Fewest innings to 3000 ODI runs

ODI cricket has produced some of the greatest batters in international cricket as several big names have graced the 50-over format. Several batters have made a name for themselves as they have risen in stature with their exploits in ODI cricket.

While some batters take some time early on to get used to the format, some end up taking it by storm with their exceptional performances from the early days of their career. As the focus shifts to ODI cricket this year with the World Cup 2023 approaching, let’s take a look at the top three players who achieved the milestone of three thousand runs in the fewest innings:

3. Babar Azam (68 innings)

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam is one of the finest batters in the current era. Having taken the ODI format like fish to water, the 28-year-old has amassed an unreal tally of 4981 runs in merely 98 ODIs, averaging a staggering 59.29, including 17 centuries and 26 half-centuries. It took him 68 innings to notch up the 3000-mark in ODIs.

2. Shai Hope, Fakhar Zaman (67 innings)

The 33-year-old opener came into the limelight with his sensational knock of 114 off 106 balls vs India in the final of the Champions Trophy 2017. The southpaw has since sealed his place in the Pakistan team on the back of some stupendous performances. Zaman recently completed 3000 runs against New Zealand in the second ODI and has 3082 runs to his name from 67 innings at an average of 49.70, with 10 hundreds and 15 fifties to his name.

1. Hashim Amla (57 innings)

The legendary South African batter has 8113 runs to his name in 178 innings at an average of 49.46 with 27 hundreds and 39 fifties to his name. Amla is one of the greatest batters to hail from South Africa and is the fastest batter to reach the 3000 runs mark in ODI cricket having achieved the landmark in 57 innings.