India vs Pakistan 2004 - 20 No‑Balls Thriller. Photo Credit: ICC (via x.com)
In One Day Internationals (ODIs), committing a no-ball is one of the worst errors a team can make. A no-ball awards the batting team an additional run and a free hit. It disrupts the bowler’s flow and can shift the game’s momentum. India holds the record for the most no-balls in a single ODI innings, bowling 20 against Pakistan in 2004.
Photo Credit: ICC (via x.com)
Top 5 Teams with Most No-Balls in an ODI Innings
| Team | Opposition | Score | Overs | Total Extras | No-Balls | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | Pakistan | 349/7 | 50.0 | 38 | 20 | 13 Mar 2004 |
| Zimbabwe | Australia | 301/6 | 50.0 | 24 | 19 | 4 Feb 2001 |
| Sri Lanka | Australia | 190 | 41.4 | 25 | 18 | 24 Jan 1999 |
| West Indies | Australia | 313/9 | 50.0 | 31 | 18 | 22 Feb 1978 |
| South Africa | West Indies | 150/4 | 46.5 | 30 | 16 | 11 Feb 1993 |
India vs Pakistan – 20 No-Balls
India scored 349 runs for 7 wickets in Karachi but their innings included 38 extras with a record-breaking 20 no-balls. Pakistan came close to winning, needing just 9 runs in the final over. Nehra’s composed performance ensured a 5-run victory in a thrilling match that totaled 693 runs, highlighting how no-balls can nearly spoil outstanding batting efforts.
Zimbabwe vs Australia – 19 No-Balls
Zimbabwe scored 301 runs for 6 wickets at the WACA with Carlisle contributing 119 runs and Flower adding 85. However, their bowlers gave away 19 no-balls and 24 extras which made a big difference. Martyn’s not-out score of 144 helped Australia reach 302 runs for 5 wickets, clinching a thrilling 1-run victory due to Zimbabwe’s undisciplined bowling.
Sri Lanka vs Australia – 18 No-Balls
Australia scored 270 runs in Adelaide thanks to Waugh’s 57 and Gilchrist’s 41. Sri Lanka’s bowlers gave away 18 no-balls and 25 extras which hurt their chances. McGrath took 5 wickets leading to an 80-run victory as Sri Lanka collapsed for 190 even with Mahanama scoring 55.
West Indies vs Australia – 18 No-Balls
The West Indies managed to put up a total of 313/9 in Antigua even though they bowled 18 no-balls. Australia, chasing a revised target of 226, saw Cosier score 84 but Garner and Croft each claimed 3 wickets. Ultimately, Australia ended their innings at 181/7 giving the West Indies a 44-run win.
South Africa vs West Indies – 16 No-Balls
The West Indies were all out for 149 in Port Elizabeth with Haynes scoring the highest at 43 while Donald claimed 3 wickets. South Africa’s batting was consistent spearheaded by Kirsten and Rhodes who both contributed with an unbeaten 46. Even after giving away 16 no-balls and 30 extras, South Africa comfortably secured a 6-wicket victory.
