India’s Virat Kohli holds the record of scoring the most runs in T20 World Cup history. Kohli has made 1216 runs in 34 matches at an outstanding average of 58.72 and a decent strike rate of 128.81. He has hit 15 half-centuries and has a highest score of 89 not out against West Indies in the 2016 T20 World Cup.
Key Takeaways
- The only batter to score most runs in a single T20 World Cup twice is Virat Kohli (2014 and 2022).
- From 2007 to 2024, Rohit Sharma and Shakib Al Hasan played in every T20 World Cup.
- Virat Kohli has an average of 58.72 in T20 World Cups, which is the highest. In terms of strike rate, Jos Buttler sits at the top with 147.23.
World’s best batters fight for glory in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup every two years. They show their hitting skills, leaving fans amazed with their six-hitting abilities. But who among the modern-day batting greats tops the list of total runs scored in the T20 World Cup?
Highest Run Scorers in T20 World Cup History
Here's a look at the top 10 highest run scorer in T20 World Cup history.
| Rank | Player | Team | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 50s | 100s |
| 1 | Virat Kohli | IND | 35 | 1290 | 58.72 | 128.81 | 15 | 0 |
| 2 | Rohit Sharma | IND | 47 | 1220 | 34.85 | 133.04 | 12 | 0 |
| 3 | Mahela Jayawardene | SL | 31 | 1016 | 39.07 | 134.74 | 6 | 1 |
| 4 | Jos Buttler | ENG | 35 | 1013 | 42.20 | 147.23 | 5 | 1 |
| 5 | David Warner | AUS | 41 | 984 | 25.89 | 134.24 | 8 | 0 |
| 6 | Chris Gayle | WI | 33 | 965 | 34.46 | 142.75 | 7 | 2 |
| 7 | Tillakaratne Dilshan | SL | 35 | 897 | 30.93 | 124.06 | 6 | 0 |
| 8 | Shakib Al Hasan | BAN | 43 | 853 | 23.05 | 120.14 | 4 | 0 |
| 9 | Kane Williamson | NZ | 29 | 727 | 31.60 | 112.53 | 3 | 0 |
| 10 | AB de Villiers | SA | 30 | 717 | 29.87 | 143.40 | 5 | 0 |
Batters With Most Runs in T20 World Cup
Virat Kohli (India) - 1290 runs
Virat Kohli holds the prestigious title of the T20 World Cup most runs scorer. Nicknamed "King Kohli," his dominance in world tournaments is undeniable. Across his 35 T20 World Cup appearances from 2012 to 2024, Kohli has scored 1290 runs at an average of 58.72, including 15 fifties.
Rohit Sharma (India) - 1220 runs
India's captain Rohit Sharma, also known as "Hitman," features second on the list of highest runs in T20 World Cup history. Known for his elegance and explosive stroke play, Sharma has made 1220 runs in the T20 World Cup with 12 fifties. Rohit Sharma has played in all the nine T20 World Cups so far.
Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) - 1016 runs
Mahela Jayawardene, Sri Lanka’s batting legend and former captain, is third on the list of most runs in T20 World Cup. Known for his classical technique and composure, Jayawardene has scored 1016 runs in the five editions of the T20 World Cup. He has hit six fifties and one hundred in 31 matches played.
Jos Buttler (England) - 1013 runs
The current English captain has scored 1013 runs in 35 matches with the high score of 101*. Buttler has a wide range of strokes and can innovate on the field. Buttler's fearless approach and ability to score quickly in all areas of the ground make him a valuable asset to the England team.
David Warner (Australia) - 984 runs
A destructive left-handed opener, Warner has scored 984 runs in 41 matches with 8 fifties. He is known for his consistency and ability to score big runs at the start of the innings. Warner’s aggressive batting style and fearless approach often set the tone for the Australian batting line-up. This will be his last T20 World Cup.
Chris Gayle (West Indies) - 965 runs
The "Universe Boss," Chris Gayle of the West Indies, is the fourth-highest run scorer in T20 World Cup history. Gayle is synonymous with six-hitting in T20 cricket and is famous for his ability to destroy bowling attacks single-handedly, Gayle has scored 965 runs in the T20 World Cup in 33 matches at a strike rate of 142.75 and has hit 63 sixes.
Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka) - 897 runs
Tillakaratne Dilshan, the former Sri Lankan opener, was one of the first players to adopt an aggressive batting approach in T20 cricket. His innovative use of the scoop shot and unique stroke play were key to Sri Lanka's success in world tournaments. Dilshan made 897 runs in the T20 World Cup from 2007 to 2016 with the help of 6 fifties.
Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) - 853 runs
With a complete package of batting and bowling skills, Shakib can contribute significantly with both bat and ball. He has played in every T20 World Cup so far and scored 853 runs in 43 matches. Shakib’s ability to play sensible cricket and score crucial runs in the middle order makes him a vital player in the Bangladesh batting line-up.
Kane Williamson (New Zealand) - 727 runs
The Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson has scored 727 runs in 29 matches with the top-score of 85 runs. He is known for his elegant stroke play and ability to anchor the innings. Williamson's calm and composed approach allows him to build partnerships and score consistently for New Zealand.
AB de Villiers (South Africa) - 717 runs
Nicknamed "Mr. 360," AB de Villiers has scored 717 runs in 30 matches at a strike rate of 143.40. He has a wide range of strokes and can score all around the wicket. De Villiers' remarkable batting ability to play unusual shots makes him a true entertainer on the cricket field.
Most Runs in a Single T20 World Cup
| T20 World Cup Season | Player | Team | Runs | Average | 50s | 100s |
| 2024 | Rahmanullah Gurbaz | AFG | 281 | 35.21 | 3 | 0 |
| 2022 | Virat Kohli | IND | 296 | 98.66 | 4 | 0 |
| 2021 | Babar Azam | PAK | 303 | 60.60 | 3 | 0 |
| 2016 | Tamim Iqbal | BAN | 295 | 73.75 | 1 | 1 |
| 2014 | Virat Kohli | IND | 319 | 106.33 | 4 | 0 |
| 2012 | Shane Watson | AUS | 248 | 49.80 | 3 | 0 |
| 2010 | Mahela Jayawardena | SL | 302 | 60.40 | 2 | 1 |
| 2009 | Tillakaratne Dilshan | SL | 317 | 52.83 | 3 | 0 |
| 2007 | Matthew Hayden | AUS | 265 | 88.33 | 4 | 0 |
FAQs
Who hit the most runs in the T20 World Cup?
India's Virat Kohli leads the run-scoring table in the T20 World Cup. Kohli has scored 1290 runs in 35 matches at an average of 58.72 with 15 half centuries.
Who has scored the most runs in the one T20 World Cup?
Virat Kohli holds the record for scoring the most runs in one T20 World Cup. Kohli scored 319 runs with 4 half centuries in the 2014 T20 World Cup.
Who is the highest run scorer of the 2024 T20 World Cup?
Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz leads the run-scoring chart in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Gurbaz has scored 281 runs in 8 matches at an average of 35.12 with 3 half centuries.
Who is the top scorer for India in T20 World Cup?
Virat Kohli is the top scorer for India in T20 World Cup history. He has made 1290 runs in 35 matches at a strike rate of 128.81 with a high score of 89 not out.
