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The Cricket World Cup, held every four years, is the pinnacle event in One Day International (ODI) cricket.
Since its inception in 1975, it has witnessed some of the greatest batsmen showcase their talent on the grandest stage. This list explores the top 10 batsmen with the most runs scored in the Cricket World Cup, considering only editions played with the current 50-over format (introduced in 1987).
1. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 2278 Runs
The “Master Blaster,” Sachin Tendulkar, sits atop this prestigious list with a staggering 2278 runs across six World Cup appearances (1992-2011).
He holds the record for most centuries (6) and fifties (15) in the World Cup, a testament to his consistency. His highest score of 155 came against South Africa in the 2003 World Cup, where he also holds the record for most runs scored in a single edition (673).
Tendulkar’s longevity, elegance, and big-match temperament make him the undisputed king of World Cup run-scorers.
2. Virat Kohli (India) – 1795 Runs
Following in the footsteps of his idol Tendulkar is the aggressive Indian batsman Virat Kohli. In just four World Cups (2011-2023), Kohli has amassed 1795 runs, showcasing his phenomenal batting prowess.
He boasts an impressive average of 59.83 and a strike rate of 88.20, indicating his ability to score quickly while maintaining stability. Kohli’s highest score of 136 came against West Indies in the 2019 World Cup, and he is still an active player, with the potential to climb further on this list.
3. Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 1743 Runs
The former Australian captain, Ricky Ponting, was a prolific run-scorer across formats, and the World Cup was no exception.
He accumulated 1088 runs in five World Cups (1996-2011), playing the most matches (46) in World Cup history. Ponting’s leadership qualities shone alongside his batting brilliance, as he captained Australia to two World Cup victories (2003 & 2007).
His highest score of 140* came against India in the 2003 final, a knock that epitomized his ability to perform under pressure.
4. Rohit Sharma (India) – 1575 Runs
The explosive Indian opener, Rohit Sharma, is a recent addition to this elite list. In just three World Cups (2015-2023), Sharma has amassed 1575 runs, displaying his power-hitting prowess.
He holds the record for the highest individual score in a World Cup match (264) against Sri Lanka in 2015. Sharma’s ability to provide quick starts and build big partnerships makes him a vital asset for the Indian batting line-up.
5. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 1532 Runs
Sri Lanka’s batting maestro, Kumar Sangakkara, was renowned for his elegant strokeplay and exceptional consistency. He scored 1532 runs across four World Cups (2003-2015), with a remarkable average of 57.61.
Sangakkara’s highest score of 124 came against Scotland in the 2015 World Cup final, a match Sri Lanka narrowly lost. He was a vital cog in Sri Lanka’s successful 2015 campaign, where they emerged champions.
6. David Warner (Australia) – 1527 Runs
David Warner’s highest score in a Cricket World Cup match came in the 2015 edition against Afghanistan. He blazed a trail, scoring a magnificent 178 runs off just 133 balls.
This knock not only became his personal best in the World Cup but was also the highest score by an Australian batsman in the tournament’s history at that time.
7. Shakib al Hasan (Bangladesh) – 1332 Runs
From 2007 to the 2023 Cricket World Cup Shakib al Hasan managed to score 1332 runs through the World Cup and scored his highest 124 off 99 balls against West Indies leading Bangladesh to win by 7 wickets (with 51 balls remaining).
8. Brian Lara ( West Indies) – 1225 Runs
Brian Lara, the legendary West Indian batsman, had a mixed record in the Cricket World Cup. While he was undoubtedly a batting maestro, his World Cup performances didn’t quite match his overall brilliance.pen_spark
Lara played in four World Cups (1992, 1996, 1999, 2007) across 14 matches. He scored 1225 runs at an average of 42.24, with a highest score of 116. These are decent numbers, but they don’t quite reflect his peak as one of the greatest batsmen.
9. AB de Villiers (South Africa) – 1207 Runs
AB de Villiers, the legendary South African batsman, has had some incredible performances in Cricket World Cups. However, his highest score wasn’t just a high score, it was an innings etched in history.
During the 2015 World Cup, facing the West Indies, de Villiers unleashed an unimaginable knock. He smashed a staggering 162 runs in just 66 balls! This awe-inspiring display of power hitting not only led South Africa to their second-highest World Cup total ever (408), but it also earned de Villiers several records like the Fastest 50, 100, and 150 in ODI history.
10. Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 1186 Runs
Chris Gayle, the explosive West Indian batsman, holds the record for the highest individual score in a Cricket World Cup match. He achieved this feat in the 2015 World Cup against Zimbabwe at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. His incredible knock amounted to a staggering 215 runs.
Conclusion
The Cricket World Cup has witnessed some of the greatest batting displays in cricketing history. The batsmen on this list have etched their names in World Cup folklore with their phenomenal run-scoring exploits.
As the future of the World Cup unfolds, new players will undoubtedly emerge and challenge these records. However, the contributions of these legendary batsmen will forever be cherished by cricket fans worldwide.
