In the world of cricket, the ICC ODI World Cup is the biggest event, where the best players come together. It’s here that the top batsmen showcase their skills and make history.
Looking back at all the ODI World Cups, we see amazing players who stood out. With the crowd cheering and the pressure on, these batters showed incredible talent and determination. They have left a lasting impact on the game, impressing millions with their brilliant batting and consistent performances.
Let’s look at the top five players with the most runs in a single ODI World Cup:
5. Shakib Al Hasan – 606 runs in 2019 World Cup
Shakib Al Hasan’s performance in the 2019 World Cup was like a beautiful song, full of skill and depth. His batting average of 86.57 was higher than even the top scorers of the tournament, Rohit Sharma and David Warner. He scored 606 runs, showing great consistency.
In eight innings during the World Cup, he scored fifty or more runs seven times, including an unbeaten 124 from 99 balls that helped Bangladesh chase down West Indies’ 322 with more than eight overs left in Taunton.
Shakib’s 606 runs made him the highest run-scorer in the group stages of any World Cup, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record from 2003. Additionally, he took 11 wickets with his left-arm spin, adding to his impressive performance.
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4. David Warner – 647 runs in 2019 World Cup
David Warner scored an incredible 647 runs at the 2019 World Cup, just one run less than Rohit Sharma. His amazing performances included match-winning centuries against Pakistan and Bangladesh, shining highlights of his success in England.
However, like Sharma, the Australian opener faced a heartbreaking moment in the semifinal against England. He was close to breaking a world record but fell short at a crucial time.
Despite not setting a new record, Warner’s status as a World Cup legend was already assured.
3. Rohit Sharma – 648 runs in 2019 World Cup
Indian opener Rohit Sharma scored 648 runs during the 2019 World Cup in England, hitting five impressive centuries. His standout performances included 122 runs against South Africa and 140 runs against Pakistan, showcasing his calmness and determination in high-pressure matches.
With an average of nearly 100, he was on track to break Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most runs in a single World Cup. Unfortunately, he didn’t perform well in India’s semi-final against New Zealand. Despite this setback, Sharma’s outstanding tournament performance secured his place as one of the World Cup greats.
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2. Matthew Hayden – 659 runs in 2007 World Cup
During the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean, Matthew Hayden was like a shooting star in cricket. He scored an incredible 659 runs, making life difficult for bowlers. His outstanding performance helped Australia remain undefeated and win the tournament.
The strong Queenslander hit three impressive centuries against tough teams: South Africa, West Indies, and New Zealand.
Although he didn’t surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most runs in a single tournament, Hayden’s amazing run helped Australia win the World Cup, cementing his place as a cricket legend.
1. Sachin Tendulkar – 673 runs in 2003 World Cup
Across all World Cups played out to date, Sachin Tendulkar’s performance at the 2003 edition stands as a radiant example of batting excellence. Like the rising sun casting its golden glow upon the cricketing horizon, Tendulkar illuminated the tournament in South Africa by unfurling one batting masterclass after the other.
While his monumental 152 against Namibia remains his only ton from the 2003 event, he crafted six other half-centuries throughout India’s dominant campaign, including the remarkable 98 he punched out against arch-rivals Pakistan. Tendulkar went on to belt 673 runs in all across 11 innings with an astonishing average of over 61.
Despite his splendid batting excellence, the World Cup remained just out of his reach as Team India fell short in the final to a rampaging Australian unit.
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