Australian openers David Warner and Travis Head had a firing start against New Zealand at Dharamsala during the 27th game at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. During that batting performance, Australia broke the record for the highest score in the first powerplay in ODI World Cup history.
What is the first powerplay in the ODI format?
While the fielding restrictions have been ruling in limited-overs cricket since 1992, the International Cricket Council (ICC) gave its official name as Powerplay in 2005.
Although we have seen many changes in the powerplay rules in the ODI format, since 2005, the first powerplay has always been considered the first 10 overs (in a full 50-over innings). During the first powerplay, only two players can stay outside the 30-yard circle.
So, while we are talking about the ODI's first powerplay in this article, it means the official ODI's first powerplay record since 2005.
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Australia recorded 118/0 in the first powerplay; the highest score in the first powerplay in the Cricket World Cup
Coming back to the Australia vs New Zealand game at the CWC 2023, in-form New Zealand chose to field first after winning the toss in the day ODI. Aussie opener David Warner maintained his great form with the bat while Travis Head made his incredible comeback after recovering from the injury.
Warner-Head had a 175-run opening partnership in 19.1 overs. While Warner was dismissed for 81 runs in 65 balls, Head scored a ton on his Cricket World Cup debut by scoring 109 runs in 67 balls.
During the first 10 overs or the first powerplay of the innings, Australia scored 118/0. It was the new record for the highest score in the first powerplay in the Cricket World Cup history. The previous record was 116/2 by New Zealand against England during a Group Stage match at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.
Meanwhile, 118/0 also became the third-highest first powerplay score in ODI cricket history. The record is 133/0 by Sri Lanka against England during the 2006 Leeds ODI.
Highest scores in the first powerplay in ODI cricket
Team | Total (Overs) | Opposition | Venue | Year |
Sri Lanka | 133/0 (10) | England | Leeds | 2006 |
New Zealand | 118/0 (8.2) | Sri Lanka | Christchurch | 2015 |
Australia | 118/0 (10) | New Zealand | Dharamsala | 2023 |
New Zealand | 116/2 (10) | England | Wellington | 2015 |
(Updated until October 28, 2023)
