ICC ODI World Cup: The ODI World Cup has undergone significant transformations since its inaugural edition in 1975 when it was played with 60 overs per side. Since 1987, the tournament has maintained a 50-over format, and this tradition will continue when the world’s top 10 teams gather in India in a little over two weeks for the 2023 edition. In anticipation of this tournament, let’s explore the top 5 highest run-scorers in the tournament’s history who represent countries other than India.
Top 5 Non Indian Run Scorers in ICC ODI World Cup
5. Chris Gayle
The Jamaican cricketer participated in six editions of the tournament, beginning in 2003. Throughout these six tournaments, Gayle scored a total of 1186 runs in 35 matches, boasting an impressive average of 35.93 and a brisk strike rate of 90.53. Notably, he etched his name in history as the first male player to achieve a double century in an ODI World Cup match when he scored a remarkable 215 runs from 147 deliveries against Zimbabwe during the 2015 edition, which took place in Canberra.
4. AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers represented South Africa in three ODI World Cups. Nevertheless, it was in his final appearance in 2015 that he delivered one of the most awe-inspiring innings in the tournament’s history, hammering an unbeaten 162 runs from just 66 balls against the West Indies in Sydney. Although de Villiers was unable to secure an ODI World Cup victory during his tenure as a player, he left an indelible mark by becoming his country’s top run-scorer in the tournament’s history. He amassed a total of 1207 runs in 23 matches at an astounding average of 63.52.
3. Brian Lara
Brian Lara represented the West Indies in five ODI World Cups spanning from 1992 to 2007. The left-handed batsman compiled a total of 1225 runs in 34 matches, maintaining an impressive average of 42.24, along with a commendable strike rate of 86.26. He played several match winning knocks across the tournaments.
2. Kumar Sangakkara
Although the Sri Lankan left-handed batsman didn’t secure a World Cup victory for his country in the four editions he participated in, he came closest in 2007 and 2011 when he and his team reached the final. Nevertheless, as a batsman, Sangakkara proved to be a consistently exceptional performer on the grandest stage. He accumulated an impressive total of 1532 runs in 46 matches at an outstanding average of 56.74, coupled with a commendable strike rate of 86.55.
His remarkable journey in the tournament, however, reached its peak in his final ODI World Cup appearance during the 2015 edition in Australia and New Zealand. During this unforgettable campaign, he achieved a golden run by scoring four centuries in four consecutive matches – one against each of Bangladesh, England, Australia, and Scotland.
1. Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting isn’t only one of the most accomplished players in World Cup history; he also played a pivotal role with the bat during Australia’s dominant reign in the tournament for three consecutive editions from 1999 to 2007. Throughout his World Cup career, Ponting amassed a total of 1743 runs in 46 matches, maintaining an impressive average of 45.86, and he registered six half-centuries and five centuries.
Keep watching our YouTube Channel ‘DNP INDIA’. Also, please subscribe and follow us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and TWITTER