3 highest ODI scores registered by wicket-keeper batsmen

In the modern game, wicket-keepers are often expected to contribute with the bat in the lower middle-order. A wicket-keeper has to give his hundred percent effort to the team at all times.

The 50-over format is clearly a batsman’s game and a wicket-keeper with batting ability gives more support to the team. In the last two decades, most teams have started selecting wicket-keepers who can contribute with the bat as well.

On a few occasions, the wicket-keeper batsmen have turned the match around with their batting performance. Let's take a look at the three highest ODI scores registered by wicket-keeper batsmen.

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#3 Adam Gilchrist - 172 against Zimbabwe at Hobart (2004)

Adam Gilchrist

It wouldn’t be a list of all-time great wicket-keepers without the presence of Adam Gilchrist. The iconic cricketer was known for his sportsmanship and honesty. At his prime, he was the best wicket-keeper in the world.

Gilchrist was known for his attacking stroke-play and penchant for smashing sixes. On 16th January 2004, he played the best ODI knock of his career. The southpaw hammered 172 against Zimbabwe at a rapid strike rate of 136.5. He gave a fabulous start to Australia's innings.

Because of Gilchrist's incredible knock, Australia handed a massive target of 344 runs for Zimbabwe and eventually won by 148 runs. His innings, which contained 96 runs in singles and twos, came when he was out of form. The opener's spectacular knock included 13 boundaries and 3 sixes.

#2 Quinton de Kock - 178 against Australia at Centurion (2016)

Quinton de Kock

Quinton de Kock is one of the most talented players in the current South African lineup. The hard-hitting batsman was asked to take over the role of wicket-keeping in place of AB de Villiers as the latter wanted to focus on his batting. In 2012, during the series against New Zealand, de Kock was given the wicket-keeper's slot for the first time.

The left-hander's best knock came against Australia on 30th September 2016 when he became the holder of South Africa's second-highest individual score in ODI cricket. Quinton de Kock played a spectacular knock of 178 from just 113 balls including 16 fours and 11 sixes. His effort helped South Africa pull off a six-wicket victory.

#1 MS Dhoni - 183* against Sri Lanka at Jaipur (2005)

MS Dhoni

When one thinks about the icons of Indian cricket, the likes of Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and MS Dhoni are in the same bracket.

During his peak phase, Dhoni was the best finisher in the game. The wicket-keeper batsman from Ranchi played an incredible knock and helped India win the World Cup after 28 years during the 2011 final at Wankhede Stadium.

Dhoni's era began when he was promoted to number three in the third match of the 2005 ODI series against Sri Lanka at home. He had failed to get a chance with the bat in the first two matches.

Batting first in the Jaipur ODI, Sri Lanka made 298. In the hosts' run-chase, Dhoni came into bat after the dismissal of Sachin Tendulkar on the fifth ball of the innings. At that time, it was a difficult task for the inexperienced batsman as India looked to build a partnership.

Chasing 299, Dhoni played a fantastic knock at a powerful strike-rate. He hammered 183 runs from 145 balls at a strike rate of 126.20 including 15 fours and 10 sixes. His unbeaten effort is the highest ever ODI score recorded by a wicket-keeper batsman. Due to the right-hander's sublime performance, India won the game with 23 balls to spare.