11 highest ODI team totals in history

#8. 418/5 South Africa vs Zimbabwe, Potchefstroom, 2006

Mark Boucher played an impeccable 147 (not out) runs' inning off just 68 balls

On September 20, 2006, the 3rd ODI of the Zimbabwe tour of South Africa was played at Potchefstroom. Mighty Mark's inhumane inning helped South Africa to put a humongous total of 418 runs on board for 5 wickets. South Africa registered a huge victory over Zimbabwe in the final ODI of the series, as they won by 171 runs.

Player of the match, and also the Player of the series, Mark Boucher (147* off 68 balls, SR: 216.17) tattered Zimbabwe bowlers along with Loots Bosman (88 off 70 balls) and Alviro Petersen (80 off 74 balls) to set the target of 419 runs for Zimbabwe.

In reply, Zimbabwe played a steady inning and scored 247 runs for 4 wickets only. Terry Duffin scored the highest 88 off 134 balls for his side.

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#7. 434/4 Australia vs South Africa, Johannesburg, 2006

Australia skipper Ricky Ponting smashed a spectacular 164 runs' inning off just 105 balls

On March 12, 2006, Australia skipper Ricky Ponting's spectacular 164 runs' inning off just 105 balls, with a strike rate of 156.19 led his team to build up a sky-high world record total of 434, for 4 wickets only. This was the first 400-plus score in world cricket history. Also, it was the record which lasted only 49.5 overs as ill-fated Australia lost to South Africa despite scoring such a seemingly invincible total.

Simon Katich (79 off 90 balls) and Michael Hussey (81 off 51 balls) also helped Australia in building such a gigantic total up. Unfortunate Australia failed to hold the world record as the overwhelming performance of South Africa left them stunned. South Africa scored an unbelievable total of 438 for 9 wickets and clinched the victory from the Aussies.

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#6. 438/9 South Africa vs Australia, Johannesburg, 2006

Herschelle Gibbs thrashed his career-high score 175 off just 111 balls

On March 12, 2006, the 5th ODI of the Australia tour of South Africa was played at Johannesburg. It was the same match in which the Aussies crossed the 400 runs mark for the first time in world cricket history and set the target of 435 in front of South Africa. Australia skipper Ricky Ponting smashed a remarkable 164 runs' knock off 105 balls but, was outclassed by Herschelle Gibbs who thrashed his career-high score 175 off just 111 balls, with a strike rate of 157.65.

It was the greatest ODI match ever played, in which a total of 872 runs were scored in two innings. Graeme Smith's 90 off 55 balls and Mark Boucher's 50 (not out) off 43 balls helped South Africa to chase down a sky-high and seemingly unconquerable total of 435. South Africa registered an incredible victory as they put 438 runs on board for 9 wickets, with only one ball remaining.

Ricky Ponting and Herschelle Gibbs shared the player of the match award, for their extraordinary performance.