Harry Brook scored a historic innings in Sri Lanka on October 22, 2026 but his remarkable innings came to an end against the hosts. Brook scored 202 runs in the third match of the Pakistan ODI tri-series in Rawalpindi, which is still the highest individual score in a losing situation in men’s One-Day International cricket.
England posted a massive 429/4 in 50 overs in front of Brook, leading the charge. Sri Lanka managed to complete a remarkable chase of 430 and won with two wickets left to play. Brook's double century was the first in over 17 years.
Harry Brook Breaks Charles Coventry's Record
Brook scored 202 off 116 balls, including 21 fours and 10 sixes. He reached his double century in only 114 balls, making it the fastest double century in men's ODI history.
Before Brook’s remarkable innings, Zimbabwe batter Charles Coventry held the record for the highest individual score in an ODI defeat. Coventry scored an unbeaten 194 against Bangladesh in Bulawayo on August 16, 2009.
Zimbabwe could not defend their total, and Coventry’s outstanding knock went in vain. Brook has now moved past that mark with his record-breaking 202.
Fakhar Zaman's 193 Against South Africa
Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman is another player whose performance in his exceptional innings could not prevent defeat. He scored 193 against South Africa in Johannesburg on April 4, 2021.
Pakistan were chasing a target of 342, but they fell short despite Zaman’s strong performance. His innings is still one of the highest individual scores in a losing cause in men’s ODI cricket.
Zaman’s knock showed how a batter can dominate a chase but still need support from teammates to take the team over the line.
George Munsey's 191 for Scotland
Scotland batter George Munsey scored 191 against the Netherlands in Dundee on June 12, 2025. His innings was another remarkable effort that ended on the losing side.
Munsey's 191 is one of the highest individual ODI scores in defeat and highlights the quality of batting performance produced by teams outside the traditional top cricketing nations.
Matthew Hayden's Unbeaten 181
Matthew Hayden, a former Australia opener, scored an unbeaten 181 against New Zealand in Hamilton on February 20, 2007. Despite his huge contribution, Australia lost the match.
Hayden’s innings remained one of the top individual scores in an ODI defeat for many years before later performances pushed it down the list.
Sachin Tendulkar and Evin Lewis Also Feature
India legend Sachin Tendulkar scored 175 against Australia in Hyderabad on November 5, 2009. India came close to chasing Australia’s 350 but lost by three runs.
West Indies batsman Evin Lewis also made a memorable innings with a 176 against England at The Oval in 2017. His effort however, was not enough to win.
A Record-Breaking Knock Without a Win
Brook’s 202-run innings now tops this list, but England's bowling performance ultimately proved decisive. Sri Lanka’s Pavan Rathnayake scored 130, while Dasun Shanaka and Avishka Fernando made 97 each to lead the chase.
Brook’s feat is historic, but the result shows the team nature of cricket: even great individual performance is no guarantee of winning.
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