The wicketkeepers have evolved gradually in the past few years, especially in the 50-overs format. Earlier their role was to keep the wickets only, with anything from their bats was considered a bonus. They weren’t seen as a batsman then.
However, that is not the case now. The modern keepers are the specialist batsmen, with some being openers as well. They contribute heavily to the team’s cause nowadays.
In this article, we look at the 5 wicketkeepers with the highest score in the ODIs:
1. MS Dhoni
The first wicketkeeper-batsman to feature in this list is the former Indian captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The right-handed batsman scored an unbeaten 183 against Sri Lanka. He achieved this milestone at Jaipur in 2005.
Walking in at 1/7 in the second innings, the 39-years old took charge and played this magnificent knock in a huge run chase. Dhoni amassed 15 fours and 10 maximums in this sumptuous ton of 145 balls. India won the match comfortably, with MS Dhoni adjudged with Man of the Match award for this blinder.
2. Quinton de Kock
The Proteas captain, Quinton de Kock, holds the second position with a score of 178. The left-handed batsman scored this big score in Centurion. Quinton de Kock is the only South African wicketkeeper-batsman to register a 150+ score in the ODIs.
Coming in a run chase of 295, de Kock made an excellent opening partnership of 145 runs with Rilee Rossouw. The 28-years old went on to score 178 runs with the help of 16 fours and 11 sixes. This innings helped South Africa chase down the target snugly, with de Kock getting the deserving Man of the Match award.
3. Liton Das
Liton Das’ staggering innings came against Zimbabwe last year. Das scored 176 runs at Sylhet, becoming the first Bangladeshi wicketkeeper and the second batsman to register 150+ score in the ODIs. Liton scored runs all around the ground, making Zimbabwe bowlers toil hard in the game.
The openers, Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das, made a massive partnership of 292 runs against Zimbabwe. The right-handed batsman smashed 16 fours and eight maximums throughout this majestic innings. This is also the highest score ever by a Bangladeshi player in the 50-overs format.
4. Adam Gilchrist
Adam Gilchrist is known for his attacking game, for which he always gets admired as well. Gilchrist played a sensational knock of 172 runs against Zimbabwe in 2004. The left-handed batsman is the only Australian wicketkeeper-batsman to score 150+ in the ODIs.
While opening, Gilchrist scored 172 off 126 balls with the help of 13 fours and three maximums. The 49-years old had a strike rate of 136.51 in this innings. Australia won the match easily, and Gilchrist was honoured with Man of the Match award.
5. Luke Ronchi
The fifth wicket-keeper batsman to feature in this article is Luke Ronchi, from New Zealand. The right-handed batsman played a terrific knock of 170* against Sri Lanka at Dunedin in 2015. This is the highest score by a No. 7 batsman in the ODIs.
Walking in at 5/93 in the first innings, Luke Ronchi made a partnership of 267 with Grant Elliot and helped New Zealand post a total of 360/5. The centuries by Grant Elliot and Luke Ronchi ensured a facile victory for the Blackcaps. The 267-runs partnership between them is the highest sixth-wicket partnership in ODI history.
