In one day international (ODI) cricket, speed and stability in batting is a thin line. Although strike rate is more about aggression, the ability of a batsman to run major milestones in the shortest possible time indicates actual consistency, adaptability and class. One of such milestones is 2000 ODI runs, which is a significant milestone. It more often than not divides promising players and elite performers. It is not only talent that is required to score fastest 2000 runs in ODI Cricket at a high rate. A batsman will have to contend with different conditions, fit in to different bowling attacks and deliver continuously against the best teams. Few cricketers have over the years been able to achieve this record within very few innings.
This article will provide complete information about cricketers who have achieved the fastest 2000 runs in ODI Cricket, their career, their playing style, and their contributions to the game & More.
What does ODI in cricket mean?
ODI (One Day International) is a limited overs form of the international cricket game where two teams consisting of 11 players each, play a single innings of not more than 50 overs (300 balls) per team, and is normally played in one day. It is the mid-ground combat between Test and T20 cricket, which is used in the bi-annual ICC Cricket World Cup that is very renowned.
Key Features of ODI Cricket
Length: Matches normally take 7-8 hours with day- night matches being common.
Formation: A team has got one innings, which is not more than 50 overs (6 balls per over).
Goal: To outscore the other team in the number of overs given.
History: First official ODI was that between Australia and England, which was held on January 5, 1971.
Rules: Has certain fielding restrictions (Powerplays) that vary during the 50 overs to make the attack and defensive playing equal.
Format: It is regarded as the best form of List A cricket.
Fastest 2000 Runs in ODI Cricket – Top 20 Player list Rank-wise
| Rank | Player | Country | Opposition (2K match) | Ground | Match Date | ODI Debut | Time Taken | Matches | Innings |
| 1 | Shubman Gill | India | New Zealand | Dharamsala | 22 Oct 2023 | 31 Jan 2019 | 4y 264d | 38 | 38 |
| 2 | Hashim Amla | South Africa | India | Gqeberha | 21 Jan 2011 | 9 Mar 2008 | 2y 318d | 41 | 40 |
| 3 | Zaheer Abbas | Pakistan | India | Jaipur | 2 Oct 1983 | 31 Aug 1974 | 9y 32d | 45 | 45 |
| 4 | Viv Richards | West Indies | India | The Oval | 15 Jun 1983 | 7 Jun 1975 | 8y 8d | 49 | 48 |
| 5 | Gordon Greenidge | West Indies | India | Srinagar | 13 Oct 1983 | 11 Jun 1975 | 8y 124d | 49 | 49 |
| 6 | Babar Azam | Pakistan | Hong Kong | Dubai (DICS) | 16 Sep 2018 | 31 May 2015 | 3y 108d | 47 | 45 |
| 7 | Rassie van der Dussen | South Africa | Australia | Lucknow | 12 Oct 2023 | 19 Jan 2019 | 4y 266d | 51 | 45 |
| 8 | Imam-ul-Haq | Pakistan | England | Birmingham | 13 Jul 2021 | 18 Oct 2017 | 3y 268d | 46 | 46 |
| 9 | Jonathan Trott | England | Australia | Chester-le-Street | 7 Jul 2012 | 27 Aug 2009 | 2y 315d | 49 | 47 |
| 10 | Shai Hope | West Indies | Bangladesh | Dublin | 7 May 2019 | 16 Nov 2016 | 2y 172d | 51 | 47 |
| 11 | Daryl Mitchell | New Zealand | Pakistan | Mount Maunganui | 5 Apr 2025 | 20 Mar 2021 | 4y 16d | 52 | 47 |
| 12 | Shikhar Dhawan | India | Sri Lanka | Hyderabad | 9 Nov 2014 | 20 Oct 2010 | 4y 20d | 49 | 48 |
| 13 | Jonny Bairstow | England | Sri Lanka | Dambulla | 13 Oct 2018 | 16 Sep 2011 | 7y 27d | 53 | 49 |
| 14 | Kyle Coetzer | Scotland | Afghanistan | Edinburgh | 10 May 2019 | 18 Aug 2008 | 10y 265d | 51 | 49 |
| 15 | Fakhar Zaman | Pakistan | South Africa | Johannesburg | 4 Apr 2021 | 7 Jun 2017 | 3y 301d | 49 | 49 |
| 16 | Shreyas Iyer | India | Sri Lanka | Wankhede | 2 Nov 2023 | 10 Dec 2017 | 5y 327d | 54 | 49 |
| 17 | Gary Kirsten | South Africa | Pakistan | Nairobi (Gym) | 6 Oct 1996 | 14 Dec 1993 | 2y 297d | 50 | 50 |
| 18 | Alastair Cook | England | Australia | Manchester | 10 Jul 2012 | 28 Jun 2006 | 6y 12d | 51 | 51 |
| 19 | David Boon | Australia | New Zealand | Brisbane | 17 Jan 1988 | 12 Feb 1984 | 3y 339d | 54 | 52 |
| 20 | Kevin Pietersen | England | West Indies | Bridgetown | 21 Apr 2007 | 28 Nov 2004 | 2y 144d | 51 | 45 |
Top 20 Cricketers to score Fastest 2000 Runs in ODI Cricket
1. Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill is a key figure in the history of ODI because he is the fastest player to score 2000 runs in the format. This was reached in only 38 innings in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match against New Zealand at Dharamsala on 22 October 2023. Since his ODI debut in January 2019, a consistent, technically-excellent player who can achieve big scores in all conditions has characterized Gill. His calmness when under pressure was illustrated in the Dharamsala match where he achieved this milestone whilst chasing, which strengthened his image of a modern great in limited overs cricket.
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Shubman Gill |
| Full Name | Shubman Gill |
| Nationality | India |
| Batting Style | Right-hand Bat |
| Opposition | New Zealand |
| Ground | Dharamsala |
| Match Date | 22 Oct 2023 |
| Debut | 31 Jan 2019 |
| Time | 4y 264d |
| Matches | 38 |
| Innings | 38 |
2. Hashim Amla
The fast scorer of ODI cricket in over a decade was Hashim Amla. He achieved 2000 ODI runs against India at Gqeberha on 21 January 2011 and he accomplished the feat in only 40 innings. Since his debut in 2008, Amla has become one of the most stylish batters of his generation, who does not resort to brute force but uses his timing. His relaxed style and perfect technique were recorded in the Gqeberha innings, and his record was the gold standard in the effectiveness of ODI batsmanship until it was finally overtaken.
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Hashim Amla |
| Full Name | Hashim Mohammad Amla |
| Nationality | South Africa |
| Batting Style | Right-hand Bat |
| Opposition | India |
| Ground | Gqeberha |
| Match Date | 21 Jan 2011 |
| Debut | 9 Mar 2008 |
| Time | 2y 318d |
| Matches | 41 |
| Innings | 40 |
3. Zaheer Abbas
Zaheer Abbas became the first batter in the history of ODI to pass the 2000-run mark, achieving the feat against India at Jaipur on 2 October 1983. Abbas entered the world in 1974, at a time when there were only a few opportunities to play ODIs and his success was even greater. With his relaxed stroke play and grace, he earned his runs by forbearance and accuracy. His landmark innings marked the initial milestones of ODI batting records and it has been one of the most historically important in limited overs cricket.
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Zaheer Abbas |
| Full Name | Syed Zaheer Abbas Kirmani |
| Nationality | Pakistan |
| Batting Style | Right-hand Bat |
| Opposition | India |
| Ground | Jaipur |
| Match Date | 2 Oct 1983 |
| Debut | 31 Aug 1974 |
| Time | 9y 32d |
| Matches | 45 |
| Innings | 45 |
4. Viv Richards
Viv Richards transformed the art of ODI with his aggressive and perilous manner, and passed the mark of 2000 runs against India at the Oval on 15 June 1983. When Richards first appeared in 1975, he transformed the approach of batters to limited-overs cricket by being both aggressive and consistent. His landmark innings were achieved not by careful piling up, but by a commanding play of strokes, as a testimony to his individuality at the crease. The success of Richards was a breakthrough of power batting and it impacted generations of cricketers thereafter.
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Viv Richards |
| Full Name | Isaac Vivian Alexander Richards |
| Nationality | West Indies |
| Batting Style | Right-hand Bat |
| Opposition | India |
| Ground | The Oval |
| Match Date | 15 Jun 1983 |
| Debut | 7 Jun 1975 |
| Time | 8y 8d |
| Matches | 49 |
| Innings | 48 |
5. Gordon Greenidge
Gordon Greenidge achieved this milestone of 2000 run against India at Srinagar on 13 October 1983. Greenidge made his debut in 1975 and was regarded as a reliable opener who always established strong platforms on behalf of West Indies. The fact that his milestone was not flamboyant but rather a sign of stability and reliability was the stress of the importance of reliable opening partnerships. The contribution made by Greenidge was crucial in a period when the world cricket was dominated by the West Indies in all forms.
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Gordon Greenidge |
| Full Name | Cuthbert Gordon Greenidge |
| Nationality | West Indies |
| Batting Style | Right-hand Bat |
| Opposition | India |
| Ground | Srinagar |
| Match Date | 13 Oct 1983 |
| Debut | 11 Jun 1975 |
| Time | 8y 124d |
| Matches | 49 |
| Innings | 49 |
6. Babar Azam
On 16 September 2018, Babar Azam achieve 2000 ODI runs, against Hong Kong at Dubai. Babar has been celebrated since his introduction in 2015 due to his classicalism, balance, and calmness in pressure. The Dubai match was the happening point where he transitioned between being a potential talent and a regular run-scorer at the international level. His achievement showed how Pakistan was increasingly becoming dependent on technically fit batters in modern ODI cricket.
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Babar Azam |
| Full Name | Mohammad Babar Azam |
| Nationality | Pakistan |
| Batting Style | Right-hand Bat |
| Opposition | Hong Kong |
| Ground | Dubai (DICS) |
| Match Date | 16 Sep 2018 |
| Debut | 31 May 2015 |
| Time | 3y 108d |
| Matches | 47 |
| Innings | 45 |
7. Rassie van der Dussen
On 12 October 2023, Rassie van der Dussen made 2000 ODI runs against Australia at Lucknow. Coming into existence in 2019, he had earned a reputation of a reliable middle-order batter who could withstand pressure. The Lucknow innings was played in a big tournament scenario, and it brought out his temper and flexibility. This was his milestone and the South African focus on consistency and balance in the batting line-up.
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Rassie van der Dussen |
| Full Name | Hendrik Erasmus van der Dussen |
| Nationality | South Africa |
| Batting Style | Right-hand Bat |
| Opposition | Australia |
| Ground | Lucknow |
| Match Date | 12 Oct 2023 |
| Debut | 19 Jan 2019 |
| Time | 4y 266d |
| Matches | 51 |
| Innings | 45 |
8. Imam-ul-Haq
On 13 July 2021, Imam-ul-Haq became the first cricketer to pass 2000 ODI runs in England against England at Birmingham. Imam has become a reliable opener in the team and appreciates patience and choice of shots since his debut in 2017. His milestone was achieved by regular performances as opposed to the big numbers, which is how an anchor at the top of the order is supposed to perform. His dependability under foreign conditions was strengthened with the Birmingham match.
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Imam-ul-Haq |
| Full Name | Imam-ul-Haq |
| Nationality | Pakistan |
| Batting Style | Left-hand Bat |
| Opposition | England |
| Ground | Birmingham |
| Match Date | 13 Jul 2021 |
| Debut | 18 Oct 2017 |
| Time | 3y 268d |
| Matches | 46 |
| Innings | 46 |
9. Jonathan Trott
On 7 July 2012, at Chester-le-Street, Jonathan Trott scored 2000 ODI runs against Australia. Trott made his debut in 2009 and was known to be a disciplined batter and able to rotate strike. His milestone emphasized the relevance of anchoring roles in ODI cricket particularly when chasing a target. The contribution of Trott helped in making England a competitive side in the limited overs game.
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Jonathan Trott |
| Full Name | Ian Jonathan Leonard Trott |
| Nationality | England |
| Batting Style | Right-hand Bat |
| Opposition | Australia |
| Ground | Chester-le-Street |
| Match Date | 7 Jul 2012 |
| Debut | 27 Aug 2009 |
| Time | 2y 315d |
| Matches | 49 |
| Innings | 47 |
10. Shai Hope
Shai Hope became the first to hit the 2000-run mark against Bangladesh at Dublin on 7 May 2019. Hope, having made his debut in 2016, proved to be a stabilizing factor in the batting order of West Indies, at a time when it was rebuilding. His milestone was a measure of flexibility to neutral conditions and responsible carrying of innings. Sustainability of the ODI system of West Indies has been focused on Hope over the recent years.
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Shai Hope |
| Full Name | Shai Diego Hope |
| Nationality | West Indies |
| Batting Style | Right-hand Bat |
| Opposition | Bangladesh |
| Ground | Dublin |
| Match Date | 7 May 2019 |
| Debut | 16 Nov 2016 |
| Time | 2y 172d |
| Matches | 51 |
| Innings | 47 |
11. Daryl Mitchell
Daryl Mitchell reach 2000 ODI runs in a game against Pakistan at Mount Maunganui on 5 April 2025. After his debut in the ODIs in March 2021, Mitchell has grown to become one of the most reliable middle-order batters in New Zealand due to his versatility in all conditions. His clear decision-making and going through pressure situations were identified in the Mount Maunganui innings. The milestone reached after four years of his introduction indicates how well Mitchell rose and gained relevance in the set up of ODI in New Zealand.
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Daryl Mitchell |
| Full Name | Daryl Joseph Mitchell |
| Nationality | New Zealand |
| Batting Style | Right-hand Bat |
| Opposition | Pakistan |
| Ground | Mount Maunganui |
| Match Date | 5 Apr 2025 |
| Debut | 20 Mar 2021 |
| Time | 4y 16d |
| Matches | 52 |
| Innings | 47 |
| Scorecard | ODI #4863 |
12. Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan reached 2000 ODI runs against Sri Lanka in Hyderabad on 9 November 2014. Dhawan debuted in 2010, and it did not take long before he started to be recognised as an aggressive starter and a home king. His prowess against spin bowling and powerplay overs control was seen in the Hyderabas innings. This milestone strengthened the position of Dhawan as among the most reliable ODI openers in India in the early and mid-2010s.
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Shikhar Dhawan |
| Full Name | Shikhar Dhawan |
| Nationality | India |
| Batting Style | Left-hand Bat |
| Opposition | Sri Lanka |
| Ground | Hyderabad |
| Match Date | 9 Nov 2014 |
| Debut | 20 Oct 2010 |
| Time | 4y 20d |
| Matches | 49 |
| Innings | 48 |
| Scorecard | ODI #3543 |
13. Jonny Bairstow
On 13 October 2018 Jonny Bairstow became the reach 2000-runs in a series against Sri Lanka at Dambulla. Since its debut in 2011, Bairstow has become an offensive top-order batsman who can overpower bowling attacks. His match at Dambulla was a demonstration of his spin-confidence in subcontinental conditions. His record marked the transition of England to fearless fast-paced batting which would eventually lead them to their white-ball success.
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Jonny Bairstow |
| Full Name | Jonathan Marc Bairstow |
| Nationality | England |
| Batting Style | Right-hand Bat |
| Opposition | Sri Lanka |
| Ground | Dambulla |
| Match Date | 13 Oct 2018 |
| Debut | 16 Sep 2011 |
| Time | 7y 27d |
| Matches | 53 |
| Innings | 49 |
| Scorecard | ODI #4053 |
14. Kyle Coetzer
Kyle Coetzer reached 2000 ODI runs against Afghanistan at Edinburgh on 10 May 2019. Coetzer, which debuted in 2008, was among the most influential batters in Scotland and managed to bring the team to a phase of consistent development. The Edinburgh game was not only personally important but also to associate cricket, with a lasting improvement in non-member countries. His milestone was a sign of leadership, duration and stability at the international level.
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Kyle Coetzer |
| Full Name | Kyle James Coetzer |
| Nationality | Scotland |
| Batting Style | Right-hand Bat |
| Opposition | Afghanistan |
| Ground | Edinburgh |
| Match Date | 10 May 2019 |
| Debut | 18 Aug 2008 |
| Time | 10y 265d |
| Matches | 51 |
| Innings | 49 |
| Scorecard | ODI #4131 |
15. Fakhar Zaman
On 4 April 2021, Fakhar Zaman registered 2000 ODI runs against South Africa at Johannesburg. Fakhar, since the beginning of his career in 2017, has been characterized by his aggressive nature and the capacity to make quick scores at the top of the order. The Johannesburg innings marked his assurance against good quality pace bowling. The milestone of Fakhar highlighted the effectiveness of the attacking of openers in contemporary ODI cricket.
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Fakhar Zaman |
| Full Name | Fakhar Zaman |
| Nationality | Pakistan |
| Batting Style | Left-hand Bat |
| Opposition | South Africa |
| Ground | Johannesburg |
| Match Date | 4 Apr 2021 |
| Debut | 7 Jun 2017 |
| Time | 3y 301d |
| Matches | 49 |
| Innings | 49 |
| Scorecard | ODI #4286 |
16. Shreyas Iyer
On 2 November 2023, Shreyas Iyer reached to score of 2000 ODI runs in a match against Sri Lanka, at Wankhede. Iyer debuted in 2017 and became a reliable middle-order batter with a reputation of being strong against spin. The Wankhede game demonstrated his calmness before a home audience and his capacity to speed up where necessary. His record was a measure of the richness of India in batting in the modern times.
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Shreyas Iyer |
| Full Name | Shreyas Santosh Iyer |
| Nationality | India |
| Batting Style | Right-hand Bat |
| Opposition | Sri Lanka |
| Ground | Wankhede |
| Match Date | 2 Nov 2023 |
| Debut | 10 Dec 2017 |
| Time | 5y 327d |
| Matches | 54 |
| Innings | 49 |
| Scorecard | ODI #4690 |
17. Gary Kirsten
On 6 October 1996, Gary Kirsten achieved the 2000-run mark against Pakistan at Nairobi (Gym). Kirsten made his debut in 1993, being known as a disciplined and methodical batter. The Nairobi innings revealed how he could anchor an innings and take up the pressure. His achievement underscored the need to be patient and consistent in the initial years in which South Africa was a returning international team.
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Gary Kirsten |
| Full Name | Gary Kirsten |
| Nationality | South Africa |
| Batting Style | Left-hand Bat |
| Opposition | Pakistan |
| Ground | Nairobi (Gym) |
| Match Date | 6 Oct 1996 |
| Debut | 14 Dec 1993 |
| Time | 2y 297d |
| Matches | 50 |
| Innings | 50 |
| Scorecard | ODI #1126 |
18. Alastair Cook
On 10 July 2012, Alastair Cook accomplished 2000 ODI runs against Australia at Manchester. Cook was also patient and of a defensive nature, after making his debut in 2006. The match at Manchester brought to the fore his capacity to spend long hours batting at the top of the order. His achievement demonstrated the dependence of England upon order and normalcy at that stage of their ODI evolution.
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Alastair Cook |
| Full Name | Alastair Nathan Cook |
| Nationality | England |
| Batting Style | Left-hand Bat |
| Opposition | Australia |
| Ground | Manchester |
| Match Date | 10 Jul 2012 |
| Debut | 28 Jun 2006 |
| Time | 6y 12d |
| Matches | 51 |
| Innings | 51 |
| Scorecard | ODI #3286 |
19. David Boon
On 17 January 1988 David Boon became the first to reach 2000 ODI runs in a match with New Zealand at Brisbane. Boon debuted in 1984 and was renowned as a tough guy with a great defense. The Brisbane innings was a commentary on his worth in the early ODI format of Australia where consistency was more important than aggressiveness. His milestone came at a time when the identity of Australia as far as limited-overs was concerned was still being formed.
| Detail | Information |
| Name | David Boon |
| Full Name | David Clarence Boon |
| Nationality | Australia |
| Batting Style | Left-hand Bat |
| Opposition | New Zealand |
| Ground | Brisbane |
| Match Date | 17 Jan 1988 |
| Debut | 12 Feb 1984 |
| Time | 3y 339d |
| Matches | 54 |
| Innings | 52 |
| Scorecard | ODI #495 |
20. Kevin Pietersen
On 21 April 2007, Kevin Pietersen made 2000 ODI runs against West Indies at Bridgetown. Pietersen made his debut in 2004 and added new touches and style to the batting of England. His bold style and the capacity to control bowlers through unusual stroke play was emphasized in the Bridgetown innings. His achievement was an indication of the change in England towards more modern and aggressive white-ball style.
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Kevin Pietersen |
| Full Name | Kevin Peter Pietersen |
| Nationality | England |
| Batting Style | Right-hand Bat |
| Opposition | West Indies |
| Ground | Bridgetown |
| Match Date | 21 Apr 2007 |
| Debut | 28 Nov 2004 |
| Time | 2y 144d |
| Matches | 51 |
| Innings | 45 |
| Scorecard | ODI #2578 |
Conclusion
The fact that it takes 2000 ODI cricket runs is not only a number but it is an excellent sign of consistency, flexibility, and mental resilience of a batter at the international level. The players in this Top 10 list belong to different times, playing circumstances, and batting theories, but they all have one thing in common that is, they are capable of scoring runs regularly at the very beginning of their ODI career.
FAQs -Fastest 2000 Runs in ODI Cricket
The highest achiever is Shubman Gill who has 2000 ODI runs within 38 innings.
The record was hit by Hashim Amla within 40 innings.
There are three Pakistani players who are ranked in the top 10: Zaheer Abbas, Babar Azam, and Imam-ul-Haq.
The two West Indians on the list are Shai Hope and Sir Vivian Richards.
This is so special because it reflects exceptional consistency, adaptability, and the ability to perform at a high level from the early stages of an international career.