With the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 reaching its business end, the competition for the highest run-scorer has also heightened. South Africa’s Quinton de Kock, Kiwi Rachin Ravindra, and India’s Virat Kohli are in a close fight for the top spot. Before we get the highest run-getter of this edition, here’s a look at the top 5 run scorers in a single edition of the World Cup.
#5 Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)
The veteran player from Bangladesh is the only all-rounder on this list, which speaks volumes about his versatility. Shakib achieved this feat in the 2019 edition of the ODI World Cup in England, amassing 606 runs in eight matches. However, he was the third-highest scorer in that edition, just behind Rohit Sharma and David Warner.
To go with this 606 runs at an impressive average of 86.57, Shakib scalped eleven wickets for his side. He delivered a match-winning performance against the West Indies, scoring 124* off 99 balls, laced with 16 fours. Courtesy of Shakib’s brilliance, Bangladesh chased down 322 with more than eight overs left in the tank.
#4 David Warner (Australia)
Destructive Aussie opener David Warner was the second-highest run scorer in the 2019 edition. He occupies the fourth position on this list, with 647 runs in 10 matches, averaging 71.88.
Warner smashed three 100s and an equal number of half-centuries for the five-times world champions. His invaluable contribution allowed Australia a rather smooth sail into the semi-finals. Although the team from Down Under got knocked out in the semis, Warner’s 166 off 147 balls against Bangladesh will be one of the edition’s highlights.
#3 Rohit Sharma (India)
One of the white-ball greats, India’s Rohit Sharma, top-scored in the 2019 edition. He takes the third spot on this list of the top-5 highest run scorers in one edition of the quadrennial carnival. The current Indian skipper smashed 648 runs in nine matches in 2019, with a best score of 140.
The swashbuckling opener wreaked havoc with five centuries and one fifty in this edition. Out of the five 100s, Rohit’s 140 off 113 balls against arch-rivals Pakistan will forever be etched in the memory of cricket fans. This scintillating knock featured 14 fours and three sixes, allowing India to post a healthy 336/5 in 50 overs. The Men In Blue eventually won this rain-affected match by 89 runs (D/L method).
#2 Matthew Hayden (Australia)
Matthew Hayden’s raging hot form allowed Australia to dominate the 2007 Cricket World Cup. The Ricky Ponting-led side remained unbeaten in the tournament, crushing every opponent on its way to glory.
Hayden accumulated 659 runs in eleven matches, with an average of 73.22. Along with Ricky Ponting, Hayden became the nightmare for the opposition bowlers and finished the edition with a strike rate of 101.07, excellent for the era and the format.
#1 Sachin Tendulkar (India)
With 673 runs in 11 matches, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar is the highest scorer in one edition. He achieved this feat in the 2003 World Cup, held in the African continent. Under Sourav Ganguly’s captaincy, the Men In Blue reached the finals of the tourney, with Sachin holding the team’s batting together.
Sachin (152) was involved in a 234-run partnership for the second wicket with Ganguly (112*) in the match against Namibia. It is his highest score in World Cup history, which came off 151 deliveries. This authority-stamping knock saw him send the ball to the boundary ropes eighteen times.
