Highest Totals Scored By Teams In South Africa In One-Day Internationals

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In an ODI match, what's more important than scoring runs is 'timing'. The tactics and strategies involved in whether to accelerate the scoring or to hold the crease is what makes the ODI format exciting and evergreen. If a team successfully managed to pace the innings according to the strategies, the team ends up with a huge total. 

As we approach the ODI series between South Africa and India, let's have a look at the highest totals scored by the teams in an innings. South African pitches even though are traditionally bowler-friendly, yet it has witnessed some big totals. 

It is noteworthy that four out of these five largest totals have been scored by the hosts. 

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5. South Africa - 399/6 vs Zimbabwe (Benoni, 2010)

In the final ODI of the 3-match series between neighbours South Africa and Zimbabwe at Benoni, the hosts opted to bat first after winning the toss. With centuries from Jean-Paul Duminy (129 off 117 balls) and AB de Villiers (109 off 99 balls), South Africa posted 399/6. 

In reply, Zimbabwe were restricted to 127 in 29 overs, losing the match by 272 runs. 

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4. South Africa - 418/5 vs ZImbabwe (Potchefstroom, 2006)

Again, in the 3rd ODI of a 3-match series against Zimbabwe, South African batters put up a collective effort after opting to bat first. Openers - Loots Bosman (88 runs off 70 balls) and Alviro Petersen (80 runs off 74 balls) provided a great start. After that, captain Jacques Kallis scored 50 off 59 balls. 

However, Mark Boucher was the stand-out performer with his 147 runs off just 68 balls, with 8 fours and 10 sixes. In reply, Zimbabwe were limited to 247/4 in 50 overs. 

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3. Australia - 434/5 vs South Africa (Johannesburg, 2006)

The series decider of the 5-match ODI series between South Africa saw many records broken. The tourists after opting to bat first posted a record total of 434 runs, which was the highest ODI total at that time. Openers Adam Gilchrist scored 55 off 44 balls while Simon Katich scored 79 off 90 balls. 

Australia's captain and #3 batter Ricky Ponting, then unleashed hell as he scored 164 runs off 105 balls with 13 fours and 9 sixes. Michael Hussey also scored 81 off 51 balls to take Australia to the highest ODI score ever. 

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2. South Africa - 438/9 vs Australia (Johannesburg, 2006)

In the same match where Australia posted a record 434/5, South Africa shattered all of them by chasing this monstrous total down. For South Africa, captain and opener Graeme Smith scored 90 runs off 55 balls. Number 3 batter Herschelle Gibbs was the hero with 175 runs off 111 balls with 21 fours and 7 sixes. 

Australian pacer Nathan Bracken picked up 5 wickets but this went in vain as other bowlers were unable to stop the South African batters. 
South Africa in the end won the match by a wicket with 1 ball remaining. 

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1. South Africa - 439/2 vs West Indies (Johannesburg 2015)

Yet another match that saw records being broken. Tourists West Indies opted to field first in the second ODI against South Africa. This proved to be a big mistake as South African giants Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers, and Rilee Rossouw powered the hosts to 439/2 in the first innings. 

Openers Hashim Amla scored 153 off 142 balls while Rilee Rossouw scored 128 runs off 115 balls. After an opening partnership of 247 runs in 231 balls, out came Mr. 360 AB de Villiers. de Villiers smacked the fastest century in ODI history, as he scored 149 runs in mere 44 balls 9 fours and 16 sixes!

In reply, West Indies were restricted to 291/7, losing the match by 148 runs. This total of 439/2 is to date the highest total posted by a team in ODIs in South Africa.