The inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup was played in South Africa in 2007. Afterward, the T20 format started gaining popularity. This World Cup had a huge impact on batsmen, probably due to T20 format batsmen changed their approach towards the game, they became more attacking than ever. So far 6 T20 World Cups have been completed (2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016). Take a glance at the players who have scored the most runs in T20 World Cup history.
Most Runs In T20 World Cup By A Player
Former Srilankan captain Mahela Jayawardene has scored the most runs (1016) in the T20 World Cup history. He has played 5 T20 World Cups for Sri Lanka (2007-2014). Jayawardene was not known for hard-hitting batting as per the stereotype of the format. But he was one of the best top-order batsmen ever. Jayawardene played an important part in winning the 2014 edition of the ICC event for his nation (158 runs). The Srilankan legend has also hit the highest number of fours in T20 World Cup (111).
| Matches | runs | Average | Strike-rate | Best | 50s | 100s |
| 31 | 1016 | 39.07 | 134.74 | 100 | 6 | 1 |
Most Runs In T20 World Cup 2007
Ex Australian opener Matthew Hayden made the most number of runs in the T20 WC 2007. Hayden was contemporary one of the most dangerous batsmen and drove the team really well with his aggressive batting. Although Australia got knocked out in the semi-finals, despite Hayden’s 62 off 47 deliveries.
| Matches | runs | Average | Strike-rate | Best | 50s | 100s |
| 6 | 265 | 88.33 | 144.80 | 73* | 4 | 0 |
Most Runs In T20 World Cup 2009
Srilankan legend Tillakaratne Dilshan notched up the most number of runs (317) in the T20 WC 2009. Dilshan has been a great savior for Sri Lanka cricket and represented them in 5 T20 World Cups (2007-2014). He played a big role to take Sri Lanka to the finals of the 2009 T20 World Cup but unfortunately lost the ultimate T20 match of the year to Pakistan.
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike-rate | Best | 50s | 100s |
| 6 | 317 | 52.83 | 144.74 | 96* | 3 | 0 |
Most Runs In T20 World Cup 2010
Mahela Jayawardene scored the most number of runs (302) in T20 WC 2010. Jayawardene has consistently performed for his team till his last match. Jayawardene was a classy and responsible batsman, who always tended to contribute to the team. He was ruthless to the bowlers and his strike rate of 158.78 says it all.
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike-rate | Best | 50s | 100s |
| 6 | 302 | 60.40 | 159.78 | 100 | 2 | 1 |
Most Runs In T20 World Cup 2012
Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson made the most number of runs (249) in T20 WC 2012. Watson has been one of the best all-rounders of the game. He was also the 2nd highest wicket-taker with 11 wickets in 6 matches in the 2012 T20 World Cup. But Watson’s all-round support couldn’t do the trick in the final, as the Caribbeans snatch snatched the cup from their counterpart’s bag.
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike-rate | Best | 50s | 100s |
| 6 | 249 | 49.80 | 150 | 72 | 3 | 0 |
Most Runs In T20 World Cup 2014
Current Indian skipper Virat Kohli notched up the most number of runs (319) in the T20 World Cup 2014. Virat Kohli is currently one of the best all-format players on the globe. His T20 average is 50.5. His spectacular batting helped India to reach the finals but unfortunately, India ended up being the runner in the 2014 T20 World Cup.
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike-rate | Best | 50s | 100s |
| 6 | 319 | 106.33 | 129.14 | 77 | 4 | 0 |
Highest Runs In T20 World Cup 2016
Bangladeshi opener Tamim Iqbal scored the highest runs (295) in T20 WC 2016. Tamim is probably the best opener to ever play for Bangladesh. He has been playing for Bangladesh since 2007. Bangladesh lost the quarter-final to India in a nail-biting match.
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike-rate | Best | 50s | 100s |
| 6 | 295 | 73.75 | 142.51 | 103* | 1 | 1 |
Most Runs In T20 WC By An Indian Player
Virat Kohli has scored the most number of runs in T20 World Cup so far. He has represented India in 3 World Cups (2012, 2014, and 2016). Virat has played 16 matches till now and made more than 700 runs. He is the pillar of the Indian batting lineup. He has the highest batting average among the top 10 run-scorers. Virat has exhibited consistency in the T20 World Cup, smacking 9 fifties.
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike-rate | Best | 50s | 100s |
| 16 | 777 | 86.33 | 133.04 | 89* | 9 | 0 |
Virat Kohli has made the most runs in T20 World Cup (777).
Mahela Jayawardene has scored the most runs in T20 World Cup history (1016).
Top 10 Batsmen with Most Runs In T20 World Cup
| Player | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Best | 50s | 100s |
| M Jayawardene (SL) | 31 | 31 | 1016 | 39.07 | 134.74 | 100 | 6 | 1 |
| C Gayle (WI) | 28 | 26 | 920 | 40.00 | 146.73 | 117 | 7 | 2 |
| T Dilshan (SL) | 35 | 34 | 897 | 30.93 | 124.06 | 96* | 6 | – |
| V Kohli (IND) | 16 | 16 | 777 | 86.33 | 133.04 | 89* | 9 | – |
| AB DE Villiers (SA) | 30 | 29 | 717 | 29.87 | 143.40 | 79* | 5 | – |
| R Sharma (IND) | 28 | 25 | 673 | 39.58 | 127.22 | 79* | 6 | – |
| K Sangakkara (SL) | 31 | 30 | 661 | 25.42 | 112.22 | 68 | 4 | – |
| B McCullum (NZ) | 25 | 25 | 637 | 28.95 | 128.42 | 123 | 2 | 1 |
| Y Singh (IND) | 31 | 28 | 593 | 23.72 | 128.91 | 70 | 4 | – |
| K Pietersen (ENG) | 15 | 15 | 580 | 44.61 | 148.33 | 79 | 4 | – |