Introduction
One Day International (ODI) cricket is a realm of incredible batting feats and unforgettable records. Among these milestones, scoring 5000 runs in ODIs stands as a testament to a batsman’s skill, consistency, and longevity. In this blog, we’ll journey through the records and explore the incredible stories of cricketers who raced to 5000 ODI runs, leaving a mark that resonates through the annals of the sport.
1. Babar Azam (PAK)
- Opposition: New Zealand
- Ground: Karachi
- Match Date: 5 May 2023
- Debut: 31 May 2015
- Time Taken: 7 years and 339 days
- Matches: 99
- Innings: 97
- ODI Number: 4574
Babar Azam, Pakistan’s modern-day batting sensation, raced to 5000 ODI runs in just under eight years. Debuting on 31st May 2015, Babar achieved this monumental milestone on 5th May 2023, during an electrifying match against New Zealand in Karachi (ODI # 4574). His elegant strokeplay, remarkable consistency, and captaincy prowess have made him a cricketing gem.
2. Hasim Amla (SA)
- Opposition: West Indies
- Ground: Durban
- Match Date: 16 Jan 2015
- Debut: 9 Mar 2008
- Time Taken: 6 years and 313 days
- Matches: 104
- Innings: 101
- ODI Number: 3579
Hashim Amla, the South African batting maestro, showcased his class by reaching 5000 ODI runs in just under seven years. Amla’s ODI journey began on 9th March 2008, and on 16th January 2015, during a match against the West Indies in Durban (ODI # 3579), he etched his name in cricket’s history books. His elegant batting style and consistency remain legendary.
3. Vivian Richards (WI)
- Opposition: England
- Ground: Melbourne
- Match Date: 30 Jan 1987
- Debut: 7 Jun 1975
- Time Taken: 11 years and 237 days
- Matches: 126
- Innings: 114
- ODI Number: 428
Sir Vivian Richards, the legendary West Indian batsman, demonstrated his longevity and prowess by reaching 5000 ODI runs in nearly twelve years. Debuting on 7th June 1975, Richards achieved this significant milestone on 30th January 1987, during a match against England in Melbourne (ODI # 428). His aggressive and fearless approach to batting set a lasting legacy.
4. Virat Kohli (IND)
- Opposition: West Indies
- Ground: Kochi
- Match Date: 21 Nov 2013
- Debut: 18 Aug 2008
- Time Taken: 5 years and 95 days
- Matches: 120
- Innings: 114
- ODI Number: 3436
Virat Kohli, the modern Indian cricketing legend, sprinted to 5000 ODI runs in just over five years. Debuting on 18th August 2008, Kohli achieved this remarkable feat on 21st November 2013, during a match against the West Indies in Kochi (ODI # 3436). His extraordinary consistency, masterful strokeplay, and leadership skills have set him apart as one of the finest contemporary batsmen.
5. David Warner (AUS)
- Opposition: India
- Ground: Wankhede
- Match Date: 14 Jan 2020
- Debut: 18 Jan 2009
- Time Taken: 10 years and 361 days
- Matches: 117
- Innings: 115
- ODI Number: 4231
David Warner, the explosive Australian opener, reached 5000 ODI runs in just over a decade. Debuting on 18th January 2009, Warner achieved this significant milestone on 14th January 2020, during a thrilling match against India at Wankhede (ODI # 4231). His aggressive and fearless batting style has made him a match-winner for Australia.
6. Joe Root (ENG)
- Opposition: West Indies
- Ground: Bridgetown
- Match Date: 20 Feb 2019
- Debut: 11 Jan 2013
- Time Taken: 6 years and 40 days
- Matches: 122
- Innings: 116
- ODI Number: 4096
Joe Root, the versatile English cricketer, reached 5000 ODI runs in under six years. Debuting on 11th January 2013, Root accomplished this remarkable milestone on 20th February 2019, during a match against the West Indies in Bridgetown (ODI # 4096). Root’s sound technique and adaptability have been invaluable for England.
7. Q de Kock (SA)
- Opposition: England
- Ground: Cape Town
- Match Date: 4 Feb 2020
- Debut: 19 Jan 2013
- Time Taken: 7 years and 16 days
- Matches: 116
- Innings: 116
- ODI Number: 4234
Quinton de Kock, the South African wicketkeeper-batsman, reached 5000 ODI runs in just over seven years. Debuting on 19th January 2013, de Kock achieved this significant milestone on 4th February 2020, during a match against England in Cape Town (ODI # 4234). His explosive batting and safe hands behind the stumps make him a valuable asset for South Africa.
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8. Brian Lara (WI)
- Opposition: South Africa
- Ground: Lahore
- Match Date: 3 Nov 1997
- Debut: 9 Nov 1990
- Time Taken: 6 years and 359 days
- Matches: 120
- Innings: 118
- ODI Number: 1249
Brian Charles Lara, the iconic West Indian batsman, reached 5000 ODI runs in just under seven years. His ODI journey began on 9th November 1990, and he achieved this significant milestone on 3rd November 1997, during a match against South Africa in Lahore (ODI # 1249). Lara’s stylish and flamboyant strokeplay left an indelible mark on cricket.
9. Shikhar Dhawan (IND)
- Opposition: New Zealand
- Ground: Napier
- Match Date: 23 Jan 2019
- Debut: 20 Oct 2010
- Time Taken: 8 years and 95 days
- Matches: 119
- Innings: 118
- ODI Number: 4082
Shikhar Dhawan, the Indian opener known for his aggressive batting, reached 5000 ODI runs in just over eight years. Debuting on 20th October 2010, Dhawan achieved this significant milestone on 23rd January 2019, during a match against New Zealand in Napier (ODI # 4082). His explosive starts at the top of the order have been instrumental in India’s ODI successes.
10. Kane Williamson (NZ)
- Opposition: England
- Ground: Wellington
- Match Date: 3 Mar 2018
- Debut: 10 Aug 2010
- Time Taken: 7 years and 205 days
- Matches: 125
- Innings: 119
- ODI Number: 3982
Kane Williamson, the calm and composed New Zealand captain, reached 5000 ODI runs in just over seven years. Debuting on 10th August 2010, Williamson achieved this significant milestone on 3rd March 2018, during a match against England in Wellington (ODI # 3982). His leadership and ability to anchor the innings make him an essential figure in the New Zealand lineup.
Conclusion
These players not only reached 5000 runs in ODIs but did so with their unique styles, resilience, and dedication to the game, solidifying their places in cricketing history and inspiring the next generation of cricketers to aim for greatness.
