Top 10 batsmen with most runs in the history of ICC Cricket World Cup

Batsmen who have scored most runs in the history of ICC Cricket World Cup.

In the illustrious history of the ICC Cricket World Cup, certain batsmen have left an indelible mark by accumulating staggering run tallies across various editions of the tournament. These prolific run-scorers have etched their names in cricketing history, their performances standing as a testament to skill, consistency, and the ability to thrive under the intense pressure of a global stage. As we delve into the list of these leading run-getters, their impact on the course of the World Cup's history becomes evident, shaping the tournament's legacy and providing cricket fans with unforgettable moments of batting brilliance.

Now let's dive into the list of the top 10 batsmen with the most runs in the history of the ICC Cricket World Cup.

10. Chris Gayle (West Indies) - 1186 runs :

Chris Gayle, the explosive West Indian batsman, made a significant impact featuring in 35 matches ICC Cricket World Cup career from 2003 to 2019, scoring 1186 runs with a highest score of 215.

His consistent performance, reflected in an average of 35.93 and a brisk strike rate of 90.53, established him as one of the most influential and entertaining batsmen in the cricket world, recording two centuries and six half-centuries.

9. AB de Villiers (South Africa) - 1207 runs :

AB de Villiers, the exceptional South African cricketer, showcased his brilliance in the ICC Cricket World Cup with 1207 runs in 23 matches. His highest score was 162, highlighted his ability to play long innings and guide the team to success.

De Villiers' remarkable consistency, boasting an average of 63.52 and a strike rate of 117.29, reinforced his status as one of the most skilled and impactful batsmen, recording four centuries and six half-centuries.

8. Brian Lara (West Indies) - 1225 runs :

Brian Lara, the legendary West Indian batsman, added flair and elegance to the ICC Cricket World Cup over 34 matches. Accumulating 1225 runs with a highest score of 116, Lara's batting was characterized by grace and strokeplay. His average of 42.24 and strike rate of 86.26 reflected his impact as one of the leading batsmen for West Indies.

Lara's two centuries and seven half-centuries played a crucial role in shaping West Indies' campaigns in the ICC Cricket World Cup, solidifying his status as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history.

7. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) - 1332 runs :

Shakib Al Hasan, the versatile Bangladeshi all-rounder, showcased his batting capabilities in the ICC Cricket World Cup. In 36 matches, Shakib scored 1332 runs, with a highest score of 124*. His ability to contribute effectively with the bat was evident in an average of 41.62 and a strike rate of 82.27. Notably, Shakib Al Hasan scored 606 runs in 8 innings in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, becoming only fifth batsman to hit over 600 runs in a tournament.

Shakib's two centuries and eleven half-centuries reflected his importance as a reliable middle-order batsman for Bangladesh, making significant contributions to their World Cup campaigns.

6. David Warner (Australia) - 1520 runs :

David Warner, the explosive Australian opener, brought his dynamic and aggressive batting style to the ICC Cricket World Cup. Over 28 matches, Warner accumulated 1520 runs, including the highest score of 178. His aggressive intent was reflected in a stellar average of 58.46 and a strike rate of 101.19.

Warner's contributions were vital in setting the tone for Australia's innings, and his six centuries and five half-centuries showcased his ability to dominate opposition bowling attacks.

5. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) - 1532 runs :

Kumar Sangakkara, a cricketing statesman and former Sri Lankan captain, graced the ICC Cricket World Cup with his stylish and composed batting. Over 37 matches, Sangakkara accumulated 1532 runs, with the highest score of 124. His innings were marked by finesse, and his average of 56.74 and strike rate of 86.55 showcased his ability to play crucial innings under pressure.

Sangakkara's five centuries and seven half-centuries played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka's campaigns, making him one of their most dependable batsmen. Out of his five centuries, four came in consecutive matches in the last edition he played in 2015.

4. Rohit Sharma (India) - 1575 runs :

Rohit Sharma, Indian captain, made a significant impact in the ICC Cricket World Cup with his aggressive and prolific run-scoring ability. In 28 matches, Sharma scored 1575 runs, displaying his ability to score big and at a brisk pace. His highest score of 140, combined with an exceptional average of 61.12 and a strike rate of 104.51, showcased his dominance at the top of the order.

Sharma's seven centuries and six half-centuries highlighted his consistency and ability to provide India with strong starts.

3. Ricky Ponting (Australia) - 1743 runs :

Ricky Ponting, a cricketing titan and former Australian captain, played a pivotal role in Australia's World Cup dominance. Over 46 matches, Ponting amassed 1743 runs, with the highest score of 140*. His performances reflected not only his ability to stabilize the innings but also his ability to play aggressive, impactful innings when needed.

Ponting's average of 45.86 and strike rate of 79.95 showcased his adaptability, and his five centuries and six half-centuries were crucial in steering Australia to multiple World Cup victories.

2. Virat Kohli (India) - 1795 runs :

Virat Kohli, the modern-day batting maestro and former captain of the Indian cricket team, demonstrated his class in the ICC Cricket World Cup. In 36 matches, Kohli accumulated 1795 runs at an impressive average of 60.03. His highest score of 117 showcased his ability to control and guide the innings. Kohli's strike rate of 88.27 reflected his dynamism and intent on the field.

With five centuries and twelve half-centuries, Kohli played a pivotal role in anchoring India's batting and setting high standards for run-scoring in the tournament.

1. Sachin Tendulkar (India) - 2278 runs :

Sachin Tendulkar, often hailed as "Master Blaster," left an indelible mark on the ICC Cricket World Cup with his elegant and explosive batting. Over the course of 45 matches, Tendulkar showcased his cricketing genius by amassing a staggering 2278 runs. His highest score of 152 exemplified his ability to anchor innings and playing match-defining knocks. Tendulkar's consistency was underscored by an impressive average of 56.95 and a strike rate of 89.98.

His six centuries and fifteen half-centuries in World Cup cricket stand testament to his enduring class and impact on Indian team.

(All stats updated till 16th November, 2023)