Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for scoring the most runs in the ICC Cricket World Cup history. Tendulkar’s dominance remains legendary, with a total of 2,278 runs throughout many World Cup matches.
The ICC Cricket World Cup has been a stage where legendary cricketers have showcased their remarkable talents, leaving an indelible mark on the sport’s history. One of the most coveted records in this prestigious tournament is the title of the top run-scorer. This article looks at the Top 10 Batsmen With the Most Runs in ODI Cricket World Cup History.
1. Sachin Tendulkar – 2278 Runs
Sachin Tendulkar’s illustrious career spanned across six Cricket World Cup editions. Sachin Tendulkar is the undisputed leading run-scorer in the ODI Cricket World Cup history with 2278 runs scored in 44 innings. His incredible consistency is evident from his remarkable average of 56.95, with six centuries and fifteen half-centuries.
2. Ricky Ponting – 1743 Runs
Ricky Ponting’s name is synonymous with World Cup success, and his leadership prowess guided Australia to twin triumphs in 2003 and 2007. Ponting’s World Cup journey spanned five editions, from 1996 to 2011, during which he consistently showcased his batting prowess. He is the second-highest run-scorer in ODI Cricket World Cup history, with 1743 runs scored in 42 innings at an excellent average of 45.86. Among his numerous outstanding innings, his undefeated 140* against India in the 2003 World Cup final remains one of the tournament’s most iconic knocks.
3. Kumar Sangakkara – 1532 Runs
Kumar Sangakkara, the legendary Sri Lankan cricketer, left an indelible mark on the ICC Cricket World Cup with his consistent brilliance. Throughout four editions from 2003 to 2015, Sangakkara showcased his skill as a batsman and a wicketkeeper. He is one of the World Cup’s most successful wicketkeepers, boasting 54 dismissals behind the stumps.
However, it was in the 2015 World Cup that he truly shone. Sangakkara’s extraordinary performance that year saw him score 541 runs with an astonishing average of 108.20, including an unprecedented feat of four consecutive centuries. These exploits propelled him to a total of 1532 runs in World Cup history, an achievement marked by an impressive average of 56.74.
4. Brian Lara – 1225 Runs
Brian Lara, the West Indian cricket legend, made his mark in the ICC Cricket World Cup through five editions from 1992 to 2007. Over this period, he played 34 matches for the West Indies, amassing 1225 runs with an impressive average of 42.24. Lara’s World Cup journey was adorned with significant contributions, including two centuries and seven half-centuries.
5. AB de Villiers – 1207 Runs
AB de Villiers, the dynamic South African cricketer, showcased his extraordinary talent in three ICC Cricket World Cup editions from 2007 to 2015. Over his World Cup journey, de Villiers accumulated 1207 runs in 22 innings at a remarkable average of 63.52. His standout performance came in the 2015 World Cup, where he etched his name in the tournament’s history with 482 runs. Among his many memorable innings, one that stands out is his explosive 162 against West Indies in the 2015 World Cup, which is the fastest 150 in ODI history.
Top 10 Most Runs in ODI Cricket World Cup History
Here is the list of the most runs scorers in the ODI Cricket World Cup:
| Rank | Player Name | Matches | Innings | Runs | Avg. | 100 | 50 |
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | 45 | 44 | 2278 | 56.95 | 6 | 15 |
| 2 | Ricky Ponting | 46 | 42 | 1743 | 45.86 | 5 | 6 |
| 3 | Kumar Sangakkara | 37 | 35 | 1532 | 56.74 | 5 | 7 |
| 4 | Brian Lara | 34 | 33 | 1225 | 42.24 | 2 | 7 |
| 5 | AB de Villiers | 23 | 22 | 1207 | 63.52 | 4 | 6 |
| 6 | Chris Gayle | 35 | 34 | 1186 | 35.93 | 2 | 6 |
| 7 | Sanath Jayasuriya | 38 | 37 | 1165 | 34.26 | 3 | 6 |
| 8 | Jacques Kallis | 36 | 32 | 1148 | 45.92 | 1 | 9 |
| 9 | Shakib Al Hasan | 29 | 29 | 1146 | 45.84 | 2 | 10 |
| 10 | Tillakaratne Dilshan | 27 | 25 | 1112 | 52.95 | 4 | 4 |
