England break their own record, smash highest total in ODIs
On Friday, England smacked the highest total in ODIs against the Netherlands in the first of the three-match ODI series. England smashed 498/4 in 50 overs, breaking the previous record set by themselves against Australia (481/6) in 2018. Notably, this is England's fifth 400-plus score in the 50-overs format. The trio of Philip Salt, Dawid Malan, and Jos Buttler clocked hundreds. Here's more.
England now have five 400-plus scores
England's top scores in ODIs read 498/4 vs the Netherlands, 481/6 vs Australia, 444/3 vs Pakistan, 418/6 vs WI, and 408/9 vs NZ. As per ESPNcricinfo, Team India has five scores of 400-plus. Their scores read 418/5 vs WI, 414/7 vs SL, 413/5 vs Bermuda, 404/5 vs SL, and 401/3 vs SA.
South Africa have the most 400-plus totals
The Proteas have had some of the most destructive batters in limited-overs. The scores are a testimony to the same. They have breached the 400-run tally on six occasions. SA's highest scores read: 439/2 vs WI, 438/9 vs Australia, 438/4 vs India, 418/5 vs Zimbabwe, 411/4 vs Ireland, and 408/5 vs WI. Notably, they beat Australia by a wicket and a ball to spare.
SL, Australia have crossed the 400-run mark on two occasions
SL hold the record of the fourth-highest score in ODIs. They smacked a whopping 443/9 against the Netherlands. Sanath Jayasuriya (104-ball 157) and Tillakaratne Dilshan (78-ball 117) were the bulk aggregators. Later, SL smashed India for 411/8 in Rajkot. Meanwhile, Australia's top scores in ODIs read: 434/4 vs SA (lost) and 417/6 vs Afghanistan (won).
New Zealand have the honors to their name
New Zealand too have had the fortune of getting past the herculean run-mark in this format. They attained the feat against Ireland in a tri-series involving hosts Scotland. Batting first, NZ ripped apart the Irishmen to hoard 402/2 in 50 overs. Openers James Marshall (161) and Brendon McCullum (166) scored the chunk of runs. Ross Taylor (24-ball 59*) played a valiant knock as well.
How did the match pan out?
Put to bat first, England faced a minor hiccup with Jason Roy's dismissal in the second over. The duo of Salt and Malan took over to forge a 222-run stand for the second wicket. Buttler then took on the scoring onus. The hard-hitter obliterated the rivals, smashing a 70-ball 162*. Later, Liam Livingstone's 22-ball 66* played a part in reaching 498/4 in 50 overs.
England attain a mind-boggling record
As per Kaustubh Gudipati, England (498/4) now hold the record for the highest score in List A cricket. The previous record was held by Surrey (496/4) versus Gloucestershire in 2007.
Malan, Salt, Buttler hammer centuries each
Salt clocked his maiden ODI ton, while Malan became only the second Englishman with centuries across all international formats. Buttler was the first to attain the feat for England. Salt has now raced to 226 runs in four ODIs at 56.50. Malan has steered to 283 runs at 56.50. Buttler, who tonked his 10th ODI ton, has raced past 4,000 ODI runs (4,034).
