ODI World Cup: Players who amassed most runs from fours and sixes in a single inning — Image via ICC

The countdown to the highly anticipated 2023 Cricket World Cup has begun, with cricket aficionados around the globe eagerly awaiting the thrilling spectacle. As we prepare to witness the next chapter of this grand tournament, it’s a perfect moment to look back and celebrate the awe-inspiring performances of the past.

One particular statistical category that has always captivated fans is the tally of runs accumulated solely from boundaries—fours and sixes—in a single inning. These performances not only showcase a player’s explosive batting prowess but also provide unforgettable moments etched in cricketing history.

Players who scored most runs from four and sixes in World Cup’s single inning

Martin Guptill’s Heroics (2015)

In the 2015 World Cup, New Zealand opener Martin Guptill etched his name in the annals of cricketing history with a remarkable display of power hitting. On March 21, 2015, in a match against the West Indies at Wellington, Guptill unleashed an innings that left spectators and pundits alike in sheer awe.

His monumental knock of 237 runs included a breathtaking 24 boundaries—comprising 24 fours and 11 towering sixes. The astounding fact is that 162 of those runs came purely from fours and sixes. Guptill’s monumental innings was not only instrumental in New Zealand’s victory but also became a defining moment in World Cup history.

Chris Gayle’s Savage Assault (2015)

Just three days prior, on February 24, 2015, at Canberra, West Indies’ Chris Gayle delivered a savage onslaught against Zimbabwe that remains etched in cricketing memory. Gayle’s explosive innings of 215 runs included a brutal barrage of 10 fours and a whopping 16 sixes, amounting to 136 runs from boundaries alone.

His ability to clear the ropes with astonishing regularity was a testament to his sheer power and precision. Gayle’s innings showcased the spectacle that is T20-style batting in the ODI format and set a benchmark for boundary-laden innings.

Eoin Morgan’s Aerial Mastery (2019)

Fast forward to the 2019 World Cup, and England’s Eoin Morgan took center stage in Manchester on June 18, 2019. Morgan’s audacious display of power-hitting was a sight to behold. In an innings of 148 runs against Afghanistan, Morgan crafted an innings laden with 4 fours and an astonishing 17 sixes, accumulating a staggering 118 runs from boundaries alone.

His remarkable ability to find the gaps in the field and launch the ball into orbit left fans in amazement. Morgan’s innings not only propelled England to victory but also served as a demonstration of how the boundaries could be regularly cleared in the modern era of ODI cricket.

AB de Villiers’ Blitzkrieg (2015)

South Africa’s AB de Villiers has long been hailed as one of the most innovative and destructive batsmen in contemporary cricket. In the 2015 World Cup, he exhibited his prowess in a memorable innings against the West Indies on February 27, 2015, at Sydney. De Villiers’ masterclass saw him amass 162 runs, with 116 of those runs coming exclusively from fours and sixes.

His audacious strokeplay, including 17 fours and 8 sixes, was a testament to his extraordinary talent. De Villiers’ ability to manipulate the field and consistently find the boundaries was a spectacle that will forever be etched in World Cup history.

Sourav Ganguly’s Flourish (1999)

Long before the T20 era revolutionized batting in ODIs, Sourav Ganguly provided a glimpse of what power-hitting could look like in the 50-over format. In the 1999 World Cup, on May 26, Ganguly delivered an iconic innings against Sri Lanka at Taunton.

His fluent knock of 183 runs included 17 fours and 7 sixes, resulting in 110 runs from boundaries alone. Ganguly’s innings was a statement of intent, setting the stage for the aggressive brand of cricket that India would adopt in the years to come. It was an innings that resonated with fans and marked a pivotal moment in Ganguly’s career.

These extraordinary performances not only propelled their respective teams to victory but also left an indelible mark on the history of the Cricket World Cup. As we anticipate the 2023 edition of this prestigious tournament, cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the possibility of witnessing new records and unforgettable moments that will etch themselves into the annals of cricketing history.

The boundaries are beckoning, and the stage is set for a new generation of cricketers to etch their names alongside these legendary boundary blasters. The countdown continues, and the excitement is palpable—the 2023 Cricket World Cup promises to be a spectacle like no other.