Top 10 Batsmen with the Most Runs in Cricket World Cup

The Most Runs in Cricket World Cup is an achievement that every batter dreams of. The Cricket World Cup is the biggest stage in the sport, where legends are made, and records are broken. Scoring heavily in this prestigious tournament not only brings individual glory but also plays a vital role in a team’s success. Over the years, many remarkable players have left their mark by accumulating huge numbers of runs. Here is the complete list of the top 10 cricketers who have scored the Most Runs in Cricket World Cup, counting down from 10 to 1.

List of 10 Batsmen with the Most Runs in Cricket World Cup History

10. Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle, the destructive opener from the West Indies, became famous for his fearless batting in World Cups from 2003 to 2019. When it comes to the Most Runs in Cricket World Cup, Gayle stands tall with his exceptional power-hitting. In 35 matches, he batted 34 times and scored a total of 1186 runs with an average of 35.93. His highest score in the tournament remains an unforgettable 215, the first double century in World Cup history. Gayle’s impact was also seen through his strike rate of 90.53, and he smashed 116 fours and 49 sixes, making him one of the tournament’s most feared batters Most Runs in Cricket World Cup.

Player	Span	Matches	Runs
Chris Gayle	2003-2019	35	1186

9. AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers, the charismatic South African batsman, is another name that shines when talking about the Most Runs in Cricket World Cup. He represented South Africa between 2007 and 2015, playing 23 matches and scoring 1207 runs with an extraordinary average of 63.52. His highest score of 162* reflects his ability to dominate bowling attacks. De Villiers maintained a brilliant strike rate of 117.29, the best among the top ten. His performance, including four centuries and six fifties, established him as a consistent and explosive World Cup player.

Player	Span	Matches	Runs
AB de Villiers	2007-2015	23	1207

8. Brian Lara

Brian Lara, one of the most stylish batsmen from the West Indies, carved his name in the record books with the Most Runs in Cricket World Cup. Participating between 1992 and 2007, Lara played 34 matches and accumulated 1225 runs at an average of 42.24. He recorded a highest score of 116 and maintained a strike rate of 86.26. His elegant stroke play brought two centuries and seven fifties, making him a vital contributor to the West Indies batting lineup in multiple World Cups.

Player	Span	Matches	Runs
Brian Lara	1992-2007	34	1225

7. Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib Al Hasan, the legendary all-rounder from Bangladesh, made his mark in the Most Runs in Cricket World Cup tally. From 2007 to 2023, Shakib featured in 36 matches and amassed 1332 runs with an average of 41.62. His best World Cup score is an unbeaten 124, showcasing his maturity as a batter. With a strike rate of 82.27, Shakib’s contribution was not just in scoring runs but also in holding the innings together. He also delivered with two centuries and eleven fifties, becoming Bangladesh’s most prolific World Cup run-scorer.

Player	Span	Matches	Runs
Shakib Al Hasan	2007-2023	36	1332

6. David Warner

David Warner, the Australian opener known for his aggressive batting, ranks high in the Most Runs in Cricket World Cup standings. Playing from 2015 to 2023, Warner participated in 29 matches and scored 1527 runs with a phenomenal average of 56.55. His highest World Cup score is 178, a testament to his ability to dominate bowlers. Warner played with a strike rate of 101.46, hitting six centuries and five half-centuries. His approach set the tone for Australia’s innings, making him a key player in recent tournaments.

Player	Span	Matches	Runs
David Warner	2015-2023	29	1527

5. Kumar Sangakkara

Kumar Sangakkara, the elegant left-handed batsman from Sri Lanka, left a lasting impression with the Most Runs in Cricket World Cup during his career spanning from 2003 to 2015. In 37 matches, Sangakkara scored 1532 runs at an impressive average of 56.74. His top score of 124 and a strike rate of 86.55 reflect his balance between aggression and composure. With five centuries and seven fifties, Sangakkara’s graceful batting made him a pillar for Sri Lanka in the World Cup.

Player	Span	Matches	Runs
Kumar Sangakkara	2003-2015	37	1532

4. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma, one of India’s most successful openers, made a huge impact on the Most Runs in Cricket World Cup rankings. Between 2015 and 2023, Rohit played 28 matches and scored 1575 runs at a stellar average of 60.57. His highest score in the tournament is 140, and his strike rate stands at an aggressive 105.49. What makes Rohit’s record even more remarkable is his seven centuries, the most by any player in a single World Cup edition. His attacking yet composed approach helped India gain early advantages in their innings.

Player	Span	Matches	Runs
Rohit Sharma	2015-2023	28	1575

3. Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting, the former Australian captain, is a prominent name in the Most Runs in Cricket World Cup history. His World Cup journey from 1996 to 2011 saw him play 46 matches, scoring 1743 runs with an average of 45.86. Ponting’s highest score was an unbeaten 140, and he maintained a strike rate of 79.95. His five centuries and six fifties were crucial in leading Australia to multiple World Cup victories. Ponting’s leadership combined with his batting made him an irreplaceable asset for his team.

Player	Span	Matches	Runs
Ricky Ponting	1996-2011	46	1743

2. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli stands proudly near the top when discussing the Most Runs in Cricket World Cup. From 2011 to 2023, Kohli featured in 37 matches, scoring 1795 runs at an average of 59.83. His highest World Cup score is 117, accompanied by a strike rate of 88.20. With five centuries and twelve fifties, Kohli has been India’s reliable run-scorer, especially while chasing targets. His consistency and hunger for runs made him one of the best players in World Cup history.

Player	Span	Matches	Runs
Virat Kohli	2011-2023	37	1795

1. Sachin Tendulkar

Topping the list of the Most Runs in Cricket World Cup is the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. Representing India between 1992 and 2011, Tendulkar played 45 matches and scored a staggering 2278 runs with an average of 56.95. His highest score in the tournament was 152, and he maintained a strike rate of 88.98. Sachin registered six centuries and fifteen fifties, a record that still stands unbeaten. His 241 boundaries and 27 sixes made him the ultimate run machine in the history of World Cups.

Player	Span	Matches	Runs
Sachin Tendulkar	1992-2011	45	2278

The Most Runs in Cricket World Cup is a title that showcases the brilliance and endurance of the world’s finest cricketers. From Sachin Tendulkar’s record-breaking numbers to Kohli’s consistency and Gayle’s power-hitting, each player on this list has contributed to unforgettable moments in cricket history. These batters not only excelled individually but also played crucial roles in their team’s World Cup journeys. As cricket evolves, future tournaments may see new names, but these legends have set benchmarks that will inspire generations to come.

Top 10 Batsmen with the Most Runs in Cricket World Cup History