Who has the most runs in T20 World Cup history?

Virat Kohli currently holds the record of scoring the most runs in T20 World Cup history. He has accumulated 1,141 runs in 27 matches with an outstanding average of 81.50.

The former Indian team captain has top-scored in two different editions of the T20 World Cup tournament - 2014 and 2022. Still going strong in the IPL, the king of cricket will be India’s biggest strength in the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2024.

Kohli is followed by Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene, Chris Gayle, Rohit Sharma and Tillakaratne Dilshan in the top five highest scorers in T20 World Cup history.

Most Runs in T20 World Cup History: Top 10 list

Virat Kohli - 1141 runs in T20 World Cups 

Apart from amassing 1141 runs, Virat Kohli has also recorded 13 fifties and maintains a striking rate of over 130. His highest score in the tournament is 89 not out, achieved against West Indies during the 2016 edition. In addition to his overall record, Kohli also holds the record for the most runs in a single T20 World Cup tournament, having scored 319 runs in six matches during the 2014 edition.

Mahela Jayawardene - 1016 runs in T20 World Cups

Following Kohli is former Sri Lanka cricket team batsman Mahela Jayawardene, who ranks second in the list of most runs in T20 World Cup history. Jayawardene participated in five editions of the tournament between 2007 and 2014, amassing 1,016 runs in 31 matches at an average of 39.07 and a strike rate of 134.74. Jayawardene notably excelled in the T20 World Cup 2010, where he emerged as the highest run-scorer with 302 runs in six matches at an impressive average of 60.40 and a strike rate of 159.78. He also became the first Sri Lankan player to score a century in T20 World Cups during that tournament.

Chris Gayle - 965 runs in T20 World Cups

Occupying the third position is the West Indian opener, Chris Gayle, who has demonstrated his batting prowess in T20 World Cup matches. Gayle has amassed 965 runs in 33 matches, showcasing an average of 34.46 and an impressive strike rate of 142.75. Riding on his brutal batting prowess as well as experience, the Men in Maroon have won two T20 World Cups.

Most Runs in T20 World Cup History: By Edition

ICC T20 World Cup tournaments have witnessed remarkable performances from some of the game's finest batsmen over the years.

Matthew Hayden | T20 World Cup 2007

In the inaugural 2007 edition in South Africa, former Australia left-handed opening batsman Matthew Hayden stood out as the highest run-scorer. Hayden amassed an impressive 265 runs in six matches at an average of 88.33 and a striking rate of 144.80, showcasing his hard-hitting skills. Despite his efforts, Australia faced a setback when they were knocked out by eventual champions India in the semi-final.

Tilakaratne Dilshan | T20 World Cup 2009

Moving to the 2009 T20 World Cup in England, it was Tillakaratne Dilshan from Sri Lanka who stole the show with his batting prowess. Dilshan, opening for his team, scored 317 runs in seven matches at an average of 52.83 and a strike rate of 144.74, playing a crucial role in Sri Lanka's journey to the final where they ultimately lost to Pakistan at Lord’s.

Shane Watson | T20 World Cup 2012

The 2012 edition in Sri Lanka saw former Australia cricket team opener Shane Watson emerging as the highest run-scorer. Watson scored 249 runs in six matches at a strike rate of 150 and an average of 49.80, narrowly edging out Mahela Jayawardene. Australia's campaign, however, ended in the semi-final against eventual champions West Indies.

Virat Kohli | T20 World Cup 2014

In 2014, India's star batsman Virat Kohli took center stage as the leading run-getter in the T20 World Cup held in Bangladesh. Kohli's phenomenal form saw him amassing 319 runs in six matches at an astonishing average of 106.33 and a strike rate of 129.14, including crucial innings in the semi-final and final. Despite Kohli's heroics, India fell short in the final against Sri Lanka.

Tamim Iqbal | T20 World Cup 2016

The 2016 edition in India witnessed Bangladesh's Tamim Iqbal as the top scorer, edging out Kohli. Tamim accumulated 295 runs in six matches at an average of 73.75 and a strike rate of 142.51, displaying his explosive batting style with a memorable century against Oman. However, Bangladesh couldn't progress beyond the Super 10s stage.

Babar Azam | T20 World Cup 2021

More recently, in the 2021 T20 World Cup held in UAE and Oman, Pakistan's captain Babar Azam shone as the highest run-getter. Azam's stellar performance saw him amassing 303 runs in six matches at an impressive average of 60.60 and a strike rate of 126.25, guiding his team with four half-centuries.

Virat Kohli | T20 World Cup 2022

In the latest edition of the tournament in 2022, Virat Kohli reclaimed his position as the top run-scorer with 296 runs in six games at an exceptional average of 98.66 and a strike rate of 136.40, showcasing his consistency and class on the world stage once again.

From Matthew Hayden's explosive start in 2007 to Virat Kohli's continued dominance in 2022, each player showcased exceptional skills, contributing significantly to their team's success. Despite individual brilliance, the unpredictability of T20 cricket is evident, with teams facing ups and downs throughout tournaments. These performances not only entertain fans but also underline the competitive spirit and depth of talent present in global cricket, making each T20 World Cup a spectacle to remember.