5 batsmen who scored most ODI runs before their first century

#1 Arjuna Ranatunga

Ranatunga led Sri Lanka to ODI World Cup triumph in 1996

Matches - 152; Innings - 144; Runs - 4100; Average - 34.74; HS - 98

The former Sri Lankan skipper Arjuna Ranatunga tops the list for scoring most runs before scoring his first ODI century as the middle-order batsman had to wait 12 years since making his debut in 1982 - a period which saw him play 152 matches in which he scored 4100 runs - before reaching the landmark figure.

The 1996-ODI World Cup winning skipper formed the backbone of the Sri Lankan middle order along with Aravinda de Silva and unselfishly took the backseat as the latter took much of the plaudits when the team did so well during the late 90s.

His first ODI century came against Pakistan at Kingsmead, Durban in December 1994 when he scored an unbeaten 101 which unfortunately was not enough to help his side avoid defeat against the opposition on the day.

Ranatunga scored 3 more ODI centuries before retiring from the sport but such was his leadership that he will forever be heralded more for his captaincy than his abilities as a batsman.