Who has scored the most runs in ODI international cricket? That’s a question every cricket fan has asked at some point — and the answer is a list of legends who shaped the game with their bats. From the calm elegance of Sangakkara to the unmatched class of Tendulkar and the modern dominance of Virat Kohli, this blog covers the top ODI run-scorers of all time. Updated for 2025, here’s a deep dive into the batters who made history.
Top Players with the Most Runs in ODI Cricket (2025 List)
One-Day Internationals have always been a stage for great batters to showcase their skills under pressure. From anchoring chases to building big totals, these players have consistently delivered across conditions and eras. Here’s a look at the cricketers who’ve scored the most runs in ODI international cricket, updated as of 2025.
| R. | Player | Cou | Ma. | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | S. Tendulkar | IND | 463 | 18,426 |
| 2 | K. Sangakkara | SL | 404 | 14,234 |
| 3 | V. Kohli | IND | 302 | 14,181 |
| 4 | R. Ponting | AUS | 375 | 13,704 |
| 5 | S. Jayasuriya | SL | 445 | 13,430 |
| 6 | M. Jayawardene | SL | 448 | 12,650 |
| 7 | I. ul-Haq | PAK | 378 | 11,739 |
| 8 | J. Kallis | SA | 328 | 11,579 |
| 9 | S. Ganguly | IND | 311 | 11,363 |
| 10 | R. Sharma | IND | 273 | 11,168 |
| 11 | R. Dravid | IND | 344 | 10,889 |
| 12 | MS Dhoni | IND | 350 | 10,773 |
| 13 | C. Gayle | WI | 301 | 10,480 |
| 14 | B. Lara | WI | 299 | 10,405 |
| 15 | H. Tillakaratne | SL | 330 | 10,290 |
| 16 | M. Yousuf | PAK | 288 | 9,720 |
| 17 | A. Gilchrist | AUS | 287 | 9,619 |
| 18 | AB de Villiers | SA | 228 | 9,577 |
| 19 | M. Azharuddin | IND | 334 | 9,378 |
| 20 | A. de Silva | SL | 308 | 9,284 |
| 21 | S. Anwar | PAK | 247 | 8,824 |
| 22 | S. Chanderpaul | WI | 268 | 8,778 |
| 23 | Y. Singh | IND | 304 | 8,701 |
| 24 | D. Haynes | WI | 238 | 8,648 |
| 25 | R. Taylor | NZ | 236 | 8,607 |
| 26 | M. Atapattu | SL | 268 | 8,529 |
| 27 | M. Waugh | AUS | 244 | 8,500 |
| 28 | T. Iqbal | BAN | 243 | 8,357 |
| 29 | V. Sehwag | IND | 251 | 8,273 |
| 30 | H. Amla | SA | 181 | 8,113 |
| 31 | H. Gibbs | SA | 248 | 8,094 |
| 32 | S. Afridi | PAK | 398 | 8,064 |
| 33 | S. Fleming | NZ | 280 | 8,037 |
| 34 | M. Clarke | AUS | 245 | 7,981 |
| 35 | M. Rahim | BAN | 274 | 7,795 |
| 36 | E. Morgan | ENG | 248 | 7,701 |
| 37 | S. Al Hasan | BAN | 247 | 7,570 |
| 38 | S. Waugh | AUS | 325 | 7,569 |
| 39 | S. Malik | PAK | 287 | 7,534 |
| 40 | A. Ranatunga | SL | 269 | 7,456 |
| 41 | J. Miandad | PAK | 233 | 7,381 |
| 42 | M. Guptill | NZ | 198 | 7,346 |
| 43 | Y. Khan | PAK | 265 | 7,249 |
| 44 | K. Williamson | NZ | 173 | 7,235 |
| 45 | S. Malik | PAK | 283 | 7,170 |
| 46 | J. Root | ENG | 180 | 7,126 |
| 47 | N. Astle | NZ | 223 | 7,090 |
| 48 | G. Smith | SA | 197 | 6,989 |
| 49 | U. Tharanga | SL | 235 | 6,951 |
| 50 | D. Warner | AUS | 161 | 6,932 |
Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar is widely regarded as the greatest batsman in the history of limited-overs cricket, and his record for the most runs in ODI international cricket remains unmatched. Over an illustrious career spanning more than two decades, he played 463 ODIs and became the first player to cross the 10,000-run mark, eventually setting the bar at an astonishing 18,426 runs. Known as the “God of Cricket,” Tendulkar’s consistency, technique, and ability to dominate bowlers across eras made him a global icon. His feats, including being the first to score a double century in ODIs, continue to inspire generations of cricketers and fans worldwide.
| Stat | Data |
| Country | India |
| Matches Played (ODI) | 463 |
| Runs Scored | 18,426 |
| ODI Centuries | 49 |
| ODI Debut Year | 1989 |
Kumar Sangakkara
| Stat | Data |
|---|---|
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| ODI Matches Played | 404 |
| ODI Runs | 14,234 |
| ODI Centuries | 25 |
| Batting Average (ODI) | ~41 |
| Debut Year | 2000 |
Kumar Sangakkara stands as one of the most elegant and consistent performers in cricket history. Known for his flawless technique and sharp cricketing mind, he has amassed 14,234 runs, securing his place among the legends with the most runs in ODI international cricket. Beyond his batting, Sangakkara’s leadership and wicketkeeping skills made him an invaluable asset to Sri Lanka, inspiring generations of cricketers with his professionalism and dedication to the game.
Virat Kohli
| Stat | Data |
| Country | India |
| ODI Matches Played | 302 |
| ODI Runs | 14,181 |
| Batting Average (ODI) | ~58 |
| ODI Centuries | 50 |
| Debut Year | 2008 |
Virat Kohli is often regarded as the modern master of ODI cricket, combining aggressive stroke play with incredible consistency. With over 14,000 runs to his name, he has cemented his place among the players with the most runs in ODI international cricket. Known for his unmatched chase-master ability, fitness standards, and hunger for runs, Kohli continues to inspire millions of fans and set new benchmarks for excellence in the sport.
Ricky Ponting
| Stat | Data |
| Country | Australia |
| ODI Matches Played | 375 |
| ODI Runs | 13,704 |
| Batting Average (ODI) | ~42 |
| ODI Centuries | 30 |
| Debut Year | 1995 |
Ricky Ponting stands tall among cricket’s all-time greats, not just for his exceptional batting skills but also for his leadership that shaped one of the most dominant eras in Australian cricket. Known for his aggressive stroke play and unshakable temperament, Ponting consistently delivered match-winning performances against the best bowling attacks in the world. His ability to anchor an innings or accelerate when required made him a complete ODI batsman. Beyond the runs and centuries, his fearless approach and strategic brilliance left an indelible mark on the game, inspiring a generation of cricketers worldwide.
Sanath Jayasuriya
| Stat | Data |
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| ODI Matches Played | 445 |
| ODI Runs | 13,430 |
| Batting Average (ODI) | ~32 |
| ODI Centuries | 28 |
| Debut Year | 1989 |
Sanath Jayasuriya revolutionized the way ODI cricket was played with his explosive batting at the top of the order. A true game-changer for Sri Lanka, he combined power-hitting with smart stroke play, often dismantling bowling attacks in the early overs. His remarkable consistency over a long career helped him amass a place among the players with the most runs in ODI cricket. Beyond his batting, Jayasuriya was also a handy left-arm spinner, making him one of the most valuable all-rounders in the history of the format.
Mahela Jayawardene
| Stat | Data |
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| ODI Matches Played | 448 |
| ODI Runs | 12,650 |
| ODI Centuries | 19 |
| Batting Average (ODI) | ~33 |
| Debut Year | 1998 |
Mahela Jayawardene is celebrated as one of Sri Lanka’s finest batsmen, known for his elegant stroke play and calm temperament under pressure. His ability to build innings and guide the team through challenging situations made him a key figure in ODI cricket for over a decade. With his consistency and class, Jayawardene secured a spot among the players with the most runs in ODI cricket, leaving a lasting legacy as both a masterful batsman and an inspirational leader.
Inzamam-ul-Haq
| Stat | Data |
| Country | Pakistan |
| ODI Matches Played | 378 |
| ODI Runs | 11,739 |
| ODI Centuries | 10 |
| Batting Average (ODI) | ~39 |
| Debut Year | 1991 |
Inzamam-ul-Haq was one of Pakistan’s most reliable and composed batsmen, known for his ability to anchor innings and play under pressure. With elegant stroke play and an instinctive understanding of the game, he amassed a place among the players with the most runs in ODI cricket. Inzamam’s calm demeanor, coupled with his knack for scoring crucial runs in key moments, made him a true match-winner and a cornerstone of Pakistan’s batting line-up for over a decade.
Active Players with the Most ODI Runs in 2025
As of 2025, several active cricketers continue to dominate the ODI format with their outstanding batting performances. These players have shown remarkable consistency and skill, making significant contributions to their teams over the years. Here’s a look at the top 15 active players with the most ODI runs in 2025.
| R. | Player | Ctry | Mat | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virat Kohli | IND | 302 | 14,181 |
| 2 | Rohit Sharma | IND | 273 | 11,168 |
| 3 | Mushfiqur Rahim | BAN | 274 | 7,795 |
| 4 | Shakib Al Hasan | BAN | 247 | 7,570 |
| 5 | Kane Williamson | NZ | 173 | 7,235 |
| 6 | Joe Root | ENG | 180 | 7,126 |
| 7 | David Warner | AUS | 161 | 6,932 |
| 8 | Quinton de Kock | SA | 155 | 6,770 |
| 9 | Shikhar Dhawan | IND | 167 | 6,793 |
| 10 | Babar Azam | PAK | 131 | 6,235 |
| 11 | Angelo Mathews | SL | 226 | 5,916 |
| 12 | Paul Stirling | IRE | 170 | 6,005 |
| 13 | Mohammad Rizwan | PAK | 90 | 3,176 |
| 14 | Najmul Hossain Shanto | BAN | 72 | 2,634 |
| 15 | Litton Das | BAN | 87 | 2,622 |
Top 10 Players – Most Sixes in ODI History
| Rank | Player | Country | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Gayle | West Indies | 331 |
| 2 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 351 |
| 3 | Rohit Sharma | India | 308 |
| 4 | MS Dhoni | India | 229 |
| 5 | Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 270 |
| 6 | Eoin Morgan | England | 220 |
| 7 | AB de Villiers | South Africa | 204 |
| 8 | Brendon McCullum | New Zealand | 200 |
| 9 | Sachin Tendulkar | India | 195 |
| 10 | Martin Guptill | New Zealand | 187 |
Most Runs by Country in ODI Cricket (2025)
Team totals are a great way to evaluate the strength and consistency of a cricketing nation over time. From batting powerhouses like India and Australia to emerging teams like Afghanistan and Ireland, here’s a look at the cumulative ODI runs scored by each country as of 2025.
| Country | Total ODI Runs |
| India | 270,000 |
| Australia | 255,000 |
| Pakistan | 240,000 |
| Sri Lanka | 235,000 |
| England | 230,000 |
| South Africa | 220,000 |
| New Zealand | 210,000 |
| West Indies | 200,000 |
| Bangladesh | 185,000 |
| Zimbabwe | 160,000 |
| Afghanistan | 85,000 |
| Ireland | 80,000 |
| Scotland | 45,000 |
| Netherlands | 40,000 |
| Namibia | 15,000 |
Read More: Highest ODI Centuries in ODI Cricket
Final Words
The players on this list didn’t just pile up runs — they built legacies. Each name represents years of discipline, hard work, and standout performances in pressure moments. While records will eventually be broken, the impact these batters have had on the ODI format is here to stay. As the next generation steps up, cricket fans around the world will be watching closely to see who writes the next chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who holds the record for the highest number of runs in ODI cricket?
A: Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar sits at the top of the ODI run charts, having scored 18,426 runs across 463 matches — a record that has stood strong for over a decade.
Q2. Which active cricketer has the highest ODI runs as of 2025?
A: Virat Kohli leads all active players with over 14,000 ODI runs as of 2025.
Q3. Who has the most ODI centuries?
A: As of 2025, Virat Kohli has the most centuries in ODIs, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s previous record.
Q4. How many Indian players are in the top 10 ODI run-scorers?
A: Five Indian players feature in the top 10 list: Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Sourav Ganguly, and Rahul Dravid.
Q5. Does MS Dhoni feature among the highest run-scorers in ODI cricket?
A: Yes, MS Dhoni amassed 10,773 runs during his ODI career. His ability to finish games and contribute consistently with the bat places him comfortably among the top 15 run-scorers in one-day internationals.
Q6. Which country has produced the most 10,000+ ODI run-scorers?
A: India leads with the most players who have scored over 10,000 ODI runs.
Q7. Are there any surprises in the top 50 ODI run-scorers?
A: Yes, players like Mushfiqur Rahim, Paul Stirling, and Hashan Tillakaratne have quietly built strong records and made it into the top 50.
