Top five batters fastest to 6000 runs in ODI cricket

ODI cricket has evolved into the most favorable format for batting in recent years. The white ball exhibits minimal swing or seam movement after the initial overs, and in contrast to T20 matches, batters are not compelled to adopt high-risk strategies from the start of their innings.

The two new balls rule introduced in 2011, along with the small boundaries in the modern game, has made things even tougher for bowlers. Over the course of its extensive history, the sport has witnessed many skilled batters who have consistently performed well for their teams. Some of them have even started their career on a good note and carried on that consistency to score runs.

In this article, let’s take a look at the top five batters fastest to 6000 runs in ODI cricket.

5. David Warner – 139 innings

Former Australian opener David Warner is regarded as one of the greatest openers of the modern era. Known for his fearless approach, Warner reached 6,000 ODI runs in his 139th innings of his ODI career, which came against England in Melbourne in 2022.

Warner celebrated the special feat by scoring 106 runs from 102 balls, contributing to Australia's victory by a margin of 221 runs. Warner retired from international cricket in 2024 having scored 6932 runs in ODIs at an average of 45.3.

4. Kane Williamson – 139 innings

Kane Williamson is primarily recognized for his remarkable legacy in test cricket; however, his batting contributions in ODI cricket are often overlooked in modern-day cricket.

The former New Zealand captain reached the 6,000-run mark in his 139th ODI innings, which took place against Australia during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 at Lord's. Williamson was awarded the Player of the Tournament in ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 for scoring 578 runs in 10 games and guiding New Zealand to the final.

3. Virat Kohli – 136 innings

Regarded as one of the greatest batters in the history of ODI cricket, Virat Kohli reached 6,000 ODI runs in his 136th innings, which took place against Sri Lanka in Hyderabad in 2014. He marked this achievement by scoring a decisive 53 runs off 61 balls, leading his team to victory.

He also holds the record of scoring most ODI hundreds with his tally of 50 centuries. His contributions were vital to India's victory in the 2011 World Cup, and he also emerged as the top run-scorer in the 2023 edition.

2. Hashim Amla – 123 innings

Former South Africa opener Hashim Amla was known for his consistency across formats. He reached 6,000 ODI runs during his 123rd innings against India at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai in 2015.

Amla ranks third in the all-time ODI run-scorers for South Africa, amassing a total of 8,113 runs at an impressive average of 49.46, which includes 27 centuries. His highest score in this format is 158 runs off 128 balls, came against Ireland during the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2015.

1. Babar Azam – 123 innings

Babar Azam is the joint fastest batter to score 6,000 runs in ODI cricket, taking 123 innings to reach this feat.  He reached this milestone while competing against New Zealand in the final of the Pakistan Tri-series 2025 in Karachi.

Babar has second-most centuries for Pakistan with his tally of 19 tons,  trailing only Saeed Anwar, who holds the record with 20 ODI centuries.

Cover Credits - ESPN