The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has been nothing short of a spectacle. Over the years, the tournament has been a stage for explosive batting performances, some dramatic chases and a few edge-of-the-seat thrillers. With the T20 World Cup returning with its tenth edition next month, it once again proves to be a platform for batters to showcase their T20 exploits.
Across editions, several batters have stood out, consistently piling runs on the board against some of the fierce bowlers. From power-packed starts from openers to a dependable middle-order lineup, the batters have time and again put up a performance with skill, adaptability and fearlessness. As the tournament gets closer, here in this article, we have listed the top run-scorers in T20 World Cup history.
Most runs in T20 World Cup history
David Warner (984 runs)
Former Australian cricketer and one of the top batters, David Warner, sits in fifth place in the list of top run-getters in T20 World Cup history. Having featured for the Aussies from the 2009 to 2024 T20 World Cups, Warner has amassed 984 runs in 41 matches.
Jos Buttler (1013 runs)
Veteran England wicketkeeper-batter and the former white-ball skipper of the side, Jos Buttler, too, finds himself among the top run-scorers in T20 World Cup history. Being the only active cricketer in the T20 World Cup this time, he is fourth in the list with 1013 runs, having featured from the 2012 to 2024 editions.
Mahela Jayawardene (1016 runs)
Former Sri Lanka cricketer, Mahela Jayawardene, is the third-highest run-scorer in T20 World Cup history, having scored 1016 runs in 31 matches.
Rohit Sharma (1220 runs)
The second place in the list of highest run-scorers in T20 World Cup history remains with former India skipper Rohit Sharma. Having last featured in the T20 World Cup in India’s 2024 T20 WC title win, Rohit Sharma has amassed 1220 runs across 44 innings at a strike rate of 133.04.
Virat Kohli (1292 runs)
One of the batting greats and former India skipper, Virat Kohli, stands tall in the list of top run-getters. Having featured in 35 matches in the T20 World Cup from 2012 to 2024, Kohli is the top run-getter with 1292 runs under his name at an average of 58.72 and a strike rate of 128.81.
Top run-scorers in ICC T20 World Cup history
| Player | Span | Mat | Inn | Runs | HS | Avg | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli (India) | 2012-2024 | 35 | 33 | 1292 | 89* | 58.72 | 128.81 |
| Rohit Sharma (India) | 2007-2024 | 47 | 44 | 1220 | 92 | 34.85 | 133.04 |
| Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) | 2007-2014 | 31 | 31 | 1016 | 100 | 39.07 | 134.74 |
| Jos Buttler (England) | 2012-2024 | 35 | 34 | 1013 | 101* | 42.20 | 147.23 |
| David Warner (Australia) | 2009-2024 | 41 | 41 | 984 | 89* | 25.89 | 134.24 |
| Chris Gayle (West Indies) | 2007-2021 | 33 | 31 | 965 | 117 | 34.46 | 142.75 |
| Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka) | 2007-2016 | 35 | 34 | 897 | 96* | 30.93 | 124.06 |
| Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) | 2007-2024 | 43 | 43 | 853 | 84 | 23.05 | 120.14 |
| Kane Williamson (New Zealand) | 2012-2024 | 29 | 27 | 727 | 85 | 31.60 | 112.53 |
| AB de Villiers (South Africa) | 2007-2016 | 30 | 29 | 717 | 79* | 29.87 | 143.40 |
