5 Batsmen Who Blitzed to 2,000 ODI Runs in Record Time

In the thrilling world of ODI cricket, where every swing of the bat and sprint between the wickets weaves an exciting tale of skill and strategy, there's an exclusive club of exceptionally talented players who have graced the format like blazing meteors of batting prowess.

Some of these extraordinary batsmen have achieved a remarkable feat by reaching the 2,000-run milestone at an astonishing speed, leaving an indelible mark as the fastest run-scorers in the realm of 50-over internationals.

Today, at OneCricket, we're going to introduce you to five of these lightning-quick batters who've raced past 2,000 runs in ODI cricket in the fewest number of innings.

1. Shubman Gill - 38 innings

Shubman Gill broke numerous batting records in 2023, confirming his remarkable ascent in international cricket. He made his debut in the ODI format in January 2019 and remarkably reached 2,000 runs in just 38 innings.

Gill's outstanding performances with the bat earned him a spot in India's 2023 World Cup squad. In the tournament, he played a crucial role with a match-winning fifty against Bangladesh and explosive starts against Pakistan and New Zealand. Notably, his 26-run contribution against New Zealand not only set the stage for India's victory but also made him the quickest batsman in the world to reach 2,000 ODI runs, surpassing Hashim Amla.

Most impressively, Shubman Gill scored 208 of those runs in a single innings in January 2023. His double century in Hyderabad played a pivotal role in India's victory, particularly in a high-scoring contest against New Zealand.

2. Hashim Amla - 40 innings

For more than a decade, Hashim Amla, a prominent South African batsman, achieved the remarkable feat of scoring over 2,000 runs in a remarkably short period. Amla, known for his dynamic opening skills, entered the world of One Day International (ODI) cricket in March 2008. Astonishingly, he reached this milestone in just 40 innings, accomplishing this feat in less than three years at St George’s Park during a match against India.

As of today, Amla still holds the record for being the quickest to reach 3,000 and 4,000 runs in ODI cricket. He also claimed the titles for 6,000 and 7,000 runs in this format. This Proteas star eventually retired with an impressive tally of over 8,000 runs in his ODI career. His last appearance in the South African jersey was at the 2019 Cricket World Cup in England, marking the end of his remarkable journey in ODI cricket.

3. Babar Azam - 45 innings

Babar Azam quickly rose to stardom not long after he started playing One Day Internationals (ODIs) in 2015, becoming a key figure in Pakistan's batting line-up for all formats. He made history by being the third-fastest player to reach 2,000 runs in ODIs and the fastest worldwide to achieve the milestone of 5,000 runs, accomplishing this in fewer than 100 innings.

Babar Azam's graceful cover drives and his impeccable timing have made him a beloved figure among cricket enthusiasts. By leading his nation with composure and authority, he has further solidified his reputation as a formidable ODI player.

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4. Kevin Pietersen - 45 innings

Kevin Pietersen wasted no time in becoming a cricket sensation. He reached the 2,000 career ODI runs mark in just 45 innings after making his debut in November 2004. What's truly remarkable is that he achieved this milestone faster than anyone else, taking just two years and 144 days from his first appearance for England.

During his early years, Pietersen wowed fans with his explosive batting displays, especially during the 2005 home season against South Africa and Australia. These performances solidified his legendary status in the world of 50-over cricket. Unfortunately, his ODI career came to an abrupt end in September 2013 after playing 136 matches, leaving fans yearning for more.

5. Rassie van der Dussen - 45 innings

Just like Shubman Gill, Rassie van der Dussen from South Africa also began his ODI career in January 2019. Similarly, during the 2023 World Cup in India, he swiftly reached the 2,000-run mark. In his first 45 innings, he scored 2,008 runs, including five centuries and 12 additional scores above fifty. Rassie currently plays a key role as a top-order batsman for the South African team, and it's likely that he will continue to achieve the next few 1,000-run milestones in a relatively short time over the next couple of seasons.

Conclusion -

In the electrifying world of ODI cricket, the Top 5 Fastest Batters to Reach 2,000 Runs have left us spellbound. These extraordinary athletes have redefined the game's dynamics. And for those who crave real-time updates, the Fast Live Line app and website are your ultimate cricket companions. With a cricket live line at your fingertips, you'll stay ahead of the game. Don't miss a moment of the action – make the Fast Live Line app your Live Line Guru. Stay connected, stay ahead, and witness cricket history as it unfolds.