Top Players With Most Not Outs in ODI Cricket History

In the pressure-packed world of ODI cricket, where every run can make the difference between victory and defeat, remaining “not out” is an art that reflects a player’s temperament, skill, and match awareness. An innings not out in ODIs primarily reflects a batsman’s ability to finish the match and sustain the innings. From legendary finishers like MS Dhoni to all-rounders like Shaun McGrath, many cricketers have distinguished themselves by remaining unbeaten on numerous occasions during their careers.

In this blog, we will take a detailed look at the top players with the most number of not outs in ODI cricket history, their records, and the stories behind these statistics.

What does “Not out” mean in Cricket?

Before delving into the records, let’s learn what “not out” actually means in cricket. This occurs when a batsman’s innings ends without being dismissed. For example, the innings is either declared over because the overs are running out, or the target has been achieved. But they are marked as “not out.” This statistic is a very important factor in estimating a batsman’s batting average. The more times they remain not out, the higher their average, especially in limited-overs games like ODIs.

Top 10 Players With the Most Not-Outs in ODI Cricket History

Let’s take a look at the list of players who have remained unbeaten the most number of times in ODI history:

1. MS Dhoni (India): 84 Not Outs

It’s no surprise that Mahendra Singh Dhoni, known as Captain Cool, tops this list. Dhoni has redefined the art of finishing matches in ODI cricket, remaining unbeaten 84 times. His calm demeanor and last-minute power-hitting have made him one of the greatest limited-overs players the game has ever seen. Dhoni’s unbeaten innings often came in match-winning situations. Mianly it was seen during India’s chase in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup Final where his unbeaten 91 led India to glory.

Dhoni’s ODI Stats:

• Matches: 350
• Innings: 297
• Runs: 10,773
• Average: 50.57
• Highest Score: 183*
• Not-Outs: 84

His incredible finishing ability has led to him being dismissed very rarely under pressure, notably during India’s chase in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final, where his unbeaten 91-run innings led India to victory.

2. Shaun Pollock (South Africa): 72 Not Outs

Known for his all-round talent, Shaun Pollock was the backbone of the South African team in the late 1990s and early 2000s. With 72 not-outs, Pollock is one of the most consistent lower-order finishers in ODI cricket. His batting at number 7 or 8 provided stability to the team, especially when South Africa was struggling. His ability to rotate the strike made him invaluable in the shorter formats.

Pollock’s ODI Stats:

• Matches: 303
• Innings: 258
• Runs: 3,519
• Average: 26.45
• Not-Outs: 72

While he’s celebrated for his bowling, having taken 393 wickets, his batting resilience made him a genuine all-rounder.

3. Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka): 72 Not Outs

One of Sri Lanka’s finest fast bowlers, Chaminda Vaas, is included in this list with 72 not-outs, which is no small achievement for any bowler.

He often batted lower down the order and played a key role in helping Sri Lanka reach respectable scores or chase down close targets.

Vaas’s ODI Stats:

• Matches: 322
• Innings: 220
• Runs: 2,020
• Average: 13.90
• Not-Outs: 72

His consistency with both bat and ball made him a dependable asset for Sri Lanka in crunch situations.

4. Michael Bevan (Australia): 67 Not Outs

If Dhoni is the modern master of finishing, Michael Bevan was his predecessor.

Known as the original ODI finisher, Bevan’s 67 not-outs are etched in folklore. His composure under pressure and his precise pace during chases helped Australia win many matches in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Bevan’s ODI Stats:

• Matches: 232
• Innings: 196
• Runs: 6,912
• Average: 53.58
• Not-Outs: 67

His average, one of the best in ODI history, was more because of his not-out innings than anything else.

5. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka): 63 Not Outs

Another Sri Lankan legend, Muttiah Muralitharan, known primarily for his record 534 ODI wickets, also features on this list, remaining unbeaten 63 times. Batting at number 10 or 11, Muralitharan often batted until the end, tormenting bowlers and saving matches.

Muralitharan’s ODI Stats:

• Matches: 350
• Innings: 162
• Runs: 674
• Not-Outs: 63

Even as a tailender, the knack of hanging around speaks volumes for his determination and spirit.

6. Chris Harris (New Zealand): 62 Not Outs

New Zealand’s Chris Harris was one of the most versatile all-rounders of his time. His 62 not-outs reflected his reliability in the lower middle order. Known for his intelligent batting and ability to guide run chases, Harris was an integral part of New Zealand’s ODI team in the 1990s.

Harris’s ODI Stats:

• Matches: 250
• Innings: 218
• Runs: 4,703
• Average: 29.00
• Not-Outs: 62

7. Steve Waugh (Australia): 58 Not Outs

Before becoming one of Australia’s most successful Test captains, Steve Waugh was a prolific ODI player. He possesses mental toughness and can play under pressure. His 58 not-outs reflect his role as a finisher and a stable player in Australia’s middle order.

Waugh’s ODI Stats:

• Matches: 325
• Innings: 288
• Runs: 7,569
• Average: 32.90
• Not-Outs: 58

8. Abdul Razzaq (Pakistan): 57 Not Outs

Abdul Razzaq was a power-hitter and match-winner for Pakistan in the late 1990s and early 2000s. With scores of 57 not out and several unforgettable innings, he could almost completely change the course of a match.

Razzaq’s ODI Stats:

• Matches: 265
• Innings: 228
• Runs: 5,080
• Average: 29.70
• Not-Outs: 57

His unbeaten 109* against South Africa in 2000 is still considered one of the greatest ODI knocks by a lower-order batsman.

9. Mark Boucher (South Africa): 57 Not Outs

South Africa’s dashing wicketkeeper-batsman Mark has been one of the most reliable wicketkeepers in international cricket. He has mostly scored unbeaten 57s batting lower down the order when the pressure was on during chases.

Boucher’s ODI Stats:

• Matches: 295
• Innings: 220
• Runs: 4,686
• Average: 28.57
• Not-Outs: 57

His finishing skills and leadership made him an integral part of South Africa’s golden generation.

10. Daniel Vettori (New Zealand): 57 Not Outs

Daniel Vettori, one of cricket’s most astute all-rounders, tops the list with 57 not-outs. His patient batting and defensive technique make him an ideal partner for the top order in difficult situations.

Vettori’s ODI Stats:

• Matches: 295
• Innings: 187
• Runs: 2,253
• Not-Outs: 57

His calmness under pressure, both with bat and ball, made him one of New Zealand’s finest match-savers.

Read More: Top 7 Most Catches Dropped by Player in IPL History

Conclusion

Being “not out” in ODI cricket isn’t just a statistic! It’s because it reflects resilience, patience, and match-winning ability. From Dhoni’s brilliant finish to Bevan’s calm chase, these players have shown that greatness lies in staying strong. Their unbeaten innings remind us that cricket isn’t just a game of strength; it’s a game of patience, awareness, and timing. As future generations of players emerge, this record will continue to inspire those who aspire to remain unbeaten until victory.

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