Hashim Amla of South Africa is right at the top of the list of fastest 6000 runs in ODI, reaching the landmark in 123 innings. The list of the fastest to 6000 ODI runs features cricketers from various teams, with a notable dominance by Indian and South African players.
Babar Azam became the the joint-fastest batter to reach 6000 ODI runs. The milestone came during the Tri-Series final against New Zealand at the National Stadium, Karachi, on February 14, 2025. Babar achieved the feat with a beautifully timed cover drive off Jacob Duffy’s slower ball, hitting a four on the third ball of the seventh over.
India boasts three players on the list: Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, and Sourav Ganguly. South Africa also has a strong presence with Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, and Quinton de Kock.
List of 10 Players to Reach Fastest 6000 Runs in ODI Cricket
| Player | Match Date | Debut | Time | Mat | Inns |
| HM Amla | 25 Oct 2015 | 9 Mar 2008 | 7y 230d | 126 | 123 |
| Babar Azam | 14 Feb 2025 | 31 May 2015 | 9y | 122 | 123 |
| V Kohli | 9 Nov 2014 | 18 Aug 2008 | 6y 83d | 144 | 136 |
| KS Williamson | 29 Jun 2019 | 10 Aug 2010 | 8y 323d | 146 | 139 |
| DA Warner | 22 Nov 2022 | 18 Jan 2009 | 13y 308d | 141 | 139 |
| S Dhawan | 18 Jul 2021 | 20 Oct 2010 | 10y 271d | 143 | 140 |
| IVA Richards | 7 Jan 1989 | 7 Jun 1975 | 13y 214d | 156 | 141 |
| JE Root | 29 Jun 2021 | 11 Jan 2013 | 8y 169d | 150 | 141 |
| Q de Kock | 9 Sep 2023 | 19 Jan 2013 | 10y 233d | 142 | 142 |
| SC Ganguly | 26 Oct 2000 | 11 Jan 1992 | 8y 289d | 152 | 147 |
| AB de Villiers | 11 Nov 2013 | 2 Feb 2005 | 8y 282d | 153 | 147 |
1. Hashim Amla
One of South Africa’s greatest players, Hashim Amla achieved the milestone of 6000 ODI runs in 126 matches and 123 innings. He reached this landmark against India at Wankhede Stadium in 2015. Amla’s ODI debut was on March 9, 2008, and it took him 7 years and 230 days to accomplish this feat.
Throughout his career, Amla was a consistent performer for South Africa, often anchoring the innings and providing stability at the top of the order. By the time he retired, Amla had scored 8113 runs in 181 ODIs at an average of 49.46, including 27 centuries and 39 half-centuries.
Read More: Top 10 Fastest Players to Score 10000 Runs in ODI
2. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, who has several records under his belt, reached 6000 ODI runs in 144 matches and 136 innings, becoming the second-fastest to reach 6000 runs in ODI. He achieved this against Sri Lanka in Hyderabad in 2014.
Kohli made his ODI debut on August 18, 2008, and it took him 6 years and 83 days to reach this milestone, the shortest time among the top 10. Kohli has been the backbone of India’s middle order. In 292 ODIs as of June 2023, Kohli has scored 13848 runs at an average of 58.67. He holds the record for more centuries in ODI history with 50 to his name.
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3. Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson, the highest run-scorer for New Zealand in ODIs among active cricketers, reached the 6000 ODI runs mark in 146 matches and 139 innings. He achieved this feat against Australia at Lord’s in 2019. Williamson’s ODI debut was on August 10, 2010, and it took him 8 years and 323 days to accomplish this.
Known for his composed and level-headed approach, Williamson has been the anchor of New Zealand’s batting line-up for several years. As of June 2024, Williamson has amassed 6810 runs in ODIs at an average of 48.64. This includes 13 centuries and 45 half centuries.
4. David Warner
David Warner reached 6000 ODI runs in 141 matches and 139 innings. He achieved this milestone against England in Melbourne in 2022. Warner made his ODI debut on January 18, 2009, and it took him 13 years and 308 days to reach this mark.
Warner’s aggressive style of play has often given Australia brisk starts, putting the opposition on the back foot early. His ability to dominate bowlers and score quickly has made him one of the most feared openers in the game.
5. Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan may not be in India’s scheme of things any more, but he still holds a few records in international cricket. Dhawan reached the 6000 ODI runs mark in 143 matches and 140 innings. He achieved this feat against Sri Lanka in Colombo in 2021.
Dhawan made his ODI debut on October 20, 2010, and it took him 10 years and 271 days to accomplish this. Dhawan had scored over 7000 runs in 167 ODIs at an average of 44.32, including 17 centuries and 39 half-centuries. Dhawan has been a crucial player for India in ICC tournaments.
Suggested Read: 10 Highest Run Chase in ODI Cricket History
6. Vivian Richards
Vivian Richards, widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time, reached 6000 ODI runs in 156 matches and 141 innings. He achieved this milestone against Pakistan in Brisbane in 1989. Richards made his ODI debut on June 7, 1975, and it took him 13 years and 214 days to reach this mark.
Known for his aggressive and fearless batting, Richards was a game-changer in his era. By the time he retired, Richards had amassed 6721 runs in 187 ODIs at an average of 47.00, including 11 centuries and 45 half-centuries.
7. Joe Root
Joe Root, England’s highest run-scorer in ODIs among active cricketers, reached the 6000 ODI runs mark in 150 matches and 141 innings. He achieved this feat against Sri Lanka in Chester-Le-Street in 2021.
Root made his ODI debut on January 11, 2013, and it took him 8 years and 169 days to accomplish this. Root is England’s second-highest run-scorer in ODIs after Eoin Morgan, with 6522 runs in 171 matches at an average of 47.60.
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8. Quinton de Kock
Quinton de Kock, known for his aggressive batting and wicket-keeping skills, reached 6000 ODI runs in 142 matches and 142 innings. He achieved this milestone against Australia in Bloemfontein in 2023.
De Kock made his ODI debut on January 19, 2013, and it took him 10 years and 233 days to reach this mark. De Kock is among the top 10 highest run-scorers for South Africa in ODIs. In 155 matches he has scored over 6000 runs at an average of 45.74, including 21 centuries and 30 fifties.
9. Sourav Ganguly
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly reached 6000 ODI runs in 152 matches and 147 innings. He achieved this feat against Zimbabwe in Sharjah in 2000. Ganguly made his ODI debut on January 11, 1992, and it took him 8 years and 289 days to accomplish this.
By the time he retired, Ganguly had scored 11363 runs in 311 ODIs at an average of 41.02, including 22 centuries and 72 half-centuries. Ganguly was a prolific scorer and one of the best openers in ODI cricket. His ability to score runs consistently and his aggressive captaincy transformed Indian cricket in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
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10. AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers, one of the best white-ball cricketers from South Africa, reached the 6000 ODI runs mark in 153 matches and 147 innings. He achieved this milestone against Pakistan in Sharjah in 2013, becoming the 10th entry on the list of fastest 6000 runs in ODI cricket.
De Villiers made his ODI debut on February 2, 2005, and it took him 8 years and 282 days to reach this mark. By the end of his career, De Villiers had scored 9577 runs in 228 ODIs at an average of 53.50, including 25 centuries and 53 half-centuries. De Villiers is often regarded as one of the most versatile and explosive batsmen in modern cricket.
Further Read: Fastest Player to Reach 2000 Runs in ODI
Confusion
In conclusion, the journey to 6000 ODI runs is a significant milestone for any batsman. Hashim Amla’s record-breaking pace to this achievement sets a high benchmark, while players like Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers have redefined modern batting with their consistency and innovation.
These players have always been match-winners for their respective countries and have also been top picks in fantasy cricket. Download WinZO Fantasy Cricket app to get in on the action.
