Largest ODI Victories by Balls Remaining. (This image is AI-generated)
Victories in ODIs are generally assessed by runs or wickets but looking at the unused balls can show just how one-sided a game was. If a team wins with more than 200 balls left, it clearly means the bowlers had a strong hold over the opposition. England recorded the largest ODI victory by balls remaining when they defeated Canada with 277 balls to spare in the 1979 World Cup.
Top 5 ODI Wins by Balls Remaining
| Team (Winner) | Opposition | Balls Remaining | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | Canada | 277 | 13 Jun 1979 |
| Sri Lanka | Zimbabwe | 274 | 8 Dec 2001 |
| Sri Lanka | Canada | 272 | 19 Feb 2003 |
| Nepal | USA | 268 | 12 Feb 2020 |
| New Zealand | Bangladesh | 264 | 31 Dec 2007 |
England vs Canada, 1979 – 277 Balls Remaining
England’s historic 8-wicket victory over Canada at Old Trafford during the 1979 World Cup is unforgettable. Canada was dismissed for just 45 runs and England chased the target in 13.5 overs, leaving 277 balls unused.
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, 2001 – 274 Balls Remaining
Sri Lanka’s remarkable victory against Zimbabwe at SSC in 2001 is still memorable. Chaminda Vaas dominated the game by taking 8 wickets for just 19 runs as Zimbabwe collapsed to only 38 runs. The Lankan side wrapped up the chase in 4.2 overs leaving 274 balls unused.
Sri Lanka vs Canada, 2003 – 272 Balls Remaining
Sri Lanka’s overwhelming victory over Canada in the 2003 World Cup at Paarl was nothing short of brutal. Canada crumbled to a mere 36 runs as Vaas and Nissanka dominated the game. Sri Lanka completed the chase in just 4.4 overs finishing with 272 balls to spare.
Nepal vs USA, 2020 – 268 Balls Remaining
Nepal’s remarkable triumph over the USA in 2020 marked a significant achievement. Lamichhane claimed 6 wickets and Bhari added 4 wickets as they bowled out the USA for just 35 runs. Nepal sealed victory in 5.2 overs leaving 268 balls unused.
New Zealand vs Bangladesh, 2007 – 264 Balls Remaining
New Zealand’s 10‑wicket win against Bangladesh was a commanding victory in Queenstown, 2007. Vettori’s impressive 5 wickets and Mills’s early wickets left Bangladesh all out for 93 runs. McCullum’s 80 runs led New Zealand to a 10‑wicket win in 6 overs with 264 balls remaining.
