|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Cricket World Cup is the pinnacle of One Day International cricket, where legends are forged and records are broken. The one for the most runs scored throughout the tournament’s history holds a special place among these records.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 highest run scorers in World Cup history who have piled on the runs in the World Cup and become permanent fixtures in the record books.
1. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 2278 Runs
The “Master Blaster,” Sachin Tendulkar, sits comfortably at the top of this elite list. The Indian batting maestro holds numerous World Cup records, including the most runs (2278) across six World Cups (a record he shares with Javed Miandad) and the most fifties (15).
Tendulkar’s consistency was phenomenal, averaging a healthy 56.95 with six centuries. His ability to dominate attacks and build partnerships made him a nightmare for bowlers on the biggest stage.
2. Virat Kohli (India) – 1795 Runs
Following his idol Tendulkar is another Indian stalwart, Virat Kohli. The former Indian captain has been a prolific run scorer in World Cups, amassing 1795 runs at a remarkable average of 59.83. Kohli’s aggressive batting style and hunger for runs have enthralled fans worldwide.
He holds the record for the most centuries (5) in a single World Cup edition (2019). With age on his side, Kohli has the potential to climb even higher on this list in future tournaments.
3. Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 1743 Runs
The Australian legend, Ricky Ponting, was a pillar of consistency in World Cups. Playing in five tournaments (1996-2011), Ponting amassed 1743 runs at a decent average of 40.71.
He holds the record for most World Cup appearances (46) and is the only player to captain his team to victory in three World Cups (1999, 2003, and 2007). Ponting’s leadership and ability to perform under pressure made him a true World Cup great.
4. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 1532 Runs
The elegant Sri Lankan batsman, Kumar Sangakkara, was a marvel of consistency across all formats. He mirrored that brilliance in World Cups, scoring 1532 runs at an average of 46.00.
Sangakkara’s ability to play long innings and anchor the Sri Lankan batting line-up was crucial in their journey to the 2011 World Cup final. He is also the only player to score four consecutive centuries in World Cups.
5. David Warner (Australia) – 1520 Runs
The explosive Australian opener, David Warner, has been a force to be reckoned with in recent World Cups. His aggressive batting style and ability to take the attack to the bowlers from the very first ball have made him a nightmare for the opposition.
Warner has amassed 1520 runs in just three World Cup appearances (2015, 2019, 2023) at a staggering average of 54.14. With more World Cups to come, Warner has the potential to climb even higher on this list.
6. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) – 1332 Runs
The evergreen Bangladeshi all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, has been a consistent performer in World Cups. He is the only player from his nation to feature in this elite list, scoring 1332 runs at an average of 47.79.
Shakib’s contributions extend beyond batting, as he is also a handy left-arm spinner. His all-around abilities have been instrumental in Bangladesh’s rise in ODI cricket.
7. Brian Lara (West Indies) – 1225 Runs
The Caribbean legend, Brian Lara, was known for his flamboyant strokeplay and ability to single-handedly win matches. He showcased this brilliance in World Cups, scoring 1225 runs at a healthy average of 44.46. Lara’s highest score of 153* against Sri Lanka in the 1996 World Cup remains a memorable performance.
8. AB de Villiers (South Africa) – 1207 Runs
The South African phenomenon, AB de Villiers, was a complete package – a 360-degree batsman with exceptional fielding and wicketkeeping abilities.
He translated his talent into World Cup success, scoring 1207 runs at a blistering average of 50.30. De Villiers was known for his unorthodox strokeplay and ability to innovate on the field. His innings of 163* against West Indies in the 2015 World Cup is a testament to his power-hitting.
9. Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 1186 Runs
The “Universe Boss,” Chris Gayle, is a T20 legend, but his impact extends to World Cups as well. The left-handed opener is known for his power-hitting ability to dismantle bowling attacks in the powerplay.
He has scored 1186 runs in four World Cup appearances (2007, 2011, 2015, 2019) at an average of 42.09. Gayle’s sixes and his larger-than-life personality make him a fan favourite in World Cups.
10. Kane Williamson (New Zealand) – 1134 Runs
The New Zealand captain, Kane Williamson, is the epitome of elegance and composure at the crease. He has been a vital cog in New Zealand’s batting line-up in recent World Cups, scoring 1134 runs at a healthy average of 47.50.
Williamson’s leadership and ability to build partnerships were crucial in guiding New Zealand to the 2015 World Cup final and the 2019 World Cup victory.
This list showcases the batting prowess of some of the greatest cricketers to have graced the World Cup stage. These players have not only scored crucial runs but have also provided fans with unforgettable moments with their skill and determination.
As the World Cup continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see which new batting talents emerge and etch their names on this prestigious list in the years to come.
