Highest run scorers in Cricket World Cup

Cricket World Cup has been a balanced affair, while some were played on bowler friendly pitches, the batsmen had their share of joy as well. The 2011 Cricket World Cup belonged to the men with the bat where as 2015 world cup is expected to be for the bowlers to cherish. Amidst all the balance and counter balance stuff; here are the top 10 leading run scorers in World Cup history. 10.Adam Gilchrist (Australia) Adam Gilchrist has played 31 matches scored 1085 runs in World Cup. (Photo Source: Photo Source: CricketHighlights) Adam Gilchrist the Australian opening batsman and wicket keeper is to be credited big time if one has to formulate for the change in approach of Aussie openers. Gilly along with Hayden batted fearless and ferocious and stole the game from the opponents’ right at the top of the innings. He has played 31 matches, scored 1085 runs during which Gilchrist averages 36.16, his highest score being 149 and has 1 ton and 8 half tons in world cups from Australia. 9. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) Mahela Jayawardene has scored 1096 runs in his World Cup career.(Photo Source: BCCI) Mahela Jayawardene who is playing his last international tournament, has scored 1096 runs in 39 matches so far in all the World Cups he has played in. His average is 36.53 and has hit 4 hundreds with highest score of 115*. Jayawardene announced retirement from international cricket before the 2015 World Cup, and the 2015 World Cup is his last tournament for Sri Lanka. 8. Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka) Tillakaratne Dilshan has scored 1112 runs in World Cup. (Photo Source: BCCI) Another Sri Lankan veteran has made the list. Tillakaratne Dilshan has made 1112 runs in all the World Cups he has played in. He has played 26 matches and averages 55.60 with 4 centuries and a best of 161* in the 2015 World Cup. Dilshan has been one of reasons for Sri Lanka’s success in the World Cups from 2007-2015. His aggressive opening has given the starts Sri Lanka requires to built up a big score. 7. AB de Villiers (South Africa) AB de Villiers has 1142 runs in his World Cup career. (© Getty Images) South African Captain AB de Villiers has been one of the most innovative batsman in world cricket in recent times. His innovations in shot playing, effortless hitting, risk taking abilities and confidence to pull those risks off has made him one of the modern greats of the game. AB de Villiers has scored 1142 runs in 21 World Cup matches with an average of 60.10 and a highest score of 162*. 6.Jacques Kallis (South Africa) Kallis has scored 1148 runs with the bat in 36 World Cup matches at an average of 45.92. ( Photo Courtesy: Zimbio) Jacques Kallis happens to be not only South Africa’s but among the best all-rounders in world cricket. Kallis was as good a batsman as a bowler, opened the batting and bowling for his team whenever the call arouse. Even during high pressure situations like world cup his game improved than crumbling and he has scored 1148 runs with the bat in 36 matches at an average of 45.92 with 128* being his highest score and has 1 hundred and 9 half’s under his name. (also read SA’s Probable for WC 2015) 5.Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) In World Cups Sanath played 38 matches scored 1165 runs and averages 34.26. (Photo Source: Getty Images) Sanath Jayasuriya the attacking prolific opener for Sri Lanka played the biggest role the revolution in opening batting happened in cricket. From a calm and easy approach to taking the charge to the bowler right at the beginning he would put the best bowling lineups under immense pressure. In World Cups Sanath played 38 matches scored 1165 runs and averages 34.26 while 120 is his highest score with 3 centuries and 6 half-centuries. 4.Brian Lara (West Indies) In world cups Lara appeared in 34 games amassed 1225 runs at an average of 42.24 with highest score of 116.(Photo Source: Zimbabwe Cricket) Brian Lara the best among most West Indian batsman was one of the classiest, grittiest batsmen in world cricket. Till the time he held bat for the Windies ensured his team was never let down. Many a times it was his effort that won them the game and even on days with hard luck he stood tall with his performance standing out. In world cups Lara appeared in 34 games amassed 1225 runs at an average of 42.24 with highest score of 116. He has also scored 2 tons and 7 half tons. 3. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) Kumar Sangakkara has scored 1487 runs in his World cup career.(© Getty Images) Kumar Sangakkara, a genius of a man has made 1487 runs in World Cup competitions. He has played 36 matches and has 5 centuries to his name. His average is 57.19. He scored 4 centuries in 4 consecutive matches in the ongoing 2015 World Cup. Sangakkara has announced his retirement from the ODI format at the end of World Cup 2015. 2.Ricky Ponting (Australia) Ricky Ponting has played 46 matches in the tournament overall and has hit 1743 runs due to which his average is as good as 45.86. | Photo Source : Zimbo Ricky Ponting the three-time member of a world cup winning team. He also led the Australian team under his leadership to two titles in a row. The golden phase of Aussie cricket saw them rule international cricket and Ponting played a huge role in it. He has played 46 matches in the tournament overall and has hit 1743 runs due to which his average is as good as 45.86, has the highest score of 140* and has also mauled 5 hundreds, 6 half-hundreds. 1.Sachin Tendulkar (India) In 45 matches Sachin has scored 2278 runs with an average of 56.95 . (Photo Source: Getty Images) Batting in World cricket simply cannot be discussed till it starts and ends with the name of this Super Man from India Sachin Tendulkar. Sachin through his 24 years of career played numerous world cups’ and performed better every time. His batting gave India hopes of getting closer to the title and when in 2011 the occasion actually aroused he did lead the team’s batting. In 45 matches Sachin has scored 2278 runs with an average of 56.95 and his highest score is 152 as well as he has hit 6 hundreds and 15 half-centuries in the process. (also read Leading wicket takes in WC) All stats updated till 17 March 2015.