Most Leg Byes in an Innings in ODI Cricket. (This image is AI-generated)
In ODI, you can think of leg byes as “bonus runs” that the bowling team gives away. While sixes and cover drives often steal the show, these extra runs can quietly accumulate and make a difference on the scoreboard. Australia’s 27 leg byes against England in 1981 remain the record for the most leg byes in an innings in ODI.
Top 5 Teams with Most Leg Byes in an Innings in ODI
| Team | Opposition | Score | Overs | Total Extras | Leg Byes (lb) | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | England | 236 | 55.0 | 30 | 27 | 8 Jun 1981 |
| England | Pakistan | 221 | 48.4 | 40 | 26 | 12 Oct 1987 |
| New Zealand | Pakistan | 215 | 48.2 | 41 | 25 | 22 Feb 2001 |
| England | West Indies | 214 | 50.0 | 37 | 25 | 3 Mar 1990 |
| England | Pakistan | 292 | 50.0 | 32 | 25 | 31 Aug 1996 |
Australia vs England – 27 Leg Byes
Australia secured the 1981 Headingley ODI series with a 2-1 victory, winning by 71 runs. Graeme Wood’s impressive 108 was the backbone of their total of 236/8 supported by Graham Yallop and 30 extras which included 27 leg byes from England. England folded for 165 as Willey and Gatting resisted but Hogg and Chappell sealed Australia’s win.
England vs Pakistan – 26 Leg Byes
Pakistan narrowly defeated England by 18 runs in the 1987 World Cup. Saleem Malik and Ijaz Ahmed helped Pakistan reach a total of 239/7 and then Abdul Qadir’s impressive 4/31 caused England to crumble. England went from a solid 206/4 to being all out for 221 with 40 extras including 26 leg byes, hiding their batting struggles.
New Zealand vs Pakistan – 25 Leg Byes
Pakistan triumphed over New Zealand by 28 runs in the ODI match held in Wellington. Saeed Anwar and Yousuf Youhana helped Pakistan reach a total of 243/9, while Saqlain Mushtaq’s impressive bowling performance of 3/26 stopped New Zealand’s pursuit. New Zealand ended their innings at 215 which included 41 extras with 25 of those being leg byes, highlighting their difficulties as Pakistan took a 2-1 lead.
England vs West Indies – 25 Leg Byes
England scored 214 runs for 8 wickets which included 37 extras with 25 of those being leg byes. Ian Bishop was the standout performer taking 4 wickets for 28 runs. The West Indies successfully chased down 216 runs for 7 wickets thanks to Richie Richardson’s impressive not-out score of 108. Bishop clinched a dramatic victory on the last ball with a six putting the West Indies ahead in the series 1-0.
England vs Pakistan – 25 Leg Byes
England defeated Pakistan by 107 runs in the ODI match at Edgbaston. Nick Knight scored his first century leading England to a total of 292/8, while Pakistan contributed 32 extras including 25 leg byes. Despite Ijaz Ahmed’s 79 runs, Pakistan was all out for 185 with Gough claiming 3 wickets and giving England a 2-0 lead in the series.
