5,000 ODIs: Major records and milestones in cricket history

One-Day International cricket has reached a historic milestone of 5,000 matches, marking more than 55 years of thrilling contests, unforgettable performances and record-breaking moments, 24NewsHD TV reported.

Although cricket itself is nearly 150 years old, ODI cricket began on January 5, 1971, when England and Australia played the first-ever one-day international at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The match was originally an Ashes Test, but after the early days were washed out by rain, it was converted into a one-day game for the spectators' entertainment.

Australia won the historic match by five wickets.

Fifty-five years and seven months later, the 5,000th ODI was played between Canada and Scotland, completing a remarkable journey that produced some of the greatest players and most memorable moments in cricket history.

ODI cricket initially featured white clothing and 60 overs per innings. The format evolved, with coloured clothing introduced in 1992, along with the modern 50-over format. 

The format has witnessed extraordinary achievements, including Shahid Afridi’s explosive 37-ball century, which remained the fastest ODI hundred for more than two decades.

Other unforgettable moments include Sri Lankan fast bowler Chaminda Vaas taking eight wickets in an ODI, South Africa successfully chasing Australia’s huge 434-run target, Herschelle Gibbs hitting six sixes in an over and Lasith Malinga claiming a record three ODI hat-tricks.

Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar became the first player to score a double century in ODI cricket, while South Africa’s AB de Villiers later broke Afridi’s record for the fastest ODI century and also set the record for the fastest fifty.

From Jonty Rhodes’ spectacular fielding and Glenn Maxwell’s extraordinary innings to countless dramatic finishes, ODI cricket has created generations of unforgettable cricketing memories.

The game also evolved from daylight contests to matches under floodlights, while iconic rivalries, particularly Pakistan-India clashes, added even greater excitement and emotion to the format.

The completion of 5,000 ODIs marks a major chapter in cricket history, celebrating a format that has continually evolved while preserving its ability to produce drama, records and unforgettable moments.