Puzzle | Maximum run in cricket

In a one-day international (ODI) cricket match, assuming no extras (no wides, no no-balls, no overthrows) and considering a realistic but ideal scenario, what is the maximum number of runs a batsman can score?

Note: Assuming a 50-over match with 300 legal deliveries, no extras or overthrows, and a maximum of 3 runs per ball, the batsman retains strike after each over. The scenario is ideal and practical, focused on maximising runs with perfect coordination.

Check if you were right - full answer with solution below.

Solution:

Total Runs = 49 × (6 × 5 + 3 ) + (6 × 6)

= 49 × 33 + 36

= 1653 runs

Overs 1 to 49:

• On each over, the batsman hits five sixes (5 × 6 = 30 runs).
• On the 6th ball, he takes 3 runs to retain the strike.
• Total per over = 30 + 3 = 33 runs
• So, 49 × 33 = 1617

50th Over:

Hits six sixes in a row = 6 × 6 = 36 runs

Total Runs = 1617 + 36 = 1653