Top Scorers in Cricket World Cup History: Batsmen Who Dominated the Tournament

The ICC Cricket World Cup, one of cricket’s most prestigious events, is fast approaching. As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the tournament, let’s delve into the history of this remarkable event, exploring its highest run-scorers. England, the reigning champions since their maiden victory in 2019, will defend their title in India, the sole host for the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup.

Scheduled to run from October 5 to November 19, this championship promises thrilling encounters. The format follows one-day internationals (ODIs), with each team granted 50 overs per inning. Given the competition’s intense nature, batsmen often play responsibly and rack up substantial scores, including double centuries.

However, only a select few consistently perform at the highest level, earning their place among the highest run-scorers in ICC World Cup history.

Highest Run Scorers in Cricket World Cup

1. Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar, often hailed as the “God of Cricket,” boasts an unparalleled cricketing legacy. Not only is he the highest run-scorer in test and ODI cricket, but he also reigns supreme in the World Cup. Tendulkar’s cricketing records, including the most international centuries, remain unbreakable. In the ICC World Cup, he amassed 2278 runs across 44 innings during two decades, from 1992 to 2011, with a highest score of 152 runs.

2. Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting, a modern cricket legend, is renowned for his exceptional leadership and two consecutive World Cup victories as Australia’s captain in 2003 and 2007. Ponting, a formidable batsman himself, is the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer, accumulating 1743 runs in 42 innings, including an unbeaten 140. He participated in five World Cups.

3. Kumara Sangakkara

Kumara Sangakkara, former captain of Sri Lanka, led his team to the runner-up position in the 2011 World Cup. Despite his team’s loss to India in the final, Sangakkara’s remarkable consistency, leadership, and brilliant batting left an indelible mark. He achieved four consecutive centuries in the 2015 World Cup and, in total, scored 1532 runs in 33 innings, with a highest score of 124.

4. Brian Lara

After Sachin Tendulkar, West Indies’ Brian Lara is considered one of the greatest modern cricketers. Known for his fabulous batting, Lara holds records for the highest individual score in first-class and test cricket. In the Cricket World Cup, Lara amassed 1225 runs in 33 innings, with a top score of 116.

5. AB de Villiers

South Africa’s AB de Villiers, nicknamed “Mr. 360” for his ability to hit the ball to all corners of the field, secures the fifth spot among the highest run-scorers in the ICC World Cup. De Villiers, known for his explosive and blitzing batting, scored 1207 runs in just 22 innings across three World Cup editions.

As the cricketing world gears up for the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup, these legendary batsmen and their remarkable performances remain etched in the tournament’s history. Cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate whether the upcoming edition will witness new stars vying for a place among these illustrious run-scorers.