The most recent and widely popular format in cricket is T20, known for its fast-paced and dramatic nature. Despite being considered tricky for batsmen due to its high-risk profile, certain players have excelled in mastering this format. Among them, Chris Gayle stands out as the batsman with the highest run tally in T20 cricket history. The Jamaican legend, still going strong at the age of 41, has demolished bowling lineups, scoring 14,289 runs in 449 T20 matches. Gayle boasts an impressive average of 36.73 and a phenomenal strike rate of 145.7. Additionally, he holds numerous T20 records, including the highest individual score, most sixes, most centuries, and half-centuries.
Table of Contents – Cricketers with the most runs in T20 Format
Cricket Players with the Most Runs in T20 Cricket
| Rank | Player | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Highest Score | Half-centuries | Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Gayle | 449 | 14,289 | 36.73 | 145.7 | 175* | 87 | 22 |
| 2 | Kieron Pollard | 569 | 11,242 | 31.49 | 152.4 | 104 | 56 | 1 |
| 3 | Shoaib Malik | 443 | 11,033 | 36.53 | 126.2 | 95* | 67 | 0 |
| 4 | Virat Kohli | 320 | 10,193 | 41.27 | 133.5 | 113 | 75 | 5 |
| 5 | David Warner | 307 | 10,033 | 37.44 | 140.6 | 135* | 82 | 8 |
| 6 | Brendon McCullum | 370 | 9,922 | 29.98 | 136.5 | 158* | 55 | 7 |
| 7 | Aaron Finch | 325 | 9,845 | 34.3 | 141.2 | 172 | 64 | 8 |
| 8 | Rohit Sharma | 357 | 9,446 | 31.8 | 133.3 | 118 | 65 | 6 |
| 9 | AB de Villiers | 340 | 9,424 | 37.25 | 150.1 | 133* | 69 | 4 |
| 10 | Shane Watson | 343 | 8,821 | 29.31 | 138.3 | 124* | 53 | 6 |
1) Chris Gayle – 14,289 runs
The West Indies left-hander, Chris Gayle, has been nothing short of sensational in the T20 format. His T20 journey encompasses 449 games, featuring appearances for West Indies, Guyana Amazon Warriors in the CPL, and stints with Kings XI Punjab, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, among others. Holding the title of the highest run-scorer in T20 cricket, Gayle achieved the highest individual score in the format with an unbeaten 175 against Pune Warriors India in IPL 2013. The self-proclaimed Universe Boss boasts an impressive record of over 14,000 runs in T20 cricket at an average of 36.73. Notably, he has struck 87 half-centuries and 22 centuries, a feat unmatched by any other player. Gayle stands as the sole batsman with more than 10 centuries in T20 cricket, while the next best is at 8!
Also Read: Players With The Most Runs in ODI Cricket
2) Kieron Pollard – 11,242 runs
Kieron Pollard, the current captain of the West Indies at the T20 World Cup, skipper of the Trinbago Knight Riders, and a prominent figure for the Mumbai Indians, secures the second spot on the list of most runs in T20 cricket history. This lanky all-rounder stands out as one of the premier batsmen in the shortest format. Despite often batting lower down the order, Pollard showcases his versatility as a team player, amassing over 11,000 runs in T20 cricket. With 569 T20 matches under his belt, he has compiled 11,242 runs, featuring 56 half-centuries and a solitary century. His remarkable strike rate of 152.4 remains among the best in the business.
3) Shoaib Malik – 11,033 runs
Occupying the third position in the list of most runs in T20 cricket is the T20 globetrotter, Shoaib Malik. The former captain of Pakistan has traversed various teams throughout his extensive T20 career and stands as the third-highest run-scorer in the history of T20 cricket. With 443 T20 matches to his credit, Malik has accumulated 11,033 runs at an impressive average of 36.53, boasting 67 half-centuries. His enduring presence has been pivotal for Pakistan’s success in the shortest format of the game.
4) Virat Kohli – 10,193 runs
Despite T20 cricket not being his preferred format, Virat Kohli, the talismanic batsman, has secured a position in the top 5 for most runs in T20 cricket. Kohli’s stellar performances for both Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL and the Indian national team have made him a cricket sensation. In 320 T20 matches, he has amassed 10,193 runs at an average of 41.27. Kohli has registered 75 fifties and five centuries, with four of them coming in IPL 2016. While his T20 career strike rate may not be extraordinary, his exceptional match awareness and ability to adapt make him one of the most formidable batsmen in T20 cricket.
5) David Warner – 10,033 runs
David Warner, the sole player to secure three IPL Orange caps, stands as a true T20 legend. Renowned for his ability to score against both pacers and spinners, Warner is regarded as one of the premier openers in T20 cricket. His proficiency in dispatching even quality deliveries over the fence has contributed to his success. Warner played a pivotal role in guiding Sunrisers Hyderabad to their inaugural IPL title, and his stellar performances extended to the Australian national team. Accumulating a total of 10,033 runs in 307 T20 matches, he holds the fifth position on the list for the most runs in T20 cricket. Additionally, Warner boasts an impressive record of 82 half-centuries and 8 centuries in his T20 career.
6) Brendon McCullum – 9922 runs
Brendon McCullum bid farewell to the cricketing world as a T20 sensation, consistently delivering runs across various platforms. His memorable innings, including the iconic 158 in the inaugural IPL match against RCB, marked the beginning of a remarkable T20 journey. Throughout his career spanning 370 matches, McCullum amassed 9,922 runs at an average of 29.28, showcasing his impactful contributions. With a formidable batting strike rate of 136.5, he left an indelible mark on the T20 landscape.
7 ) Aaron Finch – 9845 runs
The Australian skipper has been the linchpin of the team’s T20 endeavors, participating in various tournaments such as the IPL, Big Bash, and T20 Blast. As an opener, he has accumulated 9,845 runs in 325 T20 matches, boasting an average of 34.3. His impressive tally includes 64 half-centuries and eight centuries, showcasing his consistency and impact in the T20 format.
8) Rohit Sharma – 9446 runs
Rohit Sharma stands as one of the most accomplished captains in the IPL, guiding the Mumbai Indians to a record five trophies. Beyond his leadership prowess, Rohit showcases remarkable batting skills in the T20 format. With 9,446 runs in 357 matches, including 65 half-centuries and six centuries, he currently holds the eighth position in the list of most runs in T20 cricket and continues to ascend the ranks.
9) AB de Villiers – 9424 runs
AB de Villiers, the former South Africa captain, stands as one of the most impactful figures in the sport. Renowned for his 360-degree strokeplay, he has captivated audiences across various leagues worldwide, making a substantial impact in the IPL. De Villiers boasts 9,424 runs in T20 cricket, showcasing a career strike rate of 150.1. While he has retired from international cricket, he remains actively involved in franchise cricket.
10) Shane Watson – 8821 runs
Shane Watson, regarded as one of the premier all-rounders in world cricket, showcased star performances over the years before bidding farewell to the game. Participating in 343 T20 matches, he accumulated 8,821 runs at an average of 29.31 and an impressive strike rate of 138.3. Watson played a pivotal role in guiding the Chennai Super Kings to victory in the 2018 edition of the IPL.
Most Runs in International Cricket– T20I Format
When it comes to T20 International cricket, Virat Kohli leads the chart for the highest run-scorer. Kohli has amassed 3,216 runs in 85 T20I innings, maintaining an impressive average of 52.72. Martin Guptill secures the second spot, trailed by Rohit Sharma, Paul Stirling, and Aaron Finch in the top five. Here is the comprehensive list.
Batsman Name | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Highest Score | Half-Centuries | Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 91 | 3,216 | 52.72 | 138.6 | 94* | 29 | 0 |
| Martin Guptill | 102 | 2,939 | 32.3 | 136.8 | 105 | 17 | 2 |
| Rohit Sharma | 112 | 2,864 | 32.18 | 138.9 | 118 | 22 | 4 |
| Paul Stirling | 92 | 2,570 | 30.96 | 136.1 | 115* | 19 | 1 |
| Aaron Finch | 77 | 2,473 | 36.91 | 149.8 | 172 | 15 | 2 |
| Mohammad Hafeez | 114 | 2,429 | 26.4 | 121 | 99* | 14 | 0 |
| Eoin Morgan | 108 | 2,367 | 28.87 | 138.1 | 91 | 14 | 0 |
| Shoaib Malik | 117 | 2,335 | 31.13 | 124.2 | 75 | 8 | 0 |
| David Warner | 82 | 2,279 | 31.22 | 139.3 | 100* | 18 | 1 |
| Babar Azam | 62 | 2,272 | 48.34 | 130.7 | 122 | 21 | 1 |
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