Cricket World Cup Records: The Greatest Achievements in 50-Over History
Exploring the most remarkable records and milestones from the ICC Cricket World Cup, from the highest individual scores to the most successful teams.
The ICC Cricket World Cup, held every four years since 1975, has produced some of the most memorable moments and extraordinary performances in cricket history. From Viv Richards' swashbuckling centuries to Martin Guptill's record-breaking 237 not out, the tournament has been a stage for cricket's greatest talents to shine on the biggest stage.
Batting Records
Martin Guptill of New Zealand holds the record for the highest individual score in World Cup history, scoring 237 not out against the West Indies in the 2015 quarter-final in Wellington. Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for most runs in World Cup history, accumulating 2,278 runs across six tournaments from 1992 to 2011. Rohit Sharma holds the record for most centuries in a single World Cup edition, hitting five hundreds in the 2019 tournament.
Bowling Records
Glenn McGrath of Australia is the leading wicket-taker in World Cup history with 71 wickets across four tournaments, showcasing remarkable consistency. The best bowling figures in a single World Cup match belong to Gary Gilmour of Australia, who took 6 for 14 against England in the 1975 semi-final. Muttiah Muralitharan and Wasim Akram have both made significant contributions as multi-tournament wicket-takers.
Team Records
The highest team total in World Cup history is 417 for 6, scored by Afghanistan against Ireland in the 2019 tournament — a match that also produced the only instance of a 300+ run partnership in World Cup cricket. The lowest completed innings total is 36, scored by Canada against Sri Lanka in the 2003 tournament. Australia's winning streak of 34 consecutive matches between 1999 and 2011 stands as one of the great records in team sport.
Partnership and Individual Milestones
The record partnership in World Cup cricket is 372 for the second wicket, made by Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels for the West Indies against Zimbabwe in the 2015 tournament. Only Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, and a handful of others have scored centuries in multiple World Cups, highlighting the difficulty of sustaining excellence across editions spanning decades.
Frequently asked questions
Who has scored the most runs in Cricket World Cup history?
Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for most runs in World Cup history, scoring 2,278 runs across six tournaments between 1992 and 2011 in 45 matches.
Which country has won the most Cricket World Cups?
Australia has won the Cricket World Cup five times (1987, 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2023), making them the most successful team in the tournament's history.