In the grand symphony of cricket, the ICC ODI World Cup stands as the ultimate stage, a theatre of dreams, where the cricketing world converges in harmony. It is on this resplendent platform that the greatest batsmen etch their names by weaving a narrative of skill and precision.
As we embark on a journey through the archives of all ODI World Cups, we are drawn to those extraordinary performers who, amidst the roar of the crowd and the fervour of competition, have produced magnificent displays of batting prowess. With a willow in hand and unwavering determination in their hearts, certain batters have left an indelible mark in this colossal cricketing carnival, enthralling millions with their sublime strokes and unwavering consistency.
Top Five Most Runs In A Single ODI World Cup Edition:
| Batsmen | Innings | Runs | Average | 50s/100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | 11 | 673 | 61.18 | 6/1 |
| Matthew Hayden | 10 | 659 | 73.22 | 1/3 |
| Rohit Sharma | 9 | 648 | 81.00 | 1/5 |
| David Warner | 10 | 647 | 71.88 | 3/3 |
| Shakib Al Hasan | 8 | 606 | 86.57 | 5/2 |
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.
2. Matthew Hayden – 659 runs in 2007 World Cup
The 2007 World Cup across Caribbean saw Matthew Hayden emerged as a blazing comet streaking across the cricketing sky. Accumulating a staggering tournament haul of 659 runs, Hayden left a trail of scorched earth for bowlers to ponder upon. His performance ignited Australia’s unbeaten run in the West Indies as he played a pivotal role in their successful title-defence.
The burly Queenslander blasted three resplendent centuries throughout the 45-day event, and all against formidable opponents: tournament favourites South Africa, hosts West Indies and Antipodean rivals New Zealand.
Though he may have fallen just short of Sachin Tendulkar in terms of most runs in a single edition, Hayden had a World Cup to show for during his grand run, making his name an indomitable force in the annals of cricketing greatness.
3. Rohit Sharma – 648 runs in 2019 World Cup
Indian opener Rohit Sharma listed 648 runs in England 2019, and adorned his tournament tally with five alluring centuries. Among his numerous batting assaults, the 122 he brandished against South Africa and the 140 he punched out against Pakistan shone like diamonds in the crucible of high-pressure matches, illuminating his composure and unyielding spirit.
As he strode forward with an average of nearly a 100, poised to break Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time record for most runs in a single World Cup, fate intervened with a rare failure in India’s ill-fated semi-final against New Zealand. However, his ephemeral setback in the knockout could not diminish the brilliance of his campaign, for Sharma had already left an indelible mark, solidifying his place as one of the all-time World Cup legends.
4. David Warner – 647 runs in 2019 World Cup
David Warner’s astonishing 647 runs at the 2019 World Cup came within a solitary run of Rohit Sharma’s tally. Amid his run-frenzy throughout English pitches, his match-winning centuries against Pakistan and Bangladesh glistened as jewels in the crown of his performances, each stroke a note in an orchestration of success.
Yet, much like Sharma, the Australian opener too encountered an agonizing twist of fate in the big semifinal clash against England, teetering on the brink of a world record but falling short. The grand stage, unforgiving and relentless, witnessed his rare stumble at a crucial juncture.
While his quest for a record remained unfulfilled, Warner’s legacy as a World Cup great was already sealed.
5. Shakib Al Hasan – 606 runs in 2019 World Cup
Shakib Al Hasan’s 2019 rendition was akin to a finely crafted melody, resonating with grace and substance. With a batting average (86.57) that outshone even the tournament’s leading run-getters, Rohit Sharma and David Warner, the Bangladeshi veteran’s 606 runs stood as a beacon of consistency.
In the course of eight World Cup 2019 innings, he conjured fifty-plus scores on seven occasions, including the 99-ball 124* that helped his side gun down West Indies’ 322 with more than eight overs to spare in Taunton.
Remarkably, Shakib’s 2019 run-tally makes him the highest run-scorer in the group stages of any single World Cup edition, even surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s dream run from 2003. Moreover, the legendary all-rounder also silently harvested 11 wickets on the side with his left-arm spin.
