Most Runs Conceded by a Bowler in ODI History 2025
Most Runs: Cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties. While batsmen often steal the limelight with their explosive centuries and heroic run-chases, bowlers are the architects who script collapses and define tight finishes. But just as a batsman can have a bad day at the office, so too can a bowler. Sometimes, a bowler is at the mercy of flat pitches, lightning-quick outfields, or simply extraordinary hitting. The result? A bowling analysis that reads more like a horror story than a scorecard.
Most Runs: One such statistical low in ODI (One Day International) cricket is the record for the most runs conceded by a bowler in a single match. This record, though undesirable, is part of the game’s rich tapestry and offers deep insight into how even elite bowlers can be taken to the cleaners under the right (or wrong) circumstances.
Understanding the Context: Why It Happens
Most Runs: ODI cricket has changed dramatically since its inception. With the introduction of:
- Powerplays
- Flat pitches
- Heavy bats
- Improved batting techniques …the bowlers often find themselves on the back foot, especially in high-scoring games.
Most Runs: These extreme spells are usually seen when bowlers persist in death overs or bowl during phases of extreme hitting. It’s also important to note that not all of these bowlers were poor on the day; some simply became collateral damage in legendary batting performances.
Top 10 Most Runs Conceded in a Single ODI Innings
Most Runs: Let’s begin with the updated list of bowlers who conceded the most runs in a single ODI match:
Most Runs Conceded by a Bowler in ODI History
| Rank | Bowler | Runs Conceded | Overs Bowled | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bas de Leede | 115 | 10 | Australia | Delhi, India | 2023 |
| 2 | Mick Lewis | 113 | 10 | South Africa | Johannesburg | 2006 |
| 3 | Adam Zampa | 113 | 10 | South Africa | Centurion | 2023 |
| 4 | Wahab Riaz | 110 | 10 | England | Nottingham | 2016 |
| 5 | Rashid Khan | 110 | 9 | England | Manchester | 2019 |
| 6 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 106 | 10 | South Africa | Mumbai | 2015 |
| 7 | Nuwan Pradeep | 106 | 10 | India | Mohali | 2017 |
| 8 | Martin Snedden | 105 | 12 | England | The Oval | 1983 |
| 9 | Muttiah Muralitharan | 99 | 10 | Australia | Sydney | 2006 |
| 10 | Jason Holder | 99 | 10 | South Africa | Sydney | 2015 |
Bas de Leede: A Record Nobody Wants
Most Runs: Dutch all-rounder Bas de Leede tops the unfortunate list after conceding 115 runs in his full quota of 10 overs against Australia during the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup. Glenn Maxwell was particularly ruthless in that game, smashing 106 off just 44 balls during de Leede’s spell.
Notable Facts:
- It was the highest number of runs conceded by any bowler in ODI history.
- His last 3 overs alone cost more than 50 runs.
- Despite being a talented young cricketer, this match became a viral moment for the wrong reasons.
Mick Lewis: The Record That Stood for 17 Years
Most Runs: Mick Lewis, an Australian pacer, held the unwanted record for 17 years after conceding 113 runs in a historic match against South Africa in 2006. The game is famous for South Africa’s 438 run chase, the highest successful chase in ODI history at that time.
Most Runs: Despite Australia posting 434, the Proteas, led by Herschelle Gibbs’ 175, hunted down the target in the final over. Lewis’s forgettable spell was a direct consequence of the relentless aggression displayed by the South African batsmen.
Adam Zampa: From Match-Winner to Target
Known for his crafty leg spin and match-winning performances, Adam Zampa had a night to forget in 2023 when South Africa’s batters smashed him for 113 runs, tying Mick Lewis’ record.
Zampa was targeted heavily by the middle and lower order, with Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller doing most of the damage. It was a brutal reminder of how even experienced bowlers can be dismantled when everything clicks for the batting side.
Other Notable Mentions
Rashid Khan – A Rare Blip
In 2019, England’s batting juggernaut hammered Rashid Khan, who conceded 110 runs in just 9 overs. This came during a match where England scored 397/6, and Eoin Morgan hit a world-record 17 sixes in an ODI innings.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Anomaly in a Consistent Career
India’s swing king Bhuvneshwar Kumar conceded 106 runs against South Africa in 2015, as AB de Villiers and Quinton de Kock went berserk in Mumbai. Normally known for his economy, Bhuvi had no answers on that belter of a pitch.
Muttiah Muralitharan – The Surprising Entry
Even the great Muralitharan couldn’t escape this list. Against Australia in 2006, he gave away 99 runs in 10 overs. His attacking role meant he bowled through powerplays and death overs, which inflated his figures despite picking up wickets.
What These Spells Really Mean
It’s easy to criticize a bowler based on runs conceded, but these records tell us more than just stats:
- Flat Pitches + Big Bats = High Scores
- All these records came in high-scoring games. When the pitch offers nothing, even the best bowlers struggle.
- Role in the Team
- Bowlers like Rashid, Muralitharan, and Zampa bowl in attacking phases, often being more vulnerable but also more likely to take wickets.
- Courage Under Fire
- These bowlers still came back and bowled all 10 overs. That takes guts.
- Changing Nature of the Game
A Look at Economy Rates
While total runs conceded is one aspect, economy rate also tells us how damaging the spell was in context.
Worst Economy Rates (10-Over Quota)
| Bowler | Economy Rate | Runs Conceded | Overs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bas de Leede | 11.5 | 115 | 10 |
| Adam Zampa | 11.3 | 113 | 10 |
| Mick Lewis | 11.3 | 113 | 10 |
| Rashid Khan | 12.2 | 110 | 9 |
The numbers show how quickly matches can spiral out of control in the modern era.
While bowlers dread having their names etched on this list, it’s also a reminder of how volatile and dynamic the game of cricket can be. These stats, though painful in isolation, are part of larger narratives — some of the most historic matches in ODI cricket featured these unforgettable spells.
At the end of the day, being hit for 100+ runs might leave a scar, but many of these bowlers bounced back stronger. After all, cricket is not about a single match — it’s about how you respond after one.
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