Cricket has witnessed some extraordinary batting performances over the years, where players have pushed the limits of endurance, skill, and concentration. From marathon Test innings to explosive limited-overs knocks, these innings have etched their place in history.
Here’s a look at the top 10 highest individual scores in international cricket history:
1. Brian Lara – 400 (Test)*
- Match: West Indies vs England
- Year: 2004
- Venue: St John’s, Antigua
The highest individual score in Test cricket history. Lara’s unbeaten 400 remains unmatched—a true masterclass in patience and dominance.
2. Matthew Hayden – 380 (Test)
- Match: Australia vs Zimbabwe
- Year: 2003
Hayden briefly held the record before Lara reclaimed it. His brutal knock showcased aggressive Test batting at its peak.
3. Brian Lara – 375 (Test)
- Match: West Indies vs England
- Year: 1994
Lara first broke the world record with this innings, announcing himself as one of the greatest batters ever.
4. Mahela Jayawardene – 374 (Test)
- Match: Sri Lanka vs South Africa
- Year: 2006
A classy and elegant knock, built on precision and partnerships.
5. Garfield Sobers – 365 (Test)*
- Match: West Indies vs Pakistan
- Year: 1958
The original record-breaker. Sobers held the highest score record for over three decades.
6. Len Hutton – 364 (Test)
- Match: England vs Australia
- Year: 1938
A historic innings that stood as the highest Test score for nearly 20 years.
7. Sanath Jayasuriya – 340 (Test)
- Match: Sri Lanka vs India
- Year: 1997
Part of the highest team total in Test history (952/6), Jayasuriya’s innings was sheer domination.
8. Hanif Mohammad – 337 (Test)
- Match: Pakistan vs West Indies
- Year: 1958
Known as the longest innings in Test history, it saved Pakistan from defeat in a legendary rearguard effort.
9. Wally Hammond – 336 (Test)*
- Match: England vs New Zealand
- Year: 1933
A dominant innings in the early days of Test cricket.
10. David Warner – 335 (Test)*
- Match: Australia vs Pakistan
- Year: 2019
Warner’s modern-day epic showed that big scores are still possible in today’s fast-paced era.
Highest Scores in Limited-Overs Cricket (Special Mentions)
- Rohit Sharma – 264 (ODI, highest ever)
- Martin Guptill – 237* (ODI World Cup)
- Chris Gayle – 175* (T20, IPL record)
