Top 5 run-getters in cricket World Cup history

Modified Nov 25, 2018 21:00 IST

The cricket World Cup is the ultimate stage for any batsman who has played international cricket.

All batsmen want to perform at their level best for their nation and score a bucketload of runs to help their team compete well during a World Cup. A good performance in the tournament can lift a player to legendary status in the eyes of both the fans and the media.

The World Cup is undoubtedly a very tough event as every team plays at full strength. While navigating through the early rounds, it is extremely important for a batsman to stay calm and shut out any kind of negativity from his mind. Consistency is crucial if he wants to lead his team to a strong position.

Over the years, there have been many batsmen who have performed consistently in World Cups and have become legends of the game. Let's look at the top five run-getters in the history of the tournament:

#5 AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers was an explosive performer for South Africa during World Cups. He scored 1207 runs at an average of 63.52 during in the editions that he played.

De Villiers scored four centuries in World Cup play. His highest score in the tournament is 162 which came against the West Indies during the 2015 World Cup.

De Villiers also holds the record for the highest batting strike rate in World Cups for any batsman who has scored more than 1000 runs in the tournament.

#4 Brian Lara

Brian Lara was the mainstay of the West Indies batting during cricket World Cups. He scored 1225 runs at an average of 42.25 in the tournament.

Lara has two World Cup centuries to his name, and his highest score is 116 which came against South Africa during the 2003 edition. In fact, this innings of 116 is widely considered to be one of the all-time great batting performances at the tournament.

#3 Kumar Sangakkara

Kumar Sangakkara was a top performer for his nation at the cricket World Cup. He is the third highest run-getter in the history of the tournament, scoring 1532 runs at an average of 56.74.

Sangakkara scored 5 centuries in the World Cup, four of which came in consecutive matches - at the 2015 edition, which was also his last. His highest score at the tournament is 124, which came against Scotland in the 2015 World Cup.

#2 Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting was a solid performer for his country in World Cups, to say the least. He is the highest Australian run-getter at the tournament, and second highest of all time.

Ponting accumulated 1743 World Cup runs at an average of 45.86. This included five centuries, including one in his last ever match at the tournament.

Ponting's highest score in World Cups is 140, which came against India in the 2003 final. He is one of only two captains in history, along with Clive Lloyd, to win more than one World Cup trophy - he led Australia to victory at both the 2003 and 2007 editions.

#1 Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar - a truly legendary player

Sachin Tendulkar is the most prolific run-getter in the cricket World Cup till date. He has played in 45 matches and scored an incredible 2278 runs at an average of 56.95.

Tendulkar's tally of 6 centuries is also the most by any batsman who has played in the tournament. His highest score in World Cups is 152, which came against Namibia during the 2003 edition.

Tendulkar's most memorable moment came at the 2011 World Cup, where he was a part of the triumphant squad led by MS Dhoni.