scoring encounters,with Sri Lanka previously setting a massive total of 443/9 against the Netherlands back in 2006.

Despite an early dismissal of Jason Roy in the second over, England embarked on a relentless batting assault through Phil Salt and Dawid Malan both of whom scored centuries. This set the stage for Jos Buttler's historic performance, who remained unbeaten on 162 off just 70 deliveries while batting at a staggering strike rate of 231.42.

Butler’s seven boundaries and 14 sixes alongside Liam Livingstone’s 66 runs off 22 balls took  England’s tally to 36 fours and 26 sixes in that match. With such a formidable total on the board, England's bowlers capitalized on the pressure, eventually bowling out the Netherlands for 266 runs. 

2. England 481/6 vs Australia | 2018

Following England's disappointing performance in the 2015 ODI Cricket World Cup, the ECB underwent a strategic overhaul of its limited-overs teams. Seasoned players like Ian Bell were replaced by a new generation of talents, given extended opportunities in the starting eleven.

This move paid off handsomely, culminating in England's triumphant victory in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup held at Lords. During the period from 2015 to 2019, England showed their batting prowess by registering three of the top 10 highest scores in ODI cricket history and a notable performance came a year before their World Cup win. 

England posted a mammoth total of 481 runs for the loss of six wickets against arch-rival Australia. The record-breaking match saw Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow lay a solid foundation with scores of 82 and 139, respectively. At the same time, Alex Hales delivered a destructive knock of 147 runs off just 92 deliveries. Captain Eoin Morgan also contributed significantly with a quickfire 67 runs from 30 balls.

Despite looking poised to breach the 500-run mark, England's momentum was slowed down in the final overs due to wickets falling. Nevertheless, their bowlers dominated to help the side win by a massive margin of 242 runs.

3. England - 443/3 vs Pakistan |  2016

Before 2016, the highest One Day International (ODI) score stood at 443 runs that was set by Sri Lanka against the Netherlands a decade earlier. However, on August 30, 2016, at Trent Bridge, this record was obliterated when Eoin Morgan's men achieved a monumental score of 443 runs against a weakened Pakistan bowling attack.

England's batting onslaught included a remarkable 59 boundaries, with 16 of those being sixes. Alex Hales played a pivotal role yet again, leading from the front with an outstanding innings of 171 runs from 122 deliveries, setting a new individual run-scoring record for his team. 
Jos Buttler's unbeaten 90 runs further propelled England beyond the previous record, while contributions from Joe Root (85 runs) and Eoin Morgan (57 not out) solidified their commanding total. In the end, England secured a comfortable victory over Pakistan in the rain-affected match by a massive margin of 169 runs.

4. Sri Lanka - 443/9 vs Netherlands | 2006

Sri Lanka made cricket history with a blazing performance, scoring a then-record 443 runs for the loss of nine wickets against the Netherlands in Amstelveen. This achievement came just four months after the iconic clash between Australia and South Africa at the Wanderers where the latter chased down 434 runs.

The left-handed opener and cricketing trailblazer, Sanath Jayasuriya, set the tone for Sri Lanka's innings with a breathtaking 157 off 104 deliveries. Following his explosive start, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene provided stability during the middle overs. It was followed by Tillakaratne Dilshan showcasing his power-hitting prowess, remaining unbeaten with a rapid 117 off just 79 balls.

In the second innings, Sri Lanka's bowlers effectively contained the Netherlands' progress, leading to a resounding victory by a massive margin of 195 runs. This match showcased Sri Lanka's dominance with both bat and ball, highlighting their prowess in limited-overs cricket during that era.

5. South Africa - 439/2 vs West Indies | 2015

South Africa got off to a dream start in their match against West Indies at the Wanderers, posting an imposing total of 439 runs while losing just two wickets in their allotted 50 overs. Known for high-scoring encounters, the Wanderers witnessed the Proteas’ top three batsmen scoring centuries.

AB de Villiers delivered a record-breaking inning, smashing a century off just 31 deliveries with a staggering 16 sixes, leaving the Caribbean bowlers in disarray. Openers Hashim Amla (153) and Rilee Rossouw (128) laid a solid foundation, setting up a partnership that saw the first wicket fall at 247 runs. De Villiers then joined the fray with less than 70 deliveries remaining and left an indelible mark with his explosive knock of 149 runs from 44 deliveries, including 25 boundaries.

West Indies struggled to replicate the same level of performance, finishing their innings at 291 for seven wickets, falling significantly short of their target by 148 runs.