Most Runs in ODI for South Africa

South Africa has a long and illustrious history in one-day international (ODI) cricket, with countless successes and records to its name. Among their outstanding achievements is their ability to chase down the highest ODI target ever set. This historic moment occurred in 2006, when South Africa successfully chased down a massive 434-run mark against Australia, cementing their place in ODI history. South Africa has been a breeding ground for outstanding international cricketers over the years, notably notable batsmen such as Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, and Faf du Plessis. With their outstanding batting ability and services to the South African national team, these legends have left an everlasting impression on the world of cricket.

South Africa has reached a crucial milestone in recent series against Australia, demonstrating their batting consistency. The previous record for scoring 400 or more runs in one-day internationals was shared by India and South Africa, with each team accomplishing the feat six times. However, South Africa’s incredible batting skill has taken them over this record. From 2006 to 2023, the South African team scored 400 runs in seven ODIs.

Most Runs in ODI for South Africa

In this article, we will cover the top South African cricketers with the most runs in ODI history. 

Jacques Kallis

Jacques Kallis is one of the most renowned and accomplished all-rounders in cricket history, particularly for South Africa. His illustrious career has been defined by a number of noteworthy accomplishments and contributions to the South African cricket team. Kallis holds the record for the most runs scored by a South African in one-day internationals, with 11,550 runs in 323 appearances and an amazing average of 45.11 during his ODI career. In these runs, Kallis scored 17 centuries, 86 half-centuries, and the highest score of 139 runs. 

AB De Villiers

AB de Villiers, nicknamed “Mr. 360” for his extraordinary versatility and batting creativity, is without a doubt one of the greatest cricketers of the contemporary era. AB de Villiers is South Africa’s second-highest ODI run-scorer, with a total of 9,427 runs in 223 matches. His exceptional batting average of 54.17 differentiates him, showcasing his amazing consistency and ability to dominate bowling assaults. De Villiers has 25 centuries, 52 half-centuries, and a career-high score of 176 runs. 

Hashim Amla

For years, Hashim Amla’s elegant and technically solid batting has been a cornerstone of South African cricket. His one-day international (ODI) records and contributions demonstrate his class and consistency. Hashim Amla is South Africa’s third-highest run-scorer in one-day internationals, with 8,113 runs in 181 matches, and a batting average of 49.46, which indicates his ability to regularly accumulate runs. Amla has a total of 27 centuries and 39 half-centuries to his name and a career-high total of 159 runs. 

Herschelle Gibbs

Gibbs has made an indelible impression on South African cricket, particularly in the one-day international (ODI) format. Herschelle Gibbs is the fourth-highest run-scorer for South Africa in ODI cricket. Gibbs amassed 8,094 runs with an average of 36.13 throughout the course of 248 matches. During his ODI career, Gibbs scored 21 hundred and 39 half-centuries, demonstrating his dependability as a top-order batsman. His highest score was 175 runs. 

Graeme Smith

Graeme Smith is the seventh most prolific ODI run-maker for South Africa. Smith scored 6,989 runs in 196 matches during his career. He kept his average at 38.19, demonstrating his ability to produce at the plate on a consistent basis. During his ODI career, he scored ten hundreds, demonstrating his ability to convert early starts into large runs. He also collected 47 half-centuries. Smith’s highest score was 141 runs.

Top 10 Batsman with Most Runs in ODI for South Africa

Rank	Player	Matches	Innings	Runs	Average	SR	Highest Score	50s	100s
1	Jacques Kallis	323	309	11,550	45.11	73.13	139	86	17
2	AB de Villiers	223	213	9,427	54.17	101.27	176	52	25
3	Hashim Amla	181	178	8,113	49.46	88.39	159	39	27
4	Herschelle Gibbs	248	240	8,094	36.13	83.26	175	37	21
5	Graeme Smith	196	193	6,989	38.19	80.86	141	47	10
6	Gary Kirsten	185	185	6,798	40.95	72.04	188*	45	13
7	Quinton de Kock	155	155	6770	45.74	96.64	178	30	21
8	Jonty Rhodes	245	220	5,935	35.11	80.90	121	33	02
9	WJ Cronje	188	175	5,565	38.64	76.47	112	39	02
10	Faf du Plessis	143	136	5,507	47.47	88.60	185	35	12
11	JP Duminy	199	179	5117	36.81	84.55	150*	27	04