Most Runs in ODI Cricket: All-Time Men's Record

Sachin Tendulkar holds the men’s ODI career record with 18,426 runs in 463 matches. Kumar Sangakkara follows on 14,234 and Ricky Ponting on 13,704. The table answers “most runs in ODI cricket” as a career question, so it excludes World Cup-only lists and non-international List A matches. For format context, see how many overs are in an ODI, the lowest team scores by format, the most Test runs for India comparison and the broader cricket records guide.

Who has scored the most runs in men’s ODI cricket?

Sachin Tendulkar is the all-time men’s ODI run leader with 18,426 runs.

Rank	Player	Runs	Matches	Hundreds
1	Sachin Tendulkar, India	18,426	463	49
2	Kumar Sangakkara, Sri Lanka	14,234	404	25
3	Ricky Ponting, Australia	13,704	375	30
4	Sanath Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka	13,430	445	28
5	Virat Kohli, India	13,024	267	47

The ICC published these career totals in its record summaries. Totals can move when active players appear, so the verification date matters. This page uses a 16 September 2026 cutoff and will be reviewed annually or after a material record change.

Why is Tendulkar’s ODI record difficult to pass?

Tendulkar combined longevity, 463 matches and 49 centuries, giving him a large opportunity advantage over shorter careers.

Kohli’s faster scoring rate illustrates the difference between volume and efficiency. A batter can have a higher average or reach milestones in fewer innings while still trailing an older record built across two decades.

What is the difference between ODI, World Cup and List A records?

An ODI career table counts official international one-day matches; World Cup and List A tables answer different questions.

• ODI career: all official men’s ODIs.
• World Cup: only matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup.
• List A: a broader domestic and international classification that includes matches outside the ODI record.
• Women’s ODI: a separate record category, not combined with men’s totals.

How are ODI run records checked?

The totals are checked against ICC summaries and established scorecard databases, with the cutoff date recorded so a reader can reproduce the result.

The scope is limited to official men’s ODIs, career runs, and completed innings. A corrected scorecard, a change in a player’s official status or a new appearance by an active batter triggers a review.

Frequently asked questions

Who has scored the most ODI runs?

Sachin Tendulkar leads the men’s list with 18,426.

Who is second?

Kumar Sangakkara is second with 14,234.

Are World Cup runs separate?

Yes. A World Cup list counts tournament matches only.

Do women’s ODIs count here?

No. Men’s and women’s records are kept separate.

Do List A matches count?

No. This page covers official ODIs only.

Bottom line

Tendulkar’s 18,426 remains the men’s ODI career benchmark. The useful comparison is not only the total but also the scope behind it: official ODIs, a player’s complete career, and a fixed verification date. That discipline keeps ODI records separate from tournament and domestic statistics. For the matching batting-milestone page, see most centuries in cricket history. The opposite end of the format’s record spectrum is covered in lowest team scores in cricket.