The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup began in 2007 and has completed 9 editions to date. Over the years, the tournament has seen several great batters deliver match-winning performances across different conditions and eras. Among them, Virat Kohli stands out as the highest run-scorer with 1292 runs in T20 World Cup history between 2012 and 2024.
He is followed by his teammate Rohit Shamra with 1200 runs in 47 matches. In the top 10, only Rohit Sharma and Josh Buttler are the winning captains of the T20 World Cup. Read on to explore the complete list of the top 10 run-scorers and their World Cup records.
Top 10 Players With Most Runs In The T20 World Cup
Here is the list of the top 10 players with the most runs in the World Cup history of the shortest format of cricket.
| Player | Span | Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate | 100 | 50 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli (IND) | 2012-2024 | 35 | 1292 | 89* | 58.72 | 128.81 | – | 15 |
| Rohit Sharma (IND) | 2007-2024 | 47 | 1220 | 92 | 34.85 | 133.04 | – | 12 |
| Mahela Jayawardene (SL) | 2007-2014 | 31 | 1016 | 100 | 39.07 | 134.74 | 1 | 6 |
| Josh Buttler (ENG) | 2012-2024 | 35 | 1013 | 101* | 42.2 | 147.23 | 1 | 5 |
| David Warner (AUS) | 2009-2024 | 41 | 984 | 89* | 25.89 | 134.24 | – | 8 |
| Chris Gayle (WI) | 2007-2021 | 33 | 965 | 117 | 34.46 | 142.75 | 2 | 7 |
| Tillakratne Dilshan (SL) | 2007-2016 | 35 | 897 | 96* | 30.93 | 124.06 | – | 6 |
| Shakib Al Hasan (BAN) | 2007-2024 | 43 | 853 | 84 | 23.05 | 120.14 | – | 4 |
| Kane Williamson (NZ) | 2012-2024 | 29 | 727 | 85 | 31.6 | 112.53 | – | 3 |
| AB de Villiers (SA) | 2007-2016 | 30 | 717 | 79* | 29.87 | 143.4 | – | 5 |
1. Virat Kohli: 1292 Runs
Virat Kohli has been the most consistent performer from 2012 to 2024. In this period, he played 35 matches and scored 1292 runs, with a highest score of 89 not out. His impressive average of 58.72 shows his reliability, while a strike rate of 128.81 highlights his attacking mindset.
Kohli also smashed 15 half-centuries, proving his ability to score big runs regularly. One of his most memorable knocks came in the 2022 T20 World Cup, when he scored 82 runs against Pakistan, guiding India to a historic win under pressure.
2. Rohit Sharma: 1220 Runs
At the 2nd place, there is another Indian. Rohit Sharma has been a key part of India’s T20 journey from 2007 to 2024. During this period, he played 47 matches and scored 1220 runs, with a highest score of 92.
He maintained a solid average of 34.85 and an impressive strike rate of 133.04. Notably, he is the only Indian player to feature in all T20 World Cups. In 2024, he also captained India to their second T20 World Cup title, ending his T20I career on a high note.
3. Mahela Jayawardene: 1016 Runs
Mahela Jayawardene played a crucial role for Sri Lanka in T20 internationals between 2007 and 2014. Across 31 matches, he scored 1016 runs, leading Sri Lanka’s run scorers in this tournament.
His highest score of 100 remains a special achievement, as he was among the few batters to score a T20I century in that era. Jayawardene maintained a strong average of 39.07 and an attacking strike rate of 134.74. He also registered six half-centuries and one century.
4. Jos Buttler: 1013 Runs
Jos Buttler has been one of England’s most impactful batters in the T20 World Cup. In 35 matches, he scored 1013 runs, with a best of 101 not out. He maintained an excellent average of 42.20 and a strike rate of 147.23.
Importantly, he is the first non-Asian player on this elite list and also the only England cricketer to feature in the top 10. He also helped England to win their 2nd title in 2022 under his captaincy.
5. David Warner: 984 Runs
David Warner is in 5th place with 984 runs in 41 matches, with a highest score of 89 not out. Known for his attacking starts at the top, Warner often set the tone for Australia’s batting. He maintained an average of 25.89.
His best performance came in 2021, when he scored 289 runs at a strike rate of 146.70. During that tournament, he played a major role in holding the innings together and guiding Australia to their first T20 World Cup title.
6. Chris Gayle: 965 Runs
Chris Gayle is regarded as one of the most powerful batters in T20 cricket history. Playing 33 matches, he scored 965 runs for the West Indies, with a highest score of 117.
Chris Gayle started the World Cup with a historic inning. In 2007, he smashed 117 runs off 57 balls against South Africa in the 1st ever inning of the T20 World Cup. Later, in 2016, he played another match-winning knock, scoring an unbeaten 100 off 48 balls, which helped his team move strongly toward the title.
7. Tillakaratne Dilshan: 897 Runs
Tillakaratne Dilshan was a reliable performer for Sri Lanka in T20 internationals. He played 35 matches and scored 897 runs, with a highest score of 96 not out.
Tillakaratne Dilshan’s T20 World Cup journey was at its best in 2010. He scored 317 runs in the tournament and played a big role in Sri Lanka’s run to the semi-finals. One of his most important innings came against the West Indies, where he made an unbeaten 96 off 57 balls, almost winning the match on his own.
8. Shakib Al Hasan: 853 Runs
Shakib Al Hasan played 43 matches and scored 853 runs, with a highest score of 84. Shakib often batted in the middle order and focused on steady contributions rather than big scores.
He is the only 2nd player to have featured in every T20 World Cup till date. Apart from batting, he is the leading wicket-taker in this tournament with 50 wickets in 43 matches at an economy of 6.86.
9. Kane Williamson: 727 Runs
Kane Williamson has been a steady presence for New Zealand in T20 World Cups. He played 29 matches and scored 727 runs, with a highest score of 85. He maintained an average of 31.60, showing consistency in the middle order.
His best performance came in 2021, when he scored 216 runs in the tournament with an average of 43.20. One of his finest innings was against England, when he made a well-controlled 85 off 48 balls while chasing a big target.
10. AB de Villiers: 717 Runs
AB de Villiers scored 717 runs in 30 matches for South Africa between 2007 and 2016. He was known for playing fast and smart shots in T20 cricket. His highest score was 79 not out, which showed his ability to stay till the end.
He had an average of 29.87 and a strong strike rate of 143.4, meaning he scored runs quickly. AB de Villiers also hit 5 half-centuries. He often helped his team in important matches and was loved by fans for his exciting batting style.
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Conclusion: Virat Kohli Is The Leading Run Scorer With 1292 Runs
After 9 editions of the T20 World Cup since 2007, Virat Kohli stands tall as the tournament’s highest run-scorer with 1292 runs, setting a benchmark of consistency and big-match temperament. His record is followed by Rohit Sharma, Mahela Jayawardene, Jos Buttler, and David Warner.
