10 Players with Most Runs in World Cup

Having the most runs in the World Cup is a very special achievement. Currently, there are two World Cups played in the sport – ODI World Cup and T20 World Cup. 

The ODI World Cup is played once every four years while the T20 World Cup is played once every two years. The record for the most runs in ODI cricket World Cup is held by Sachin Tendulkar, while the record for the most runs in a T20 World Cup is held by Virat Kohli. 

Check out the list of top 10 batsmen with most runs in both the World Cups. 

Top 10 Players with Most Runs in ODI World Cup 

1. Sachin Tendulkar (India)

Spanning from 1992 to 2011, Sachin Tendulkar amassed a staggering 2278 runs in 45 World Cup matches at an impressive average of 56.95. His ability to dominate bowling attacks earned him six centuries and 15 fifties, making him the highest run-scorer in ODI World Cup matches. Tendulkar played his last ODI World Cup in 2011.

Read More: Most Centuries by Players in ICC Cricket World Cup

2. Virat Kohli (India)

Following in the footsteps of his idol, Virat Kohli has been a pillar of consistency for the Indian cricket team. With 1795 runs in 37 World Cup matches at an average of 59.83, including five centuries and 12 half-centuries, Kohli has etched his name as one of the modern greats of the game. Kohli was the highest run-scorer at the recent 2023 ODI World Cup held in India. 

3. Ricky Ponting (Australia)

A dynamic batsman and a shrewd captain, Ricky Ponting was one of the best batsmen in the world at his peak. Ponting scored 1743 runs in 46 ODI World Cup matches at an average of 45.86, leading Australia to glory on multiple occasions.

4. Rohit Sharma (India)

Rohit Sharma’s elegance and ability to convert starts into big scores have made him a vital cog in India’s batting lineup. With 1575 runs in 28 World Cup matches at an astounding average of 60.57, including seven centuries, Sharma’s impact on the World Cup stage cannot be overstated.

Suggested Read: Best Cricket All-Rounder in the World

5. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)

A master craftsman at the crease, Kumar Sangakkara was a key figure for Sri Lanka in the World Cup. Accumulating 1532 runs in 37 matches at an average of 56.74, Sangakkara’s ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed made him a formidable opponent.

6. David Warner (Australia)

Known for his aggressive style of play, David Warner has been a vital asset for Australia in the World Cup. With 1527 runs in 29 matches at an average of 56.55, Warner’s ability to provide quick starts at the top of the order has been crucial for his team.

7. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)

A true all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan has been a consistent performer for Bangladesh in the World Cup. Scoring 1332 runs in 36 matches at an average of 41.62, Shakib’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball has been instrumental for the Tigers. 

8. Brian Lara (West Indies)

One of the most stylish left-handed batsmen to grace the game, Brian Lara amassed 1225 runs in 34 World Cup matches at an average of 42.24. This includes two centuries and seven half-centuries. 

9. AB de Villiers (South Africa)

Renowned for his innovation and ability to play shots all around the ground, AB de Villiers lit up the World Cup stage with his breathtaking strokeplay. Accumulating 1207 runs in 23 matches at an astonishing average of 63.52, de Villiers’ ability to change the course of the game in a matter of overs made him a fan favourite.

Suggested Read: Players with Fastest 200 Runs in ODI Cricket

10. Chris Gayle (West Indies)

Known for his explosive batting and penchant for hitting towering sixes, Chris Gayle has been a stalwart for the West Indies in the World Cup. Scoring 1186 runs in 35 matches at a strike rate of 90.53, Gayle’s ability to decimate bowling attacks makes him a force to be reckoned with.

Top 10 Players with Most Runs in T20 World Cup

1. Virat Kohli (India)

Virat Kohli is right at the top of the list of most runs in T20 World Cups. With 1141 runs in 27 matches at an astonishing average of 81.50, Kohli’s ability to control an innings and anchor the chase makes him one of the best batsmen in the shortest format of the game.

2. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka)

A veteran of the game, Mahela Jayawardene’s elegant stroke play has mesmerized fans around the world. Scoring 1016 runs in 31 matches at an average of 39.07, Jayawardene’s ability to build innings and accelerate when needed made him a vital asset for Sri Lanka in T20 World Cups.

3. Chris Gayle (West Indies)

Known as the ‘Universal Boss’, Chris Gayle’s brute power and towering sixes have made him a T20 legend. Accumulating 965 runs in 33 matches at a strike rate of 142.75, Gayle’s ability to decimate bowling attacks with his aggressive approach makes him one of the most feared batsmen in the format.

Suggested Read: 10 Players with Most Sixes in T20 Cricket History

4. Rohit Sharma (India)

Rohit Sharma’s elegant strokeplay and ability to find gaps with precision have made him a key player for India in T20 cricket. With 963 runs in 39 matches at an average of 34.39, Sharma’s knack for scoring crucial runs at the top of the order has been instrumental for India in T20 World Cups. As the captain, he will be looking to lead India to a title in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup. 

5. Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka)

An inventor of the ‘Dilscoop’ and a versatile batsman, Tillakaratne Dilshan scored 897 runs in 35 matches at an average of 30.93.  Dilshan’s ability to innovate and score quickly made him a valuable asset for Sri Lanka in T20 World Cups.

6. David Warner (Australia)

David Warner’s aggressive style of play and ability to take the attack to the opposition have made him a formidable force in T20 cricket. With 806 runs in 34 matches at a strike rate of 133.22, Warner’s ability to provide quick starts at the top of the order has been crucial for Australia in T20 World Cups.

7. Jos Buttler (England)

Known for his explosive batting and ability to clear the boundaries with ease, Jos Buttler has been a game-changer for England in T20 cricket. Accumulating 799 runs in 27 matches at an average of 42.05, Buttler is a dangerous batsman in T20 cricket. 

8. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)

Shakib Al Hasan has been a consistent performer for Bangladesh in T20 cricket. Scoring 742 runs in 36 matches at an average of 23.93, Shakib is Bangladesh’s highest run-scorer in both ODI and T20 World Cups. 

9. AB de Villiers (South Africa)

Not just in the ODI World Cups, Ab de Villiers is South Africa’s leading run-scorer in the T20 World Cups too. He scored 717 runs in 30 matches at a strike rate of 143.40, dominating the best bowling attacks.

Further Read: 10 Highest Partnership in Test Cricket History

10. Kane Williamson (New Zealand)

A technically sound batsman, Kane Williamson has been a consistent performer for New Zealand in T20 cricket. Scoring 699 runs in 25 matches at an average of 33.28, Williamson’s ability to build partnerships has helped New Zealand significantly in T20 World Cups.

Conclusion

Being among the top run-scorers at ICC events, especially the World Cups, is a huge achievement. The batsmen who are a part of the list of highest run-scorers in the ODI and T20 World Cup showed remarkable composure to deliver match-winning knocks in high-pressure games, and are truly the best in the business.

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