Highest Runs in ODI Cricket

An ODI cricket match isn't just a test of aggressive batting, but also of consistency, fitness, and understanding of the game. The only players who can contribute through the highest runs in ODI cricket to their team's performance over a long period of time under varying conditions are considered successful. The highest ODI run figure tells the story of a batsman's ability to play long innings and remain a run machine for years.

There are some batsmen who have redefined records, where they scored the highest runs in one day cricket history, not only achieved personal milestones, but also led their teams to many memorable victories.

While discussing most runs in ODI cricket, it becomes important to mention those batsmen who have scored runs consistently at the international level for years.

It is not easy to score runs consistently on the international stage, but still, some players have risen to the challenge. The career achievements of the batsmen also include their most odi runs in international cricket, which are an inspiration for young players. The performance of these legends proves that most runs in international cricket ODIs are not just stats but the result of years of hard work and dedication.

List of Players with the Highest Runs in ODI History 

This journey of the most runs in one day cricket history has seen many players who redefined the game with their batting. Whether it's the ODI World Cup most runs or the most runs in a odi series, these players have set new records. The biggest benchmark for consistency and longevity in cricket is scoring the most runs in ODIs because of run-scoring ability.

Whenever we talk about the most runs in cricket ODI, this points to those extraordinary journeys of brilliant performers whose consistent performances have shaped the history of ODI cricket. There are a few names of ODI most runs batsman comes in mind who have shown consistency and dominance for years. Fans often look at the records list of ODI most runs and the highest ODI runs to understand which era saw the most runs and the highest runs in ODI cricket.

Who tops the ODI most runs list? Never a disappointment. It's always Sachin Tendulkar, known as the "God of Cricket," who holds the unbroken record for most runs odi cricket. He set a benchmark for most international odi runs, which is a monumental achievement for any player. His career runs are the highest ODI runs among all players.

Sachin Tendulkar - 18426 Runs in 463 Matches

The legendary Sachin Tendulkar spent 23 years in ODI cricket, and holds the odi cricket most runs of all time, which has not been broken by any batsman till now. Sachin Tendulkar scored the highest runs in ODI cricket with 18,426 runs in 463 matches from 1989 to 2012. He is renowned for his technique and consistency with 2,016 fours and 195 sixes. Sachin Tendulkar leads the list of most runs in ODI history, and his image is a source of inspiration for all cricket fans. 

On 24 February 2010, Sachin Tendulkar played against South Africa in Gwalior and scored a historic 200 runs, which remains the most runs ODI cricket innings. In the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup, his ICC most runs in ODI series are 673 in 11 matches, which records his performance as one of the most runs in ODI series.

Virat Kohli - 14797 runs in 311 Matches

Virat Kohli has scored the most runs in odi match with 14,797 runs in 311 matches, including 1,376 fours and 168 sixes. He ranked in second position in the most runs in ODI list. His most runs in ODI international match led India to victory in many difficult chases. His consistency and hunger for runs make him the most run scorer in odi. This has made him one of the most formidable ODI batsmen of the modern era. In the 2023-24 Cricket World Cup, Virat Kohli achieved the feat of ICC ODI most runs by playing a brilliant inning of 765 runs in 11 matches, and with this performance, he established himself in a special position in the most ODI runs list.

Kumar Sangakkara - 14234 runs in 404 Matches

Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka has scored the highest ODI run 14,234, in 404 matches. He is third in the list of most odi runs in cricket, having scored 1,385 fours and 88 sixes. His style is both fast and balanced, making him one of the leading one day most runs scorers. The ability of Kumar Sangakkara to anchor an innings and score quickly has earned him third place for the highest runs in one day cricket. This has strengthened his reputation as one of Sri Lanka's best ODI players.

Ricky Ponting - 13704 runs in 375 Matches

Ricky Ponting from Australia has scored 13,704 runs in 375 ODIs, making him the most odi runs in international cricket. He won many matches for his team with 1,231 fours and 162 sixes. Ricky Ponting's ability ranks him high in the list of most runs in international cricket in odi and he is considered the greatest batsman of modern Australian cricket. Ricky Ponting held the most runs scored in ODI World Cups by playing 46 matches, scoring 1,743 runs, which shows his consistency and batting skill.

Sanath Jayasuriya - 13430 runs in 445 Matches

Sanath Jayasuriya scored 13,430 runs in 445 ODIs, with a strike rate of 91.20. He leads the all-time list for the most international runs in odi with 1,500 fours and 270 sixes. His attacking ability and consistency in the initial overs also help him to achieve most runs in cricket odi and his name is immortalised in Sri Lanka's ODI history.

Mahela Jayawardene - 12650 Runs in 448 Matches

Mahela Jayawardene scored 12,650 runs in 448 ODIs, including 1,119 fours and 76 sixes. He is known for his strategic and calm batting and holds the record for most ODI runs. Mahela Jayawardene's ability to accelerate and finish innings strongly ensures the highest runs in ODI cricket, making him an important pillar of Sri Lankan cricket history.

Inzamam-ul-Haq - 11739 Runs in 378 Matches

Inzamam-ul-Haq has been recognised for the most runs in odi and scored 11,739 runs in 378 ODIs, including 971 fours and 144 sixes. His ability to play in the overs helps him to score top runs in ODI. Inzamam-ul-Haq continued one day most runs for the Pakistan team, and his name is secure in the list of most runs in ODI cricket.

Jacques Kallis - 11579 Runs in 328 Matches

Jacques Kallis of South Africa has scored 11,579 runs in 328 ODIs and holds the record of most runs in one day cricket, including 911 fours and 137 sixes. He is included in the list of the most runs in ODI cricket. Jacques Kallis’s balanced and powerful batting style also makes him a key player for the most odi runs in cricket, and he is considered one of the best ODI batsmen in the world.

Rohit Sharma - 11577 Runs in 282 Matches

India's Rohit Sharma has scored 11,577 runs in 282 ODIs, including 1,090 fours and 357 sixes. He is one of the players who holds the record for most runs in ODI international cricket, thanks to his record double centuries and impressive performances in big matches. His batting and running ability earn him the top spot in most runs in odi and he is remembered for his impressive innings in limited-overs cricket. Rohit Sharma’s most score in ODI is 264 against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens on 13 November 2014, which is widely regarded as the record for the highest runs in one day cricket in a single innings. He hit 33 fours and 9 sixes in 173 balls with a strike rate of 152.60. This innings became a benchmark in ODI cricket, where Rohit Sharma dominated the match and delivered a memorable performance.

Sourav Ganguly - 11363 Runs in 311 Matches

Sourav Ganguly scored 11,363 runs in 311 ODIs, including 1,122 fours and 190 sixes. His aggressive leadership and batting style have led him to the top runs in ODI. Sourav Ganguly's style of playing makes him a batsman with the most odi runs. The left-handed batsman also scored consistently abroad, leading India to several historic victories.

Discover the complete list of the highest runs in ODI cricket here. Let's feel the heat! Just watch IPL head to head stats, sports news, cricket news, with live scores only on Sports Yaari.