List of Players with Most Runs in ODI Cricket

Did you know that the first-ever One-Day International (ODI) cricket match was played as a last-minute replacement for a eliminated Test match? Since then, ODIs have become one of the most exciting formats in cricket.

ODI is a limited overs cricket match in which each team is given a certain number of overs (usually 50) to score as many runs as possible. Unlike Test cricket matches which last up to five days, ODIs offer fast-paced matches with results within a day.

For batsmen, ODIs are a true test of a batsman’s skill and adaptability. Playing a good inning while keeping the scoreboard ticking is not an easy task.

Want to know who comes out on top in this iconic format? Let’s explore the players with the most runs in ODIs who hold a special place in the history of cricket.

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List of players with the most runs in ODI cricket

Below is the list of players with the most runs in the history of ODI cricket. These players have made a lasting impact on the game with their superb batting skills and consistent scoring at the highest level of ODI cricket. The list includes:

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rank

player name

nation

matches

bureau

running

1

Sachin Tendulkar

India

Chapter 463

Chapter 452

18,426

2

Kumar Sangakkara

Sri Lanka

404

380

14,234

3

Virat Kohli

India

295

Chapter 283

13,906

4

Ricky Ponting

Australia

Chapter 375

Chapter 365

13,704

5

Sanat Jayasuriya

Sri Lanka

Chapter 445

Chapter 433

13,430

6

Mahela Jayewardene

Sri Lanka

Chapter 448

Chapter 418

12,650

7

Inzamam Haq

Pakistan

Chapter 378

350

11,739

8

Jacques Callis

South Africa

328

314

11,579

9

Sourav Ganguly

India

311

300

11,363

10

Rahul Dravid

India

Chapter 344

318

10,889

11

Rohit Sharma

India

265

Chapter 257

10,866

12

MS Dhoni

India

350

Chapter 297

10,773

13

Chris Gayle

west indies

301

294

10,480

14

Brian Lara

west indies

299

Chapter 289

10,405

15

Thilakaratne Dilshan

Sri Lanka

330

303

10,290

16

Muhammad Yusuf

Pakistan

288

273

9,720

No. 17

Adam Gilchrist

Australia

Chapter 287

Chapter 279

9,619

18

Villiers

South Africa

228

218

9,577

19

Muhammad Azharuddin

India

Chapter 334

308

9,378

20

Aravinda de Silva

Sri Lanka

308

296

9,284

twenty one

Syed Anwar

Pakistan

Chapter 247

244

8,824

No. 22

Shivnareen Chanderpaul

west indies

268

Chapter 251

8,778

twenty three

Yuvraj Singh

India

304

278

8,701

twenty four

Desmond Haynes

west indies

238

Chapter 237

8,648

25

Ross Taylor

New Zealand

236

220

8,607

Source: ESPNcricinfo

1. Sachin Tendulkar (India)

Sachin Tendulkar, known as the “God of Cricket”, still remains the highest scorer in ODI cricket with 18,426 runs. In his 23-year career (1989-2012), he represented India in 463 matches and displayed unparalleled consistency. Tendulkar’s ability to adapt to different conditions and bowlers made him a global icon.

His 49 centuries and 96 half-centuries highlighted his reliability under pressure. Tendulkar’s iconic double century in ODIs set a benchmark of excellence. Apart from his numbers, he inspired millions with his dedication and humility and made cricket a religion in India.

2. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)

Kumar Sangakkara was a batting maestro who scored 14,234 runs in 404 ODIs during his illustrious career from 2000 to 2015. Known for his elegant batting skills and sharp strategic mind, Sangakkara is the backbone of Sri Lanka’s batting line-up. With 25 centuries and 93 half-centuries, he has consistently performed well under pressure.

His ability to stabilize an innings or accelerate when needed makes him indispensable. Sangakkara was a superb wicketkeeper-batsman whose contributions extended beyond batting as he led Sri Lanka to several memorable victories.

3. Virat Kohli (India)

Virat Kohli, often called the ‘Master of Chase’, is one of the most prolific run-scorers in ODI history. Kohli scored 13,906 runs in 295 games (2008-2024) at an average of 58.18. His aggressive batting style and unparalleled consistency redefined modern cricket.

Kohli’s fifty-century ranking is second only to Tendulkar’s, highlighting his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Known for his fitness and determination, Kohli is a leader on and off the field. His unparalleled ability to chase down the target makes him one of the most feared batsmen in cricket.

4. Ricky Ponting (Australia)

Ricky Ponting is one of the greatest captains in cricket, having scored 13,704 runs in 375 ODI matches between 1995 and 2012. Known for his aggressive stroke play and brilliant tactics, Ponting led Australia to two World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007. His 30 centuries and 82 half-centuries prove his reliability in big matches.

Ponting’s ability to control the bowlers with ease earned him a reputation as a match-winner. Apart from his batting prowess, his leadership qualities have made Australia a powerhouse in cricket.

5. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)

Sanath Jayasuriya revolutionized ODI batting with his aggressive approach in the powerplay. From 1989 to 2011, he redefined the role of the opener by scoring 13,430 runs in 445 games. Jayasuriya is known for his explosive batting and his 28 centuries include many game-changing performances.

His ability to destroy bowlers and score runs quickly made him a fan favorite. Jayasuriya is also an efficient all-rounder and contributes with his left-arm spin. A cornerstone of Sri Lankan cricket, his contributions were instrumental in the team’s rise, especially their victory in the 1996 World Cup.

6. Mahela Jayewardene (Sri Lanka)

Mahela Jayawardene was a graceful and precise batsman who scored 12,650 runs in 448 ODIs during his career from 1998 to 2015. Known for his calm demeanor and stylish approach to batting, Jayawardene excelled in building innings and partnerships.

With 19 centuries and 77 half-centuries, he is a reliable middle-order batsman. His leadership skills shone when he led Sri Lanka to the 2007 World Cup final.

7. Inzamam-ul-Haq (Pakistan)

Inzamam-ul-Haq was Pakistan’s batting stalwart, amassing 11,739 runs in 378 ODI matches between 1991 and 2007. Inzamam is known for his coolness under pressure and was a key player in Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup-winning team.

His 10 centuries and 83 half-centuries highlighted his ability to stabilize innings and perform in high-stakes matches. Inzamam’s ability to perfectly control the tempo of the game and his superb technique targeting rhythm and spin make him a match-winner.

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