Top 10 Highest Run-Scorers in ODI Cricket History :One-Day International (ODI) cricket is a perfect blend of patience and aggression, and over the decades, only a handful of players have dominated the format consistently. The list of the top 10 highest run-scorers in ODI cricket features some of the greatest batsmen the game has ever seen.
Notably, four Indian players are part of this elite group, highlighting India’s strength in limited-overs cricket. While Sachin Tendulkar set an unbreakable benchmark in runs, Virat Kohli rewrote records with his centuries. Here’s a look at the legends who have made the most runs in ODI cricket.
1. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 18,426 Runs
Known as the ‘God of Cricket,’ Sachin Tendulkar ruled international cricket for 24 years. He holds the record for the most ODI runs, most matches (463), and most half-centuries (96). Tendulkar accumulated a staggering 18,426 runs in his ODI career, making him the highest run-scorer in the history of the format.—
2. Virat Kohli (India) – 14,797 Runs
India’s batting star Virat Kohli holds the record for reaching 10,000, 11,000, 12,000, and 13,000 ODI runs faster than anyone else in the world. He has scored 54 ODI centuries, surpassing Tendulkar’s 49. With 14,797 runs, Kohli is the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history.
3. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 14,234 Runs
Sri Lanka’s legendary batsman Kumar Sangakkara is third on the list. In 404 ODIs, he scored 14,234 runs at an average of 41.98. Sangakkara is also regarded as one of the most successful wicketkeeper-batsmen in cricket history.
4. Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 13,704 Runs
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting is the fourth-highest run-scorer in ODI cricket. Playing 375 matches, Ponting scored 13,704 runs and led Australia to two ODI World Cup victories in 2003 and 2007.
5. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – 13,430 Runs
Sri Lanka’s explosive opener Sanath Jayasuriya scored 13,430 runs in 445 ODIs at an average of 32.36. Jayasuriya is unique for his all-round abilities, having also taken over 300 wickets while amassing more than 13,000 runs.
6. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) – 12,650 Runs
Former Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene played 448 ODIs, scoring 12,650 runs at an average of 33.37. Known for his elegant stroke play, Jayawardene was a mainstay in Sri Lanka’s middle order for years.
7. Inzamam-ul-Haq (Pakistan) – 11,739 Runs
Pakistan legend Inzamam-ul-Haq is seventh on the list with 11,739 runs in 378 ODIs at an average of 39.52. Renowned for his calm demeanor and powerful batting, Inzamam was a key figure in Pakistan’s lineup for years.
8. Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – 11,579 Runs
One of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history, South Africa’s Jacques Kallis scored 11,579 runs in 328 ODIs at an average of 44.36. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball made him a complete cricketer.
9. Rohit Sharma (India) – 11,577 Runs
India’s former captain Rohit Sharma has scored 11,577 runs in 282 ODIs at an impressive average of 48.84. He holds the record for the most double centuries in ODIs, including the highest individual score of 264 runs.
10. Sourav Ganguly (India) – 11,363 Runs
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly accumulated 11,363 runs in 311 ODIs at an average of 41.02. Known as one of India’s most successful leaders, Ganguly’s aggressive batting style changed the way Indian cricket approached limited-overs matches.
This list showcases a blend of skill, consistency, and longevity, highlighting the greatest run-makers in the history of ODI cricket.