ODI: The one-day format provides the excitement of both T20 and Test cricket. That is why it is still one of the most challenging formats in the game. But if there is a challenge, then there will be a challenger as well. Over the years, generation after generation, the game has seen some iconic players who have ruled this format.
This article will discuss some of those players. We have brought to you the list of players who have scored the fastest 3000 ODI runs in their career. This list includes some of the legends of the game. So let’s check out the list of the fastest batters to achieve this milestone.
Fastest 3000 Runs in ODI Cricket
| Player | Against | Match Date | Debut | Time | Mts | Inns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hashim Amla (SA) | England | 28 Aug 2012 | 9 Mar 2008 | 4y 172d | 59 | 57 |
| Shai Hope (WI) | India | 22 Dec 2019 | 16 Nov 2016 | 3y 36d | 72 | 67 |
| Fakhar Zaman (Pak) | New Zealand | 7 June 2017 | 29 Apr 2023 | 5y 22d | 67 | 67 |
| Babar Azam (PAK) | New Zealand | 26 Jun 2019 | 31 May 2015 | 4y 26d | 70 | 68 |
| Viv Richards (WI) | England | 31 May 1984 | 7 Jun 1975 | 8y 359d | 74 | 69 |
| Gordon Greenidge (WI) | Pakistan | 17 Oct 1986 | 11 Jun 1975 | 11y 128d | 72 | 72 |
| Gary Kirsten (SA) | New Zealand | 6 Dec 1997 | 14 Dec 1993 | 3y 357d | 72 | 72 |
| Shikhar Dhawan (IND) | Australia | 20 Jan 2016 | 20 Oct 2010 | 5y 92d | 73 | 72 |
| Joe Root (ENG) | Pakistan | 1 Sep 2016 | 11 Jan 2013 | 3y 234d | 77 | 72 |
| Jonny Bairstow (ENG) | Ireland | 1 Aug 2020 | 16 Sep 2011 | 8y 320d | 79 | 72 |
| Kane Williamson (NZ) | England | 17 Jun 2015 | 10 Aug 2010 | 4y 311d | 78 | 73 |
6. Gordon Greenidge (West Indies) – 72 innings
There are five batters who have reached 3000 ODI runs in their career in 72 innings. The fifth player on the list is former West Indies opener Gordon Greenidge, who was known for his aggressive batting. Gordon made his ODI debut for his country against Pakistan in June 1975 at Birmingham. He played 128 ODIs and scored 5134 runs at an average of 45.03. Gordon also scored 11 centuries and 13 half-centuries.
5. Viv Richards (West Indies) – 69 innings
There is another legendary West Indian batsman in the list. He is none other than the great Sir Viv Richards. The former captain revolutionized cricket and was the backbone of the West Indies in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It took him just 69 innings to complete 3000 ODI runs. He made his ODI debut in June 1975 against Sri Lanka. In his career, Richards played 187 ODIs and scored 6721 runs, including 11 centuries and 45 half-centuries.
4. Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 68 innings
The third fastest player on the list is Pakistan skipper Babar Azam. The batting superstar has taken Pakistan cricket to another level and made them a competitive team. Babar made his ODI debut in May 2015 against Zimbabwe at Dubai, and it took him just 68 innings to reach 3000 runs in his ODI career. So far, he has played 92 ODIs for Pakistan and scored 4664 runs at an incredible average of 59.79. In his career, he has also scored 17 centuries and 22 half-centuries.
3. Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan) – 67 Innings
Fakhar Zaman became fastest Pakistani player to score 3000 runs in ODI and joint 2nd to achieve this milestone. He has played 67 innings. He is also the only Pakistani player to score a double century in ODI.
2. Shai Hope (West Indies) – 67 innings
The second fastest batter to reach 3,000 ODI runs is wicket-keeper batter Shai Hope. The star opener is the most consistent batsman for the West Indies in ODIs. He made his debut in November 2016 at Harare Stadium against Sri Lanka. It took him a total of 67 innings to reach 3000 ODI runs. So far in his career, Hope has scored 4308 runs in 99 innings at an average of 48.95. He has also scored 13 centuries and 21 half-centuries.
1. Hashim Amla (South Africa) – 57 innings
The man who is the fastest batter to reach 2000 ODI runs is also the fastest one to reach 3000 runs. It is former South African skipper Hashim Amla. The former opener became the backbone of the South African batting department. Amla made his ODI debut in March 2008 against Bangladesh and has reached 3000 ODI runs in 57 innings. At the end of his career, Amla scored 8113 runs in 178 ODIs, including 27 centuries and 39 half-centuries.