Most Runs by Players in Cricket History (Tests+ODIs+T20Is)

By: Cricbites | October 25, 2025

Cricket is not just about centuries, records and trophies, it is also about consistency. A batsman’s greatness is often measured not just by how many centuries he has scored, but also by how regularly he scores half-centuries. After all, a half-century is the bedrock of any team’s innings! Why? Because that steady, balanced inning helps hold the fort, build partnerships and lay the platform for victory.

From the brilliance of Tendulkar to the consistency of Jonny, the players on this list have shown great adaptability across all formats. As of 2025, here are the top 10 players with the most half-centuries in international cricket history.

1. Sachin Tendulkar (India)

Span: 1989-2013
Matches: 664
Innings: 782
Runs: 34,357
Highest score: 248*
Average: 48.52
100/50: 100/164
Strike rate: 67.58

It is almost poetic that the man known as the “God of Cricket” has topped yet another record list. Sachin Tendulkar’s statistics are a monument to his genius. In a career spanning 24 years, he scored 264 or more half-centuries, an unparalleled display of consistency. It was not just his shot-making that made Tendulkar special, but his ability to adapt that made him special. He conquered every format, every country and every generation of bowlers.

2. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)

Span: 2000-2015
Matches: 594
Innings: 666
Runs: 28,016
Highest score: 319
Average: 46.77
100/50: 63/153
Strike rate: 66.56

Beauty, intelligence and consistency Kumar had it all. The Sri Lankan legend was not just a brilliant run-scorer; he was his team’s main man for over 15 years. With 216 scores of 50 or more, Sangakkara ranks among cricket’s most complete batsmen. Whether facing pace in South Africa or spin in India, Sangakkara’s technique was pure artistry. He had a rare blend of style and steel. He also remained a wicketkeeper for most of his career, which adds further weight to his achievement.

3. Virat Kohli (India)

Span: 2008-2025
Matches: 551
Innings: 618
Runs: 27,599
Highest score: 254*
Average: 52.17
100/50: 82/143
Strike rate: 79.16

When you think of the greats of modern times, Virat Kohli’s name comes first. With 225 fifties, he is a stunning testament to his class. What sets Kohli apart is his hunger. Even after spending more than 17 years in international cricket, his desire to score runs remains as intense as ever. His ability to chase scores under pressure, especially in ODIs, is the stuff of legends.

4. Ricky Ponting (Australia)

Span: 1995-2012
Matches: 560
Innings: 668
Runs: 27,483
Highest score: 257
Average: 45.95
100/50: 71/146
Strike rate: 68.48

Few batsmen in cricket history have combined aggression and control like Ricky Ponting. The Australian legend not only led one of the most dominant teams but also scored runs at a blistering pace. His 217 scores of 50 or more show his consistency. Ponting was known for his powerful pull shots, footwork and unrivaled competitiveness. Whether batting in difficult conditions or during high-pressure finals, he always stood tall.

5. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka)

Span: 1997-2015
Matches: 652
Innings: 725
Runs: 25,957
Highest score: 374
Average: 39.15
100/50: 54/136
Strike rate: 64.73

Beautiful and composed, Mahela Jayawardene was a master of timing and placement. His batting was not just about power but about elegance and intelligence. With fifty scores of 190 or more, he was Sri Lanka’s rock for almost two decades. His record-breaking 624-run partnership with Sangakkara in Tests is one of cricket’s most iconic feats.

Also Read: Top 12 Tallest Cricketers in Cricket History (2025 List)

6. Jacques Kallis (South Africa)

Span: 1995-2014
Matches: 519
Innings: 617
Runs: 25,534
Highest score: 224
Average: 49.10
100/50: 62/149
Strike rate: 56.30

If there was a definition of a “complete cricketer” in cricket, it would be this: Jacques Kallis. The South African legend’s statistics are astonishing and not just with the bat but also as one of the greatest all-rounders of all time. His 211 or so half-centuries show how reliable he was. Kallis was the ultimate team man with a strong defence and a strong mental health.

7. Rahul Dravid (India)

Span: 1996-2012
Matches: 509
Innings: 605
Runs: 24,208
Highest score: 270
Average: 45.41
100/50: 48/146
Strike rate: 51.98

Nicknamed “The Wall”, Rahul Dravid was a perfect example of patience and discipline. His fifty scores of 194 or above are a reflection of his ability to weather any storm. He was not the flashiest, but he was the most reliable. Dravid’s defensive technique was textbook perfection. But beyond the statistics, it was his temperament that stood out.

8. Brian Lara (West Indies)

Span: 1990-2007
Matches: 430
Innings: 521
Runs: 22,358
Highest score: 400*
Average: 46.28
100/50: 53/111
Strike rate: 68.08

When Brian Charles Lara batted, it was like watching poetry in motion. This talented left-handed batsman was one of the most stylish and aggressive players the game has ever seen. His 164 or so half-centuries proved that flair and consistency can go hand in hand. Especially against Australia, he often turned frustrating situations into memorable victories. Few could match his stroke play or his love for big scores.

9. Joe Root (England)

Span: 2012-2025
Matches: 373
Innings: 490
Runs: 21,737
Highest score: 262
Average: 49.74
100/50: 58/114
Strike rate: 66.71

In the modern era, Joe Root stands tall as England’s batting mainstay. Calm, composed and consistent, Root has scored 172 or more half-centuries, and he’s still going strong. His ability to play long innings, especially in Tests, has been vital for England. Root’s balance at the crease, his wrist flick and mental composure make him one of the best batsmen of this era. With a few more years left in his career, he’s ready to challenge some of the all-time greats on this list.

10. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)

Span: 1989-2011
Matches: 586
Innings: 651
Runs: 21,032
Highest score: 340
Average: 34.14
100/50: 42/103
Strike rate: 81.17

Few players have revolutionized the game like Sanath Jayasuriya. In the 1990s, he redefined how openers entered ODI cricket. With 156 or more half-centuries, Jayasuriya’s figures are incredible considering his aggressive style. His fearless batting helped Sri Lanka win the 1996 World Cup and changed the DNA of limited-overs cricket forever.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why is a fifty-century considered such an important batting milestone?

Fifty centuries don’t often get the same attention as hundreds, but they are a true measure of consistency. Scoring 50 runs means you’ve faced the new ball, adjusted to the conditions and given your team a strong platform. Many match-winning innings start with a strong fifty.

Q2. Who has the best conversion rate from fifties to hundreds?

Among the modern greats, Virat Kohli has the best conversion rate. He often converts starts into centuries, especially in ODIs.

Q3. Which format has contributed the most to these players’ half-centuries?

Test and ODI cricket have been the main contributors to most of the batsmen on this list. Test cricket gives players time to settle in and build innings, while ODIs require adaptability.