Most Runs In ODI Cricket (2024 Updated)

One-Day International (ODI) cricket has seen remarkable batting performances over the years. This article delves into the statistical marvels of ODI batting, focusing on three key areas: the highest career run-scorers, the most prolific run-getters in a single series, and the top individual innings scores. 

We’ll explore the records set by cricket legends and rising stars, showcasing the evolution of ODI batting and the incredible feats achieved on the international stage.

Most Runs In ODI Cricket: Career

The hallmark of a great ODI batsman is consistency and longevity. Over the years, several players have amassed impressive run tallies, etching their names in cricket history. 

Let’s look at the top 20 run-scorers in ODI cricket:

Rank	Player	Team	Span	Runs	Matches	Innings	Highest Score	Strike Rate	Not Out
1	Sachin Tendulkar	India	1989-2012	18426	463	452	200*	86.23	41
2	Kumar Sangakkara	Sri Lanka	2000-2015	14234	404	380	169	78.86	41
3	Virat Kohli	India	2008-2024	13906	295	283	183	93.54	44
4	Ricky Ponting	Australia	1995-2012	13704	375	365	164	80.39	39
5	Sanath Jayasuriya	Sri Lanka	1989-2011	13430	445	433	189	91.20	18
6	Mahela Jayawardene	Sri Lanka	1998-2015	12650	448	418	144	78.96	39
7	Inzamam-ul-Haq	Pakistan	1991-2007	11739	378	350	137*	74.24	53
8	Jacques Kallis	South Africa	1996-2014	11579	328	314	139	72.89	53
9	Sourav Ganguly	India	1992-2007	11363	311	300	183	73.70	23
10	Rahul Dravid	India	1996-2011	10889	344	318	153	71.23	40
11	Rohit Sharma	India	2007-2024	10866	265	257	264	92.43	36
12	MS Dhoni	India	2004-2019	10773	350	297	183*	87.56	84
13	Chris Gayle	West Indies	1999-2019	10480	301	294	215	87.19	17
14	Brian Lara	West Indies	1990-2007	10405	299	289	169	79.51	32
15	Tillakaratne Dilshan	Sri Lanka	1999-2016	10290	330	303	161*	86.23	41
16	Mohammad Yousuf	Pakistan	1998-2010	9720	288	273	141*	75.10	40
17	Adam Gilchrist	Australia	1996-2008	9619	287	279	172	96.94	11
18	AB de Villiers	South Africa	2005-2018	9577	228	218	176	101.09	39
19	Mohammad Azharuddin	India	1985-2000	9378	334	308	153*	74.02	54
20	Aravinda de Silva	Sri Lanka	1984-2003	9284	308	296	145	81.13	30

This table showcases the cream of ODI batting talent. Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 18,426 runs stands tall, proof of his skill and longevity. The list features players from various eras, each leaving an indelible mark on the game. Virat Kohli’s high strike rate and average highlight the evolution of ODI batting, while MS Dhoni’s impressive number of not-outs underlines his finishing prowess.

Most Runs In An ODI Series

While career statistics show overall consistency, performances in a single series can demonstrate a player’s ability to dominate opposition over a short period. 

Here are the top 10 run-scorers in a single ODI series:

Rank	Player	Team	Mat	Runs	Series	HS	Avg	100s	50s
1	Virat Kohli	India	11	765	WC 2023	117	95.62	3	6
2	Greg Chappell	Australia	14	686	B&H WS 1980-81	138*	68.60	1	5
3	Sachin Tendulkar	India	11	673	WC 2002	152	61.18	1	6
4	Matthew Hayden	Australia	11	659	WC 2006	158	73.22	3	1
5	Viv Richards	West Indies	13	651	B&H WS 1984-85	103*	65.10	1	5
6	Rohit Sharma	India	9	648	WC 2019	140	81.00	5	1
7	David Warner	Australia	10	647	WC 2019	166	71.88	3	3
8	Shakib Al Hasan	Bangladesh	8	606	WC 2019	124*	86.57	2	5
9	Sean Williams	Zimbabwe	7	600	WC Qualifier 2023	174	100.00	3	2
10	Rohit Sharma	India	11	597	WC 2023	131	54.27	1	3

Virat Kohli’s 765 runs in the 2023/24 ICC Cricket World Cup stands out as an exceptional achievement. The table shows how modern batsmen like Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and David Warner have raised the bar in tournament performances. Sean Williams’ average of 100 in a series demonstrates how players from smaller cricketing nations can also produce world-class performances.

Most Runs In An ODI Match

Individual high scores in ODIs have been constantly rising, with the current record being an astonishing 264. 

Here are the top 10 highest individual scores in ODI cricket:

Rank	Player	Team	Runs	Venue	Venuev	Date
1	Rohit Sharma	India	264	Sri Lanka	Eden Gardens	13 Nov 2014
2	Martin Guptill	New Zealand	237*	West Indies	Wellington	21 Mar 2015
3	Virender Sehwag	India	219	West Indies	Indore	08 Dec 2011
4	Chris Gayle	West Indies	215	Zimbabwe	Canberra	24 Feb 2015
5	Fakhar Zaman	Pakistan	210*	Zimbabwe	Bulawayo	20 Jul 2018
6	Pathum Nissanka	Sri Lanka	210*	Afghanistan	Pallekele	09 Feb 2024
7	Ishan Kishan	India	210	Bangladesh	Chattogram	10 Dec 2022
8	Rohit Sharma	India	209	Australia	Bengaluru	02 Nov 2013
9	Rohit Sharma	India	208*	Sri Lanka	Mohali	13 Dec 2017
10	Shubman Gill	India	208	New Zealand	Hyderabad	18 Jan 2023

Rohit Sharma’s 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014 remains the pinnacle of ODI batting. It’s noteworthy that three of the top 10 scores belong to Sharma, showcasing his ability to play long, dominating innings. The presence of relatively new names like Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill indicates that the trend of high individual scores is likely to continue.

Related Posts:

• Most Runs In Test Cricket
• Most Hundreds In IPL History

Conclusion: Sachin Tendulkar Holds The Record For Most Runs In The ODI

The evolution of ODI batting is evident in these records. From Sachin Tendulkar’s career longevity to Virat Kohli’s series dominance and Rohit Sharma’s mammoth individual scores, we see how the game has transformed. Modern batsmen are scoring faster and bigger than ever before, aided by improved fitness, innovative shot-making, and more batting-friendly conditions.

These records not only celebrate individual brilliance but also reflect the changing face of ODI cricket. As the game continues to evolve, we can expect these records to be challenged and possibly broken. The pursuit of runs in ODI cricket remains as exciting as ever, with each generation of players pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with the bat.