Five most prolific run-getters in ODIs

The 50-over format of cricket, better known as one-day international cricket or ODI cricket, has been under intense scrutiny ever since the advent of the T20s. It was thought that there would be a gradual decline in interest in the ‘middle’ format and that spectators would turn away from it altogether.

However, there are some legendary players who have achieved individual milestones and earned the title of legend in the white-ball format. Here, we will take a look at the top 5 highest run-scorer in ODI cricket.

1. Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar (Source - Twitter)

Sachin Tendulkar was the most complete batter of his time, the most prolific run-maker of all time, and arguably the biggest cricket icon the game has ever known. There were no apparent weaknesses in Tendulkar's game. He could score all around the wicket.

He scored 18726 runs in the 452 ODI innings he played. He smashed 49 centuries and 96 half-centuries in his ODI career. He was also the first batter to hit a double century in a One Day international match.

2. Kumar Sangakara

Kumar Sangakara (Source - Twitter)

The left-handed magical batsman and exceptional wicket-keeper was the spine of the Sri Lankan national team till his retirement. He was probably one of the soundest batsmen and a brilliant wicket-keeper of the 21st century and his numbers vouch for him.

Sangakkara's prowess in one-day cricket is proven. He scored 14,234 runs in 404 matches, averaging 41.98 with 25 centuries to his name.

3. Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting (Source - Twitter)

Ricky Ponting, the most uncompromising player of his generation, grew into Australia's most successful run-maker and sits below only Bradman among the greatest batters the country has produced.

He scored 13704 runs in the 365 innings he played in the One Day internationals. He smashed 30 centuries and 82 half-centuries at an average of 42.03. His highest score was 164 runs.

4. Sanath Jayasuriya

Sanath Jayasuriya (Source - Twitter)

Ever since he first stepped into international cricket, Sanath Jayasuriya has become one of the strongest pillars of Sri Lankan cricket, redefining the concept of class and talent. It was his rattling attacks on the bowlers in the 1996 World Cup that proved his potential as a batsman.

He scored 13430 runs in 433 innings he played in his entire ODI career at an average of 32.36 which included 28 centuries and 68 half-centuries at a strike rate of 91.20.

5. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli (Source - Twitter)

Virat Kohli surpassed Sri Lanka legend Mahela Jayawardene, who amassed 12650 runs in his illustrious career in 50-overs cricket. Kohli is now the second Indian in the list sitting on the 5^th spot. He has scored 12754 runs in the 259 ODI innings he played so far at an outstanding average of 58.23 which included 46 hundreds and 64 half-centuries.