Completing 5000 runs in One Day International (ODI) cricket is a testament to a batsman’s consistency, skill and long-term performance. However, some batsmen have batted so aggressively and consistently that they have reached this historic milestone in very few innings. This list includes the names of some of the world’s greatest batsmen who have changed the definition of batting in their time.
Especially in modern cricket, the trend of scoring runs quickly has seen a new generation of batsmen break many previous records. Batsmen like Pakistan’s Babar Azam, South Africa’s Hashim Amla and India’s Virat Kohli have shown incredible consistency and have made it to the list of fastest 5000 runs. Below is a detailed account of each batsman’s feat on this list.
Table of Contents
List of fastest batsmen to score 5000 runs
| Rank | Player | Team | Innings | Matches | Opponent | Venue | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Babar Azam | Pakistan | 97 | 99 | New Zealand | Karachi | 5 May 2023 |
| 2 | HM Amla | South Africa | 101 | 104 | West Indies | Durban | 16 Jan 2015 |
| 3 | IVA Richards | West Indies | 114 | 126 | England | Melbourne | 30 Jan 1987 |
| 4 | In Kohli | India | 114 | 120 | West Indies | Kochi | 21 Nov 2013 |
| 5 | SD Hope | West Indies | 114 | 119 | England | North Sound | 3 Dec 2023 |
| 6 | D.A. Warner | Australia | 115 | 117 | India | Foreign | 14 Jan 2020 |
| 7 | YOUR Root | England | 116 | 122 | West Indies | Bridgetown | 20 Feb 2019 |
| 8 | Q de Kock | South Africa | 116 | 116 | England | Cape Town | 4 Feb 2020 |
| 9 | BC Lara | West Indies | 118 | 120 | South Africa | Lahore | 3 Nov 1997 |
| 10 | S Dhawan | India | 118 | 119 | New Zealand | Napier | 23 Jan 2019 |
1. Babar Azam (Pakistan)
Pakistan captain Babar Azam set the world record for the fastest to score 5,000 runs in ODI cricket in just 97 innings. He reached the milestone against New Zealand in Karachi on May 5, 2023.
The main strength of his batting is consistency, perfect timing and equal ability against all types of bowling. Babar’s record has established him as one of the best ODI batsmen of the modern era.
Overall Career Statistics
- Matches: 143
- Innings: 140
- Total Runs: 6,626
- Batting Average: 53.43
- Highest Score: 158
- Centuries: 20
- Half-Centuries: 38
2. Hashim Amla (South Africa)
Hashim Amla had long held the world record for the fastest to score 5,000 runs. He stunned the cricketing world by reaching the milestone in just 101 innings.
Amla’s calm, patient and classic batting for South Africa has made him one of the most successful openers in modern ODI cricket.
Career Summary
- Matches: 181
- Runs: 8,113
- Batting Average: 49.46
- Highest Score: 159
- Centuries (100s): 27
- Fifties (50s): 39
3. Viv Richards (West Indies)
Sir Vivian Richards was one of the most feared batsmen of his time. To reach 5000 runs in just 114 innings was an incredible achievement in that era.
He is still considered one of the greatest batsmen in ODI history for his attacking mentality and match-winning ability.
Major ODI Batting Records (In Points):
- Scored an unbeaten 189 vs England in 1984, contributing 69.48% of West Indies’ total (272) – a record still standing.
- Holds the highest ODI score by a No. 4 batter with an unbeaten 189.
- Fastest to 1,000 ODI runs, achieving the milestone in just 21 innings (world record).
- Played a legendary unbeaten 138 in the 1979 World Cup final vs England, considered one of the greatest innings in WC history.
4. Virat Kohli (India)
Virat Kohli reached 5000 runs in just 114 innings, equaling Vivian Richards’ record. He is known as the “Chase Master” for his exceptional run-chasing ability and consistent centuries.
This is one of the most important achievements among Kohli’s numerous records in ODI cricket.
Overall Batting Records
- Total Runs: 14,797 in 311 matches
- Batting Average: 58.72
- Centuries: 54
- Half-Centuries: 77
- Highest Score: 183 against Pakistan in Mirpur (2012
5. Shai Hope (West Indies)
Shai Hope is one of the most consistent ODI batsmen for West Indies in the modern era. He achieved 5000 runs in just 114 innings, earning him a place among the legends.
His calm batting, innings-building skills, and the mentality to survive until the end of the match made him special.
Overall Career Stats
- Matches: 150
- Innings: 144
- Total Runs: 6,169
- Batting Average: 50.57
- Highest Score: 170
- Strike Rate: ~ 80
- Not Outs: 22
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6. David Warner (Australia)
David Warner completed 5000 runs in just 115 innings with explosive opening batting. His biggest strength has been his aggressive batting from the start.
Warner’s contribution to many important Australian victories was extraordinary.
Overall ODI Career Statistics
- Matches: 161
- Total Runs: 6,932
- Batting Average: 45.31
- Strike Rate: 97.26
- Highest Score: 179
- Centuries: 22
- Half-Centuries: 33
7. Joe Root (England)
Joe Root is one of England’s most reliable middle-order batsmen. He became one of England’s most successful ODI batsmen, completing 5000 runs in 116 innings.
Root’s batting characteristics are patience, strike rotation, and the ability to play big innings.
Career Statistics
- Matches: 189
- Runs: 7,577
- Batting Average: 49.52
- Highest Score: 166* (Not Out)
- Centuries (100s): 20
- Half-Centuries (50s): 45
- Strike Rate: 87.12
8. Quinton de Kock (South Africa)
Quinton de Kock reached 5000 runs in just 116 innings. The left-handed opener is known for scoring runs quickly from the start.
He became one of South Africa’s most important players by scoring runs in addition to wicketkeeping.
Overall Batting Records
- Runs: 7,123
- Highest Score: 178 (vs. Australia, 2016)
- Average: 46.56
- Strike Rate: Over 96
- Centuries: 23
- Fifties: 32
9. Brian Lara (West Indies)
Brian Lara was known for his exceptional strokeplay and big innings. He proved his extraordinary talent by completing 5000 runs in 118 innings.
Lara’s name will always be remembered as one of the most aesthetic batters in cricket history.
Career Aggregate & Averages
- Matches: 299
- Total Runs: 10,405
- Batting Average: 40.49
- Centuries (100s): 19
- Half-Centuries (50s): 63
10. Shikhar Dhawan (India)
Shikhar Dhawan is one of India’s most successful ODI openers. He secured his place in this list by completing 5000 runs in just 118 innings.
Dhawan has long been one of India’s mainstays in batting, especially for his consistent performances in ICC tournaments and run-scoring ability in big matches.
Career Batting Statistics (ODI)
- Matches: 167
- Innings: 164
- Total Runs: 6,793
- Batting Average: 44.11
- Strike Rate: 91.35
- Highest Score: 143
- Centuries: 17
- Half-Centuries: 39
- Fours: 841
- Sixes: 79
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Interesting Facts
- Only a few ODI batters have reached 5000 runs in very quick innings, showing extreme consistency and skill.
- Babar Azam holds the record for the fastest 5000 ODI runs, reaching the milestone in just 97 innings.
- Hashim Amla previously held the record with 101 innings, making him one of the most consistent openers in ODI history.
- Virat Kohli and Quinton de Kock both reached 5000 runs in 116 innings, highlighting their long-term ODI consistency.
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FAQ
Who is the fastest player to reach 5000 ODI runs?
Babar Azam is the fastest player to reach 5000 ODI runs, achieving the milestone in just 97 innings against New Zealand in Karachi in 2023.
Who held the record before Babar Azam?
Before Babar Azam, Hashim Amla held the record, reaching 5000 ODI runs in 101 innings for South Africa.
How many innings did Virat Kohli take to reach 5000 ODI runs?
Virat Kohli reached 5000 ODI runs in 114 innings, showcasing his consistency in international cricket.
Is Viv Richards still among the fastest to 5000 runs?
Yes, Sir Vivian Richards remains one of the fastest, achieving the milestone in 114 innings during his legendary career.
How many players have reached 5000 ODI runs in fewer than 120 innings?
Several players have done it, including Babar Azam, Hashim Amla, Virat Kohli, Quinton de Kock, David Warner, Joe Root, and others listed in the table.
Which modern players are in the top list for fastest 5000 ODI runs?
Modern players like Babar Azam, Virat Kohli, Quinton de Kock, David Warner, and Shai Hope are among the fastest in this milestone list.
What makes Babar Azam’s record special?
Babar Azam’s record is special because he reached 5000 ODI runs in the fewest innings (97), beating many legendary batsmen from different eras.
Conclusion
This list of fastest 5000 runs in ODI cricket proves that consistency, ability to play big innings and the ability to bat according to match conditions is what makes a batsman a legend. Pakistan’s Babar Azam tops the list, reaching 5000 runs in just 97 innings, which is currently a world record. He is followed by South Africa’s Hashim Amla, while legends Viv Richards and India’s Virat Kohli have reached the milestone in 114 innings.
Stars like Shai Hope, David Warner, Joe Root, Quinton de Kock, Brian Lara and Shikhar Dhawan have also proven that consistent performance in ODI cricket is the key to long-term success. A new generation of batsmen will try to break these records in the future, but for now, the list of fastest 5000 runs is considered one of the most prestigious batting achievements in the history of ODI cricket.
