ODI: One-day internationals have always come up with different challenges for players all over the world. It is not just about making a debut for your country and performing initially. In fact, it is about carrying on the form for a long time. Because the best are those who keep on performing for a long period of time.
In this article, we will discuss some of the best batters in the history of ODI cricket. This article will see the list of players who have reached the 6000-run mark in ODIs and are the fastest to do so.
Babar Azam from Pakistan is just 95 runs away to break this world record for fastest 6000 runs in ODI format. He has 3 innings left to break this record by scoring just 95 runs as soon as possible.
Fastest 6000 Runs in ODI Cricket
| Player | Against | Match Date | Debut | Time | Mts | Inns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hashim Amla (SA) | India | 25 Oct 2015 | 9 Mar 2008 | 7y 230d | 126 | 123 |
| Virat Kohli (IND) | Sri Lanka | 9 Nov 2014 | 18 Aug 2008 | 6y 83d | 144 | 136 |
| Kane Williamson (NZ) | Australia | 29 Jun 2019 | 10 Aug 2010 | 8y 323d | 146 | 139 |
| Shikhar Dhawan (IND) | Sri Lanka | 18 Jul 2021 | 20 Oct 2010 | 10y 271d | 143 | 140 |
| Viv Richards (WI) | Pakistan | 7 Jan 1989 | 7 Jun 1975 | 13y 214d | 156 | 141 |
| Joe Root (ENG) | Sri Lanka | 29 Jun 2021 | 11 Jan 2013 | 8y 169d | 150 | 141 |
| Quinton De Kock (SA) | Australia | 9 Sep 2023 | 19 Jan 2013 | 10y 234d | 142 | 142 |
| Sourav Ganguly (IND) | Zimbabwe | 26 Oct 2000 | 11 Jan 1992 | 8y 289d | 152 | 147 |
| AB de Villiers (SA) | Pakistan | 11 Nov 2013 | 2 Feb 2005 | 8y 282d | 153 | 147 |
| Mathew Hayden (AUS) | India | 2 Mar 2008 | 19 May 1993 | 14y 288d | 160 | 154 |
| Brian Lara (WI) | Bangladesh | 9 Oct 1999 | 9 Nov 1990 | 8y 334d | 158 | 155 |
There are two Indian batters in the top four of this list. So let’s check.
5. Viv Richards (West Indies) – 141 innings
There are two batters who are joint-fifth fastest to achieve this mark. However, at no. 5 is the former West Indies captain and legendary batter, Sir Viv Richards. The right-hander was always known for his attacking batting, irrespective of the opposition. He was a major reason the West Indies won the 1979 ODI World Cup. Richards made his debut in June 1975 against Sri Lanka and it took 141 innings to complete 6000 ODI runs. In his career, he made 6721 runs in 167 innings, with 11 centuries and 45 fifties.
4. Shikhar Dhawan (India) – 140 innings
The fourth fastest batter to reach 6,000 ODI runs is veteran Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan. The left-hander has been exceptional for India in ODI cricket. He made his debut in October 2010 and it took him 140 innings to reach the 6000-run mark in ODIs. Dhawan has so far played 158 innings and made 6672 runs at an average of 45.08 and a strike rate of 91.78. He has also scored 17 centuries and 38 half-centuries.
3. Kane Williamson (New Zealand) – 139 innings
The New Zealand opener, Kane Williamson, is third on the list. Williamson is the third fastest, who took 139 innings to complete 6000 ODI runs in his career. The New Zealand skipper made his ODI debut in August 2010 against India at Dambulla. Since then, he has been the backbone of the batting lineup for New Zealand. In his career so far, Williamson has scored 6296 runs in 148 innings at an average of 46.98. He has also scored 13 centuries and 39 half-centuries.
2. Virat Kohli (India) – (136 innings)
There are not many batting records that you will find with Virat Kohli not featuring in them. The former Indian skipper is the second fastest player to score 6000 ODI runs in his career. Virat took only 136 innings to do so and has been the most consistent performer for India across all formats. He made his debut in August 2008 against Sri Lanka. So far, he has played 253 innings and scored 12344 runs at a brilliant average of 57.68. Virat has also scored 43 centuries and 64 half-centuries in his career.
1. Hashim Amla (South Africa) – 123 innings
Former South African captain Hashim Amla is the fastest batsman in ODI history to reach 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, and 7000 runs. That shows the consistency of the man over the years. Without a doubt, Amla was one of the best in history. He made his debut in an ODI against Bangladesh in March 2008. It took him just 123 innings to complete 6000 ODI runs. At the time of his retirement, Amla had 8113 in 178 innings, with 27 centuries and 39 half-centuries.