Top 5 individual scores in South Africa-Australia ODIs

#2 Ricky Ponting - 164 (2006, Johannesburg)

Ricky Ponting must have thought he had won his side the game after posting a world record score

Ricky Ponting produced one of the best ODI innings of the time, in the final and deciding ODI of the bilateral series, tied at 2-2 in 2006, at Johannesburg. His knock powered Australia to a monumental 434, the first 400+ score in ODIs.

Ponting's mood for the day was evident from ball one, as he blasted the hapless South African bowlers to every nook and corner of the boundary, which was unusually short.His 164 off 105 balls was studded with 13 fours and 9 massive sixes. The local crowd who came to watch South Africa win the series decider were shocked by the onslaught. That would soon change to surprise and joy, however.

The lack of discipline from the South African pace attack, without the meticulous Shaun Pollock, helped Ponting, as he went about his business in a ruthless fashion. Ponting butchered Kallis for consecutive sixes, as he went for 70 in his six overs. Mike Hussey stood with him and made a brilliant 81 in a partnership for the third wicket that was worth 158.

Despite the world record score that Ponting helped his team achieve, he was not going to be the hero of the day. This list is completed by that spectacular man, who overshadowed Ponting in a day of miracles.