The Pakistan cricket team is arguably the toughest cricket team in the current era. The Men in Green are one of the few teams that have won all three white-ball ICC trophies in the history of the game. They won the ODI World Cup in 1992, then became the T20 World Champions in 2009, and also won the Champions Trophy in 2017.
Pakistan has always been known for producing some of the fastest bowlers in the world. But they also have some of the greatest batsmen in this game, and Babar Azam is certainly one of the best. A strong batting lineup is essential for an Asian team. Notably, Pakistan is one of only four countries with a double centurion in one-day internationals.
In this article, we will discuss the highest individual scores for Pakistan in ODI cricket.
3. Fakhar Zaman (193 runs) against South Africa at Johannesburg
Fakhar Zaman holds two out of the three highest scores for Pakistan. But his second highest score came on a losing course. It was the second match of the three-match ODI series in Johannesburg. Batting first, South Africa scored a massive total of 341/6 in their 50 overs. Four batters scored fifties in that innings, while skipper Temba Bavuma (92) was the highest scorer. It was a big target to chase and even Pakistan lost their five wickets for just 120 runs.
In fact, the Men in Green kept losing wickets at one end. On the other end, it was a one-man show from Fakhar Zaman, who reached his fifty, century and 150th. He was looking good to score a double century but got run out in an unfortunate manner. He made 193 runs off 155 balls with 18 fours and 10 sixes, and after his wicket, Pakistan totally lost control and fell short by just 17 runs.
2. Saeed Anwar (194 runs) against India at Chennai
For almost 12 years, Saeed Anwar has topped the chart for the highest individual score in ODI cricket. In the 6th match of the Pepsi Independence Cup against India in Chennai, Pakistan won the toss and batted first. But that day saw many records being broken by the destructive opener, Saeed Anwar. He came out to bat in a mood to hit every ball and kept doing that throughout his innings.
Pakistan made a big total of 327/5 in their 50 overs. Anwar single-handedly played an innings of 194 from just 146 balls with 22 fours and five sixes. It was the biggest score by any batter those days. In reply, India also batted well. Rahul Dravid (107) scored a century, but in the end, they fell short by 35 runs of the target. India got all out for 292 runs.
1. Fakhar Zaman (210* runs) against Zimbabwe (only double century for Pakistan in ODI)
Fakhar Zaman has hit the first and only double century for Pakistan in ODI cricket, which came against Zimbabwe. It was the fourth match of the five-match series between the two. Pakistan won the toss and decided to bat first, and it turned out to be a record-breaking decision for them. Both openers added a record opening partnership of 304 runs. Imam-ul-Haq scored 113 runs and got out. But Fakhar kept scoring runs.
Then he added an unbeaten partnership of 95 runs off just 48 balls with Asif Ali (50*) to help his team reach a massive target of 399/1. Fakhar himself went on to become the first Pakistani to score a double century. He made 210* off 156 balls with 24 fours and five maximums. In reply, Zimbabwe got all out for just 155 in 42.4 overs and lost the match by 244 runs.
List of Highest Individual ODI Score for Pakistan
Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Against | Venue | Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fakhar Zaman | 210* | 156 | 24 | 4 | Zimbabwe | Bulawayo | 20 Jul 2018 |
Saeed Anwar | 194 | 146 | 22 | 5 | India | Chennai | 21 May 1997 |
Fakhar Zaman | 193 | 155 | 18 | 10 | South Africa | Johannesburg | 4 Apr 2021 |
Fakhar Zaman | 180* | 129 | 17 | 5 | New Zealand | Rawalpindi | 29 Apr 2023 |
Imran Nazir | 160 | 121 | 14 | 8 | Zimbabwe | Kingston | 21 Mar 2007 |
Babar Azam | 158 | 139 | 14 | 4 | England | Birmingham | 13 Jul 2021 |
Sharjeel Khan | 152 | 86 | 16 | 9 | Ireland | Dublin (Malahide) | 18 Aug 2016 |
Imam-ul-Haq | 151 | 131 | 16 | 1 | England | Bristol | 14 May 2019 |
Babar Azam | 151 | 131 | 14 | 4 | Nepal | Multan | 30 Aug 2023 |
Younis Khan | 144 | 122 | 8 | 3 | Hong Kong | Colombo (SSC) | 18 Jul 2004 |
Shoaib Malik | 143 | 127 | 12 | 1 | India | Colombo (RPS) | 25 Jul 2004 |
Yousuf Youhana | 141* | 147 | 13 | 3 | Zimbabwe | Bulawayo | 23 Nov 2002 |