The fastest 2000 runs in ODI cricket are a mark of true excellence. Few players manage to reach this milestone quickly, proving their ability and consistency on the field.
This blog highlights the top cricketers who reached 2000 runs in the fewest matches. Discover their achievements, the pace at which they scored, and the memorable performances that helped them set this record.
Top 10 Players with Fastest 2000 Runs in ODI Cricket
Many players have scored 2000 runs in ODI cricket, but only a few have done it faster than the rest. These cricketers showed amazing skill, consistency, and determination to reach this milestone in the fewest matches.
In this section, we will look at the top 10 players with the fastest 2000 runs in ODI cricket, their records, the number of matches they took, and the incredible performances that helped them achieve this feat.
| Rank | Player | Time Taken | Matches | Innings |
| 1 | Shubman Gill (IND) | 4y 264d | 38 | 38 |
| 2 | HM Amla (SA) | 2y 318d | 41 | 40 |
| 3 | Zaheer Abbas (PAK) | 9y 32d | 45 | 45 |
| 4 | KP Pietersen (ENG/ICC) | 2y 144d | 51 | 45 |
| 5 | Babar Azam (PAK) | 3y 108d | 47 | 45 |
| 6 | HE van der Dussen (SA) | 4y 266d | 51 | 45 |
| 7 | Imam-ul-Haq (PAK) | 3y 268d | 46 | 46 |
| 8 | IJL Trott (ENG) | 2y 315d | 49 | 47 |
| 9 | SD Hope (WI) | 2y 172d | 51 | 47 |
| 10 | DJ Mitchell (NZ) | 4y 16d | 52 | 47 |
#1. Shubman Gill’s Record-Breaking ODI Journey
Shubman Gill holds the record for the fastest 2000 runs in ODI cricket. He achieved this milestone in just 38 matches and 38 innings, taking 4 years and 264 days since his ODI debut on 31 January 2019. Gill reached this record while playing against New Zealand at Dharamsala on 22 October 2023. Known for his elegant batting and calm approach under pressure, he has consistently impressed fans with his technique and ability to score runs against top teams.
Read More: Fastest 100 Wickets in Test
#2. HM Amla – South Africa’s Record Holder for Fastest 2000 ODI Runs
Hashim Amla became the second fastest player to reach 2000 runs in ODI cricket, achieving this milestone in just 41 matches and 40 innings. He took 2 years and 318 days since his ODI debut on 9 March 2008 to reach 2000 runs, accomplishing it against India at Gqeberha on 21 January 2011. Known for his classy batting and calm approach, Amla consistently anchored innings and showed exceptional skill, making him one of South Africa’s finest white-ball batsmen.
#3. Zaheer Abbas
Zaheer Abbas became the third fastest to reach 2000 runs in ODI cricket, achieving this milestone in 45 matches and 45 innings. It took him 9 years and 32 days since his ODI debut on 31 August 1974, and he reached the record against India at Jaipur on 2 October 1983. Known as the “Asian Bradman,” Zaheer combined elegance and consistency, making him one of the most prolific batsmen of his era.
#4. Kevin Pietersen
Kevin Pietersen became the fourth fastest player to reach 2000 runs in ODI cricket, achieving this milestone in 51 matches and 45 innings. He took 2 years and 144 days since his ODI debut on 28 November 2004 to reach the record against West Indies at Bridgetown on 21 April 2007. Known for his aggressive batting style and ability to dominate bowlers, Pietersen played some of the most memorable innings of his era, making him one of England’s most exciting and impactful white-ball cricketers.
#5. Babar Azam – Pakistan’s Star Batsman
Babar Azam reached 2000 ODI runs in just 47 matches and 45 innings, taking 3 years and 108 days since his debut on 31 May 2015. He achieved this milestone against Hong Kong at Dubai (DICS) on 16 September 2018. Known for his elegant batting and consistency, Babar has become one of Pakistan’s most reliable and stylish batsmen, regularly scoring runs and anchoring the innings for his team.
#6. HE van der Dussen – South Africa’s Reliable Batsman
HE van der Dussen became one of South Africa’s most consistent ODI batsmen by reaching 2000 runs in 51 matches and 45 innings. It took him 4 years and 266 days since his debut on 19 January 2019, achieving the milestone against Australia at Lucknow. Known for his patience and smart shot selection, he plays key innings that often stabilize the team in difficult situations.
#7. Imam-ul-Haq – Pakistan’s Consistent Run Scorer
Reaching 2000 ODI runs in just 46 matches, Imam-ul-Haq has proven his consistency for Pakistan. Making his debut on 18 October 2017, he achieved this milestone against England at Birmingham after 3 years and 268 days. With a calm temperament and a knack for scoring under pressure, he has become a key player in Pakistan’s batting lineup.
#8. IJL Trott – England’s Experienced Batsman
IJL Trott completed 2000 ODI runs in 47 innings and 49 matches, taking 2 years and 315 days since his debut. He reached this record against Australia at Chester-le-Street, showcasing his dependable batting style. Trott was known for his calm presence at the crease and ability to build innings patiently, making him one of England’s most reliable ODI players during his time.
#9. SD Hope – West Indies’ Key Batsman
In just 51 matches and 47 innings, Shai Hope completed 2000 ODI runs, marking himself as one of West Indies’ most consistent batsmen. Making his debut on 16 November 2016, he reached this milestone against Bangladesh at Dublin after 2 years and 172 days. Hope’s ability to handle pressure and score crucial runs has made him a key pillar of the team’s batting lineup.
#10. DJ Mitchell – New Zealand’s Rising Star
DJ Mitchell achieved 2000 runs in ODI cricket in 47 innings and 52 matches, taking 4 years and 16 days since his debut. He reached this record against Pakistan at Mount Maunganui, showing both consistency and composure at the crease. Mitchell has been a reliable player for New Zealand, often providing stability and scoring crucial runs in important matches.
Final Words
Being one of the fastest to reach 2000 runs in ODI is a sign of skill and determination. From Shubman Gill to DJ Mitchell, these players achieved this milestone in record time, proving that focus and consistent performances make a player stand out in international cricket.
FAQs
1. Who is the fastest to reach 2000 runs in ODI?
Shubman Gill holds the record for the fastest to reach 2000 runs in ODI, achieving it in just 38 matches.
2. Who is the second fastest to reach 2000 runs in ODI?
Hashim Amla is the second fastest, reaching 2000 ODI runs in 41 matches.
3. How many matches did Zaheer Abbas take to reach 2000 ODI runs?
Zaheer Abbas reached 2000 runs in 45 matches, making him the third fastest in ODI history.
4. Who are the top 5 fastest players to reach 2000 runs in ODI?
The top 5 fastest are Shubman Gill, HM Amla, Zaheer Abbas, KP Pietersen, and Babar Azam.
5. Why is reaching 2000 runs in ODI so special?
Scoring 2000 runs in ODI cricket demonstrates consistency, skill, and the ability to perform under pressure at the international level.
