The shortest format of the game, T20 cricket, was formulated in order to inculcate more excitement and spectator interest in the game. If someone says that the T20 cricket is a death trap for most of the bowlers, and only the skilled ones survive, then it wouldn’t be wrong. Having said that, it is also quite interesting to note that in their attempt to innovate, most batsmen often lose their wickets. Very few batsmen have amassed heavy runs in this format of the game on a consistent basis. The ones who have managed to do so are the batsmen with most runs. With the World T20 just round the corner, it will be interesting to see who heads the pack with most runs. Here is the list of top 10 batsmen with most runs in T20Is.

<strong>10. Virat Kohli (India) – 1446 runs:</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/03/Virat-Kohli-v-Pakistan-World-t20.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-59261"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-59261 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Virat-Kohli-v-Pakistan-World-t20.jpg" alt="Virat Kohli v Pakistan World t20" width="636" height="413" sizes="(max-width: 636px) 100vw, 636px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-59261" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

The most dependable batsman for Team India averaging above 50 makes him the best of all in this format. With 14 fifties to his name, Virat Kohli has amassed 1446 runs in just 40 games. He is also the fastest batsman to reach 1000 T20I runs in 21 T20I innings. The Delhi-born cricketer averages 53.55 with a strike-rate of 132.41 in T20Is. His highest score of unbeaten 90 runs has come against Aussies at the Adelaide in January 2016.<br>

<strong>9. </strong><strong>Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) – 1493 runs:</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/03/Luke-Ronchi-Mahela-Jayawardene.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-15174"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-15174" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Luke-Ronchi-Mahela-Jayawardene.jpg" alt="Mahela Jayawardene" width="594" height="396" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-15174" class="wp-caption-text">Mahela Jayawardene. (© Getty Images)</figcaption>

Yet another stalwart of Sri Lankan cricket, Mahela Jayawardene showed the ideal way to adapt to all situations and all challenges of the game. While Sangakkara was a watchful cricketer in T20s, Jayawardene attempted his hands at scoring briskly and was highly successful. He opened for the national and in his 55 matches career, hit 1493 runs at an average of 31.76 and a strike rate of 133.18. A prolific stroke maker, Mahela is known for piercing through the field with immaculate placements. He even has a century to his name, that came off 64 balls against Zimbabwe in the World T20, 2010.

<strong>8. </strong><strong>Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 1506 runs:</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/Chris-Gayle-ODI-Hitting-Six.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-38723"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-38723" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Chris-Gayle-ODI-Hitting-Six.jpg" alt="Current batsmen with most ODI sixes" width="594" height="396" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38723" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Gayle. (© Getty Images)</figcaption>

The big Jamaican player, who is the most feared and the most loved T20 player, Chris Gayle, has a phenomenal T20I record as well. Gayle, who is the leading run-scorer in T20 cricket, has 1506 runs to his name in 47 international matches at an average of 37.65. His top score of 117 came against South Africa in the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup in 2007. To go with a ton, he has 13 half centuries to his name. He has an impressive strike rate of 145.64 in T20Is.

<strong>7. </strong><strong>David Warner (Australia) – 1601 runs:</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/01/David-Warner-vs-India-in-5th-ODI.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-51850"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-51850" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/David-Warner-vs-India-in-5th-ODI.jpg" alt="David Warner" width="639" height="425" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 100vw, 639px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-51850" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

The attacking Australian opener has a reputation of demolishing any bowling attack on his day. With 12 fifties to his name, David Warner has amassed 1601 runs in his career of 58 matches at an average of 28.72. Warner, the New South Wales born cricketer, packs a punch and has a strike rate of 139.94. He is a prolific hard hitting batsman and that is evident from the fact that he has 73 sixes to his name in the shortest format of the game.

<strong>6. </strong><strong>Mohammad Hafeez (Pakistan) – 1614 runs:</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/07/Mohammad-Hafeez-Dinesh-Chandimal-Pakistan-v-Sri-Lanka.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-24220"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-24220" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mohammad-Hafeez-Dinesh-Chandimal-Pakistan-v-Sri-Lanka.jpg" alt="All-round Hafeez" width="640" height="426" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-24220" class="wp-caption-text">Mohd Hafeez (Photo Source: AFP)</figcaption>

The former Pakistan captain, Mohammad Hafeez is the leading run scorer in T20Is for Pakistan with 1614 runs to his name in 77 matches. With a strike rate of 115, Hafeez bats with an average of 22.73. His average might not speak volumes about his contribution but Hafeez has always given Pakistan a steady start in all formats of the game. He has 9 half centuries to his name and is not a renowned hitter but more of an accumulator who keeps the scorecard ticking with singles and doubles.

<strong>5. </strong><strong>Umar Akmal (Pakistan) – 1633 runs:</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/07/Umar-Akmal-Pakistan.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-26421"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-26421" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Umar-Akmal-Pakistan.jpg" alt="Umar Akmal" width="884" height="573" sizes="(max-width: 884px) 100vw, 884px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-26421" class="wp-caption-text">Umar Akmal. (Photo Source: AFP)</figcaption>

Being tipped as the future star of Pakistan cricket, Umar Akmal, has been a hitting force in the shortest form of the game. Akmal has represented Pakistan in 77 T20Is and has scored a run more than 1600 with an average of 26.77. His blitzkrieg innings of 94 off 54 balls against Australia in World T20, 2014 helped Pakistan team to a 16-run win over the mighty Aussies. He has a strike rate of 122.96 and has already struck 8 half centuries in this format of the game.

<strong>4. </strong><strong>JP Duminy (South Africa) – 1654 runs:</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/JP-Duminy-South-Africa-vs-India-T20I.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-34730"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-34730" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/JP-Duminy-South-Africa-vs-India-T20I.jpg" alt="JP Duminy South Africa vs India T20I" width="604" height="396" sizes="(max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34730" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption>

Jean-Paul Duminy, by far, has been the most consistent batsman for South Africa in T20I cricket. Duminy has played 70 matches ever since his debut against Bangladesh in 2007, has 1654 runs in his kitty at an average of 38.46, the 2nd highest in this list of top 10 players, with 9 half centuries to boast of. His strike rate has been impressive too and he hits the ball with a strike rate of close to 123.61 His unbeaten 96 off 54 balls against Zimbabwe in 2010 is his highest score in T20Is.

<strong>3. </strong><strong>Martin Guptill (New Zealand) – 1711 runs:</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/12/Martin-Guptill-acknowledges-the-crowd-GettyImages.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-49310"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-49310 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Martin-Guptill-acknowledges-the-crowd-GettyImages.jpg" alt="Martin Guptill" width="640" height="469" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-49310" class="wp-caption-text">New Zealand&#8217;s Martin Guptill. (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption>

One of the most prolific batsmen of the modern era, Martin Guptill has left his imprint on the T20 cricket field as well. Having played just 59 matches in his T20I career, he already has 1711 runs at a very impressive average of 34.22. His highest score of 101* came against South Africa in a nail biter. He hit the winning runs, a four to move from 97 to 101, and guided the Kiwis to a win. He also has 9 fifties to his name. Such is his consistency that he has been dismissed without scoring only twice in his career. But Guptill remains to be the second highest run scorer in T20Is for New Zealand and 3rd overall.

<strong>2. </strong><strong>Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka) – 1846 runs:</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/07/Tillakaratne-Dilshan-ODI.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-25895"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-25895" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Tillakaratne-Dilshan-ODI.jpg" alt="most T20I fifties" width="594" height="396" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-25895" class="wp-caption-text">Tillakaratne Dilshan. (© Getty Images)</figcaption>

During the 1<sup>st</sup> T20I between Sri Lanka and Australia in 2011 season at Pallekele, the then Sri Lankan opener Tillakaratne Dilshan stunned the Aussies with his stroke full knock of 104 off 57 balls studded with 12 fours and 5 sixes. The innings remains a proof of his brutal batting prowess. Dilshan is the leading run scorer in T20Is for Sri Lanka with 1846 runs in 76 matches at an average of 29.30. He also has 13 fifties to his name to go with a century and has a strike rate of 121.52

<strong>1. Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) – 2140 runs:</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/03/New-Zealand-vs-Afg-ICC-Cricket-World-Cup-2015.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-13532"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-13532" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/New-Zealand-vs-Afg-ICC-Cricket-World-Cup-2015.jpg" alt="Highest batting strike rates in a ODI innings" width="594" height="396" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13532" class="wp-caption-text">Brendon McCullum. (© Getty Images)</figcaption>

One of the biggest hitters of the cricket ball, Brendon McCullum is the only player in the history of the game to have two international T20 tons to his name. He struck an unbeaten 116 against Australia at Christchurch in 2010 where he hit the ball to all parts of the ground. McCullum&#8217;s second ton came against Bangladesh at Pallekele during the World T20 2012 and he ended up with a score of 123 off 58 balls. He has amassed 2140 runs in 71 matches at an average of 35.66 and a super brisk strike rate of 136.21. To go with his two tons in the 70 innings that he has featured in, he has 13 half centuries to his name too. A true legend of the game, McCullum heads the pack of Top 10 batsmen with most runs in T20Is.

<em><strong>(All stats updated till 21st Mar 2016)</strong></em>

<strong>Also read: <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/10-worst-rumours-we-have-heard-around-cricket/" target="_blank">10 Worst rumors we have heard around cricket</a></strong>

<p>The shortest format of the game, T20 cricket, was formulated in order to inculcate more excitement and spectator interest in the game. If someone says that the T20 cricket is a death trap for most of the bowlers, and only the skilled ones survive, then it wouldn’t be wrong. Having said that, it is also quite interesting to note that in their attempt to innovate, most batsmen often lose their wickets. Very few batsmen have amassed heavy runs in this format of the game on a consistent basis. The ones who have managed to do so are the batsmen with most runs. With the World T20 just round the corner, it will be interesting to see who heads the pack with most runs. Here is the list of top 10 batsmen with most runs in T20Is.</p>
<h4><strong>10. Virat Kohli (India) – 1446 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_59261" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-59261" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/03/Virat-Kohli-v-Pakistan-World-t20.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-59261"><amp-img class="wp-image-59261 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Virat-Kohli-v-Pakistan-World-t20.jpg" alt="Virat Kohli v Pakistan World t20" width="636" height="413" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-59261" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The most dependable batsman for Team India averaging above 50 makes him the best of all in this format. With 14 fifties to his name, Virat Kohli has amassed 1446 runs in just 40 games. He is also the fastest batsman to reach 1000 T20I runs in 21 T20I innings. The Delhi-born cricketer averages 53.55 with a strike-rate of 132.41 in T20Is. His highest score of unbeaten 90 runs has come against Aussies at the Adelaide in January&nbsp;2016.<br>
</p>
<h4><strong>9. </strong><strong>Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) – 1493 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_15174" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-15174" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/03/Luke-Ronchi-Mahela-Jayawardene.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-15174"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-15174" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Luke-Ronchi-Mahela-Jayawardene.jpg" alt="Mahela Jayawardene" width="594" height="396" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-15174" class="wp-caption-text">Mahela Jayawardene. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Yet another stalwart of Sri Lankan cricket, Mahela Jayawardene showed the ideal way to adapt to all situations and all challenges of the game. While Sangakkara was a watchful cricketer in T20s, Jayawardene attempted his hands at scoring briskly and was highly successful. He opened for the national and in his 55 matches career, hit 1493 runs at an average of 31.76 and a strike rate of 133.18. A prolific stroke maker, Mahela is known for piercing through the field with immaculate placements. He even has a century to his name, that came off 64 balls against Zimbabwe in the World T20, 2010.</p>
<p></p>
<h4><strong>8. </strong><strong>Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 1506 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_38723" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38723" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/Chris-Gayle-ODI-Hitting-Six.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-38723"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-38723" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Chris-Gayle-ODI-Hitting-Six.jpg" alt="Current batsmen with most ODI sixes" width="594" height="396" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38723" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Gayle. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The big Jamaican player, who is the most feared and the most loved T20 player, Chris Gayle, has a phenomenal T20I record as well. Gayle, who is the leading run-scorer in T20 cricket, has 1506 runs to his name in 47 international matches at an average of 37.65. His top score of 117 came against South Africa in the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup in 2007. To go with a ton, he has 13 half centuries to his name. He has an impressive strike rate of 145.64 in T20Is.</p>
<p></p>
<h4><strong>7.&nbsp;</strong><strong>David Warner (Australia) – 1601 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_51850" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-51850" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/01/David-Warner-vs-India-in-5th-ODI.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-51850"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-51850" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/David-Warner-vs-India-in-5th-ODI.jpg" alt="David Warner" width="639" height="425" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-51850" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The attacking Australian opener has a reputation of demolishing any bowling attack on his day. With 12 fifties to his name, David Warner has amassed 1601 runs in his career of 58 matches at an average of 28.72. Warner, the New South Wales born cricketer, packs a punch and has a strike rate of 139.94. He is a prolific hard hitting batsman and that is evident from the fact that he has 73 sixes to his name in the shortest format of the game.</p>
<h4></h4>
<h4><strong>6.&nbsp;</strong><strong>Mohammad Hafeez (Pakistan) – 1614 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_24220" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-24220" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/07/Mohammad-Hafeez-Dinesh-Chandimal-Pakistan-v-Sri-Lanka.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-24220"><amp-img class="wp-image-24220" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mohammad-Hafeez-Dinesh-Chandimal-Pakistan-v-Sri-Lanka.jpg" alt="All-round Hafeez" width="640" height="426" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-24220" class="wp-caption-text">Mohd Hafeez (Photo Source: AFP)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The former Pakistan captain, Mohammad Hafeez is the leading run scorer in T20Is for Pakistan with 1614 runs to his name in 77 matches. With a strike rate of 115, Hafeez bats with an average of 22.73. His average might not speak volumes about his contribution but Hafeez has always given Pakistan a steady start in all formats of the game. He has 9 half centuries to his name and is not a renowned hitter but more of an accumulator who keeps the scorecard ticking with singles and doubles.</p>
<h4></h4>
<h4><strong>5.&nbsp;</strong><strong>Umar Akmal (Pakistan) – 1633 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_26421" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-26421" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/07/Umar-Akmal-Pakistan.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-26421"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-26421" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Umar-Akmal-Pakistan.jpg" alt="Umar Akmal" width="884" height="573" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-26421" class="wp-caption-text">Umar Akmal. (Photo Source: AFP)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Being tipped as the future star of Pakistan cricket, Umar Akmal, has been a hitting force in the shortest form of the game. Akmal has represented Pakistan in 77 T20Is and has scored a run more than 1600 with an average of 26.77. His blitzkrieg innings of 94 off 54 balls against Australia in World T20, 2014&nbsp;helped Pakistan team to a 16-run win over the mighty Aussies. He has a strike rate of 122.96 and has already struck 8 half centuries in this format of the game.</p>
<p></p>
<h4><strong>4. </strong><strong>JP Duminy (South Africa) – 1654 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_34730" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34730" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/JP-Duminy-South-Africa-vs-India-T20I.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-34730"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-34730" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/JP-Duminy-South-Africa-vs-India-T20I.jpg" alt="JP Duminy South Africa vs India T20I" width="604" height="396" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34730" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Jean-Paul Duminy, by far, has been the most consistent batsman for South Africa in T20I cricket. Duminy has played 70 matches ever since his debut against Bangladesh in 2007, has 1654 runs in his kitty at an average of 38.46, the 2nd highest in this list of top 10 players, with 9 half centuries to boast of. His strike rate has been impressive too and he hits the ball with a strike rate of close to 123.61 His unbeaten 96 off 54 balls against Zimbabwe in 2010 is his highest score in T20Is.</p>
<p></p>
<h4><strong>3.&nbsp;</strong><strong>Martin Guptill (New Zealand) – 1711 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_49310" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-49310" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/12/Martin-Guptill-acknowledges-the-crowd-GettyImages.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-49310"><amp-img class="wp-image-49310 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Martin-Guptill-acknowledges-the-crowd-GettyImages.jpg" alt="Martin Guptill" width="640" height="469" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-49310" class="wp-caption-text">New Zealand’s Martin Guptill. (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>One of the most prolific batsmen of the modern era, Martin Guptill has left his imprint on the T20 cricket field as well. Having played just 59 matches in his T20I career, he already has 1711 runs at a very impressive average of 34.22. His highest score of 101* came against South Africa in a nail biter. He hit the winning runs, a four to move from 97 to 101, and guided the Kiwis to a win. He also has 9 fifties to his name. Such is his consistency that he has been dismissed without scoring only twice in his career. But Guptill remains to be the second highest run scorer in T20Is for New Zealand and 3rd overall.</p>
<h4></h4>
<h4><strong>2.&nbsp;</strong><strong>Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka) – 1846 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_25895" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-25895" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/07/Tillakaratne-Dilshan-ODI.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-25895"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-25895" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Tillakaratne-Dilshan-ODI.jpg" alt="most T20I fifties" width="594" height="396" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-25895" class="wp-caption-text">Tillakaratne Dilshan. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>During the 1<sup>st</sup> T20I between Sri Lanka and Australia in 2011 season at Pallekele, the then Sri Lankan opener Tillakaratne Dilshan stunned the Aussies with his stroke full knock of 104 off 57 balls studded with 12 fours and 5 sixes. The innings remains a proof of his brutal batting prowess. Dilshan is the leading run scorer in T20Is for Sri Lanka with 1846 runs in 76 matches at an average of 29.30. He also has 13 fifties to his name to go with a century and has a strike rate of 121.52</p>
<p></p>
<h4><strong>1. Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) – 2140 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_13532" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13532" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/03/New-Zealand-vs-Afg-ICC-Cricket-World-Cup-2015.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-13532"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-13532" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/New-Zealand-vs-Afg-ICC-Cricket-World-Cup-2015.jpg" alt="Highest batting strike rates in a ODI innings" width="594" height="396" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13532" class="wp-caption-text">Brendon McCullum. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>One of the biggest hitters of the cricket ball, Brendon McCullum is the only player in the history of the game to have two international T20 tons to his name. He struck an unbeaten 116 against Australia at Christchurch in 2010 where he hit the ball to all parts of the ground. McCullum’s second ton came against Bangladesh at Pallekele during the World T20 2012 and he ended up with a score of 123 off 58 balls. He has amassed 2140 runs in 71 matches at an average of 35.66 and a super brisk strike rate of 136.21. To go with his two tons in the 70 innings that he has featured in, he has 13 half centuries to his name too. A true legend of the game, McCullum heads the pack of Top 10 batsmen with most runs in T20Is.</p>
<p><em><strong>(All stats updated till 21st Mar 2016)</strong></em></p>
<h4><strong>Also read: <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/10-worst-rumours-we-have-heard-around-cricket/" target="_blank">10 Worst rumors we have heard around cricket</a></strong></h4>

<p>The shortest format of the game, T20 cricket, was formulated in order to inculcate more excitement and spectator interest in the game. If someone says that the T20 cricket is a death trap for most of the bowlers, and only the skilled ones survive, then it wouldn’t be wrong. Having said that, it is also quite interesting to note that in their attempt to innovate, most batsmen often lose their wickets. Very few batsmen have amassed heavy runs in this format of the game on a consistent basis. The ones who have managed to do so are the batsmen with most runs. With the World T20 just round the corner, it will be interesting to see who heads the pack with most runs. Here is the list of top 10 batsmen with most runs in T20Is.</p>
<h4><strong>10. Virat Kohli (India) – 1446 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_59261" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-59261" style="width: 636px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/03/Virat-Kohli-v-Pakistan-World-t20.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-59261"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-59261 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Virat-Kohli-v-Pakistan-World-t20.jpg" alt="Virat Kohli v Pakistan World t20" width="636" height="413" sizes="(max-width: 636px) 100vw, 636px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-59261" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The most dependable batsman for Team India averaging above 50 makes him the best of all in this format. With 14 fifties to his name, Virat Kohli has amassed 1446 runs in just 40 games. He is also the fastest batsman to reach 1000 T20I runs in 21 T20I innings. The Delhi-born cricketer averages 53.55 with a strike-rate of 132.41 in T20Is. His highest score of unbeaten 90 runs has come against Aussies at the Adelaide in January 2016.<br>
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<h4><strong>9. </strong><strong>Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) – 1493 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_15174" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-15174" style="width: 594px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/03/Luke-Ronchi-Mahela-Jayawardene.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-15174"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-15174" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Luke-Ronchi-Mahela-Jayawardene.jpg" alt="Mahela Jayawardene" width="594" height="396" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-15174" class="wp-caption-text">Mahela Jayawardene. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Yet another stalwart of Sri Lankan cricket, Mahela Jayawardene showed the ideal way to adapt to all situations and all challenges of the game. While Sangakkara was a watchful cricketer in T20s, Jayawardene attempted his hands at scoring briskly and was highly successful. He opened for the national and in his 55 matches career, hit 1493 runs at an average of 31.76 and a strike rate of 133.18. A prolific stroke maker, Mahela is known for piercing through the field with immaculate placements. He even has a century to his name, that came off 64 balls against Zimbabwe in the World T20, 2010.</p>
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<h4><strong>8. </strong><strong>Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 1506 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_38723" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38723" style="width: 594px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/Chris-Gayle-ODI-Hitting-Six.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-38723"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-38723" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Chris-Gayle-ODI-Hitting-Six.jpg" alt="Current batsmen with most ODI sixes" width="594" height="396" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38723" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Gayle. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The big Jamaican player, who is the most feared and the most loved T20 player, Chris Gayle, has a phenomenal T20I record as well. Gayle, who is the leading run-scorer in T20 cricket, has 1506 runs to his name in 47 international matches at an average of 37.65. His top score of 117 came against South Africa in the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup in 2007. To go with a ton, he has 13 half centuries to his name. He has an impressive strike rate of 145.64 in T20Is.</p>
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<h4><strong>7. </strong><strong>David Warner (Australia) – 1601 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_51850" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-51850" style="width: 639px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/01/David-Warner-vs-India-in-5th-ODI.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-51850"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-51850" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/David-Warner-vs-India-in-5th-ODI.jpg" alt="David Warner" width="639" height="425" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 100vw, 639px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-51850" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The attacking Australian opener has a reputation of demolishing any bowling attack on his day. With 12 fifties to his name, David Warner has amassed 1601 runs in his career of 58 matches at an average of 28.72. Warner, the New South Wales born cricketer, packs a punch and has a strike rate of 139.94. He is a prolific hard hitting batsman and that is evident from the fact that he has 73 sixes to his name in the shortest format of the game.</p>
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<h4><strong>6. </strong><strong>Mohammad Hafeez (Pakistan) – 1614 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_24220" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-24220" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/07/Mohammad-Hafeez-Dinesh-Chandimal-Pakistan-v-Sri-Lanka.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-24220"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-24220" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mohammad-Hafeez-Dinesh-Chandimal-Pakistan-v-Sri-Lanka.jpg" alt="All-round Hafeez" width="640" height="426" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-24220" class="wp-caption-text">Mohd Hafeez (Photo Source: AFP)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The former Pakistan captain, Mohammad Hafeez is the leading run scorer in T20Is for Pakistan with 1614 runs to his name in 77 matches. With a strike rate of 115, Hafeez bats with an average of 22.73. His average might not speak volumes about his contribution but Hafeez has always given Pakistan a steady start in all formats of the game. He has 9 half centuries to his name and is not a renowned hitter but more of an accumulator who keeps the scorecard ticking with singles and doubles.</p>
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<h4><strong>5. </strong><strong>Umar Akmal (Pakistan) – 1633 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_26421" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-26421" style="width: 884px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/07/Umar-Akmal-Pakistan.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-26421"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-26421" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Umar-Akmal-Pakistan.jpg" alt="Umar Akmal" width="884" height="573" sizes="(max-width: 884px) 100vw, 884px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-26421" class="wp-caption-text">Umar Akmal. (Photo Source: AFP)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Being tipped as the future star of Pakistan cricket, Umar Akmal, has been a hitting force in the shortest form of the game. Akmal has represented Pakistan in 77 T20Is and has scored a run more than 1600 with an average of 26.77. His blitzkrieg innings of 94 off 54 balls against Australia in World T20, 2014 helped Pakistan team to a 16-run win over the mighty Aussies. He has a strike rate of 122.96 and has already struck 8 half centuries in this format of the game.</p>
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<h4><strong>4. </strong><strong>JP Duminy (South Africa) – 1654 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_34730" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34730" style="width: 604px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/JP-Duminy-South-Africa-vs-India-T20I.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-34730"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-34730" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/JP-Duminy-South-Africa-vs-India-T20I.jpg" alt="JP Duminy South Africa vs India T20I" width="604" height="396" sizes="(max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34730" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Jean-Paul Duminy, by far, has been the most consistent batsman for South Africa in T20I cricket. Duminy has played 70 matches ever since his debut against Bangladesh in 2007, has 1654 runs in his kitty at an average of 38.46, the 2nd highest in this list of top 10 players, with 9 half centuries to boast of. His strike rate has been impressive too and he hits the ball with a strike rate of close to 123.61 His unbeaten 96 off 54 balls against Zimbabwe in 2010 is his highest score in T20Is.</p>
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<h4><strong>3. </strong><strong>Martin Guptill (New Zealand) – 1711 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_49310" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-49310" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/12/Martin-Guptill-acknowledges-the-crowd-GettyImages.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-49310"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-49310 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Martin-Guptill-acknowledges-the-crowd-GettyImages.jpg" alt="Martin Guptill" width="640" height="469" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-49310" class="wp-caption-text">New Zealand&#8217;s Martin Guptill. (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>One of the most prolific batsmen of the modern era, Martin Guptill has left his imprint on the T20 cricket field as well. Having played just 59 matches in his T20I career, he already has 1711 runs at a very impressive average of 34.22. His highest score of 101* came against South Africa in a nail biter. He hit the winning runs, a four to move from 97 to 101, and guided the Kiwis to a win. He also has 9 fifties to his name. Such is his consistency that he has been dismissed without scoring only twice in his career. But Guptill remains to be the second highest run scorer in T20Is for New Zealand and 3rd overall.</p>
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<h4><strong>2. </strong><strong>Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka) – 1846 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_25895" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-25895" style="width: 594px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/07/Tillakaratne-Dilshan-ODI.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-25895"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-25895" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Tillakaratne-Dilshan-ODI.jpg" alt="most T20I fifties" width="594" height="396" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-25895" class="wp-caption-text">Tillakaratne Dilshan. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>During the 1<sup>st</sup> T20I between Sri Lanka and Australia in 2011 season at Pallekele, the then Sri Lankan opener Tillakaratne Dilshan stunned the Aussies with his stroke full knock of 104 off 57 balls studded with 12 fours and 5 sixes. The innings remains a proof of his brutal batting prowess. Dilshan is the leading run scorer in T20Is for Sri Lanka with 1846 runs in 76 matches at an average of 29.30. He also has 13 fifties to his name to go with a century and has a strike rate of 121.52</p>
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<h4><strong>1. Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) – 2140 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_13532" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13532" style="width: 594px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/03/New-Zealand-vs-Afg-ICC-Cricket-World-Cup-2015.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-13532"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-13532" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/New-Zealand-vs-Afg-ICC-Cricket-World-Cup-2015.jpg" alt="Highest batting strike rates in a ODI innings" width="594" height="396" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13532" class="wp-caption-text">Brendon McCullum. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>One of the biggest hitters of the cricket ball, Brendon McCullum is the only player in the history of the game to have two international T20 tons to his name. He struck an unbeaten 116 against Australia at Christchurch in 2010 where he hit the ball to all parts of the ground. McCullum&#8217;s second ton came against Bangladesh at Pallekele during the World T20 2012 and he ended up with a score of 123 off 58 balls. He has amassed 2140 runs in 71 matches at an average of 35.66 and a super brisk strike rate of 136.21. To go with his two tons in the 70 innings that he has featured in, he has 13 half centuries to his name too. A true legend of the game, McCullum heads the pack of Top 10 batsmen with most runs in T20Is.</p>
<p><em><strong>(All stats updated till 21st Mar 2016)</strong></em></p>
<h4><strong>Also read: <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/10-worst-rumours-we-have-heard-around-cricket/" target="_blank">10 Worst rumors we have heard around cricket</a></strong></h4>

Top 10 Batsmen with most runs in T20Is

The shortest format of the game, T20 cricket, was formulated in order to inculcate more excitement and spectator interest in the game. If someone says that

Top 10 Batsmen with most runs in T20Is

3. Martin Guptill (New Zealand) – 1711 runs: