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 the T20 format batsmen changed their approach toward 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 Indian captain Virat Kohli has scored the most runs (1141) in T20 World Cup history. He has played 5 T20 World Cups for India so far (2012-2022). Kohli is not known for hard-hitting batting as per the stereotype of the format. But he is one of the best top-order batsmen ever. Virat played an important part in the 2014 edition of the ICC T20 World Cup for his nation (319 runs in 6 innings). The Indian legend has also hit the highest number of fifties in T20 World Cup (14).
| Matches | runs | Average | Strike-rate | Best | 50s | 100s |
| 27 | 1141 | 81.50 | 131.30 | 89* | 14 | – |
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 2021 T20 World Cup
The 2021 T20 World Cup was a roller coaster ride for most of the teams. Pakistani skipper Babar Azam was on fire throughout the tournament, scoring 303 runs in 3 matches in the 2021 T20 World Cup. His average was 60.60, while the strike rate was 126,25. Despite having a blast, he couldn’t wear the crown this year.
Most Runs In 2022 T20 World Cup
Star Indian batsman Virat Kohli amassed the most runs in the 2022 T20 World Cup. In 6 matches, Virat made 296 runs at a staggering average of 98.66. The right-hand batsman hit four fifties in this year’s tournament. It’s for the 2nd time Virat became the highest run-getter in T20 WC.
Most Runs In T20 World Cup By An Indian Player
Virat Kohli has scored the most number of runs in T20 World Cup so far. He has represented India in all T20 World Cups (2012-2022). Kohli has played 27 matches till now and made more than 1000 runs. He is one of the major players of the Indian batting lineup. He maintains a strike rate of 131.30 in the format. Virat has always been explosive in the T20 World Cup, smacking 14 fifties.
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike-rate | Best | 50s | 100s |
| 27 | 1141 | 81.50 | 131.30 | 89* | 14 | 0 |
Virat Kohli has made the most runs in T20 World Cup (1141).
Virat Kohli has scored the most runs in T20 World Cup history (1141).
Brendon McCullum has the highest score in the T20 World Cup, with 123 runs in 58 balls in 2012.
Virat Kohli made the most runs in the 2014 T20 World Cup, 319 runs in 6 matches.
Matthew Hayden scored the most runs in the 2007 T20 World Cup, 265 runs in 6 games.
Virat Kohli has scored 1141 runs in T20 World Cup to date.
Top 10 Batsmen with Most Runs In T20 World Cup
| Player | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Best | 50s | 100s |
| V Kohli (IND) | 27 | 25 | 1141 | 81.50 | 131.30 | 89* | 14 | – |
| M Jayawardene (SL) | 31 | 31 | 1016 | 39.07 | 134.74 | 100 | 6 | 1 |
| C Gayle (WI) | 32 | 30 | 950 | 35.18 | 142.42 | 117 | 7 | 2 |
| R Sharma (IND) | 39 | 36 | 963 | 34.39 | 127.88 | 79* | 9 | – |
| T Dilshan (SL) | 35 | 34 | 897 | 30.93 | 124.06 | 96* | 6 | – |
| David Warner | 34 | 34 | 806 | 25.18 | 133.22 | 89* | 6 | – |
| J Buttler (IND) | 27 | 27 | 799 | 42.05 | 144.48 | 101* | 4 | 1 |
| S Al Hasan (BAN) | 36 | 36 | 742 | 23.93 | 122.44 | 84 | 3 | – |
| AB DE Villiers (SA) | 30 | 29 | 717 | 29.87 | 143.40 | 79* | 5 | – |
| K Sangakkara (SL) | 31 | 30 | 661 | 25.42 | 112.22 | 68 | 4 | – |
| S Malik (PAK) | 34 | 31 | 646 | 34.00 | 123.28 | 57 | 3 | – |
| B McCullum (NZ) | 25 | 25 | 637 | 28.95 | 128.42 | 123 | 2 | 1 |
Senior Cricket Content Editor at Skyblogs Cricket.
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