Top 3 batters with the most ODI runs after 90 innings
Batting in the longer formats of the game required a certain level of skill and mental fortitude that can overcome the toughest of conditions. Many batters have excelled in the shorter formats of the game but have struggled to replicate the same in the longer formats. Over the years 50-over cricket has seen some exceptional talents dominating the format, but only a handful of them managed to hit top gear in the early part of their careers. Here are the batters with the most ODI runs after 90 innings in their 50-over career.
Vivian Richards (West Indies) – 4,122 runs
Regarded as one of the greatest entertainers of the game, Sir Vivian Richards was more than just a cricketer. He was an enigma who rendered bowlers clueless. One of the icons of the game, the devastating batter amassed 6721 in 167 innings for the West Indies in nonchalant style. His run-scoring abilities dipped considerably in the latter stages of his glorious career as 4,122 runs of his 6721 ODI runs came in his first 90 innings for the Caribbean team.
Hashim Amla (South Africa) – 4556 runs
Hashim Amla was an out-and-out red-ball cricketer when he made his debut for the Proteas in 2004. His first outing in the 50-over format came four years later and it was worth the wait as the wristy opener broke record after record in ODIs. He went on to become the fastest batsman to 2,000 (40 innings), 3,000 (57 innings), 4,000 (81 innings), and 5,000 (101 innings) run, all while playing eye-pleasing cricketing shots. The elegant batter remained prolific throughout his career boasting a tremendous average of 49.46, scoring 8113 runs. 4556 of his ODI runs came in his first 90 innings.
Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 4664 runs
Pakistani batting sensation Babar Azam is undoubtedly the best batter in the world currently. The no. 1 ODI batter has been a model of consistency, scoring nine half-centuries in his last ten innings. He broke Hashim Amla’s record in the recently concluded ODI series against the Netherlands, registering 91 in the final match of the series, his third consecutive fifty of the series. The bulwark has amassed 4664 runs in 90 ODI innings averaging an astonishing 59.79, becoming the leading run-scorer in ODIs after 90 innings. He also holds the record for most centuries after the above-stated number of matches.