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Women’s cricket has truly evolved over the past two decades, and One Day Internationals (ODI) have played a significant role in shaping this rise.

Women’s cricket has truly evolved over the past two decades, and One Day Internationals (ODI) have played a significant role in shaping this rise. In the ODI format, consistency, technique and temperament determine greatness. Generation after generation, many legendary batsmen have left a legacy through their run-scoring prowess.
In this blog, we will explore the top 8 highest run-scorers in women’s ODI cricket. In this, we will analyse their achievements, batting style and contribution to the game. And also understand how their excellence helped shape modern women’s cricket.
| Rank | Player | Matches (M) | Innings (Inns) | Not Out (NO) | Runs | Highest Score (HS) | Average (Avge) | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mithali Raj (India) | 203 | 183 | 52 | 6720 | 125* | 51.29 | 7 | 52 |
| 2 | Charlotte Edwards (England) | 191 | 180 | 23 | 5992 | 173* | 38.16 | 9 | 46 |
| 3 | Belinda Clark (Australia) | 118 | 114 | 12 | 4844 | 229* | 47.49 | 5 | 30 |
| 4 | Karen Rolton (Australia) | 141 | 132 | 32 | 4814 | 154* | 48.14 | 8 | 33 |
| 5 | Stafanie Taylor (West Indies) | 117 | 115 | 14 | 4442 | 171 | 43.98 | 5 | 33 |
| 6 | Suzie Bates (New Zealand) | 121 | 115 | 12 | 4392 | 168 | 42.64 | 10 | 25 |
| 7 | Sarah Taylor (England) | 126 | 120 | 18 | 4101 | 156* | 40.20 | 8 | 23 |
| 8 | Debbie Hockley (New Zealand) | 118 | 115 | 18 | 4066 | 117 | 41.91 | 4 | 34 |
Mithali Raj tops the list with 6720 runs and it is a record that has stood strong for years. Known for her calm demeanor and good batting style, she has propelled India’s batting unit for generations. Her consistency, talent and leadership inspired millions and laid the foundation for India’s rise in women’s cricket.
A prolific run-scorer and former England captain, Charlotte Edwards was the driving force behind many of England’s victories. Her stroke play, athletic running between the wickets and ability to perform under pressure made her one of the greatest ODI batsmen of all time.
Before the modern era boom, Belinda Clarke was a beacon for women’s cricket. Her record-breaking 229 is the highest individual score in women’s ODI history. In short, she set new standards for dominance. Her aggressive yet classical batting approach influenced an entire generation of Australian cricketers.
Known for his composure, Rolton was one of the most reliable batsmen in world cricket. With an average of 48.14, he ranks among the most consistent batsmen in ODI history. His ability to strengthen the innings and increase the pace when needed played a key role. And he especially helped shape Australia’s world-class batting lineup.
Representing the West Indies, Stafanie Taylor redefined all-round excellence. With 4442 runs, she also contributed immensely with the ball. Her aggressive intent and match-winning innings earned her the title of the greatest Caribbean women’s cricketer of all time.
Suzie Bates is the most complete ODI opener in women’s cricket ever. With 10 centuries, she has the most centuries among the top 8 players. Her aggressive mindset, fitness and shot selection have made her a nightmare for bowlers in all conditions.
England’s Sarah Taylor revolutionised wicket-keeping in women’s cricket. But her batting achievements are equally remarkable. Elegant, fearless and innovative, she scored 4101 runs and often changed the pace of matches with her rapid scoring rate.
Debbie Hockley’s role in elevating New Zealand women’s cricket is historic. Her ODI journey from the early days of women’s cricket to modern professionalism inspired thousands. Her consistency and shot-making ability helped shape New Zealand’s international success.
In recent years, women’s ODI cricket has gained global recognition, stadiums are packed and sponsorship is also on the rise. Younger fans are now following the game with as much enthusiasm as men’s cricket. And, leagues like the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) have strengthened the player base. As visibility increases, more talented batsmen are emerging. And this means that many records could be challenged and even rewritten in future ODI seasons.
These eight players didn’t just score runs, they changed the way women’s cricket was viewed around the world. They captivated a global audience, inspired today’s stars like Alyssa Healy. They were joined by players like Harmanpreet Kaur and Laura Wolvaardt, and helped bring funding and visibility to the women’s game.
Their careers prove that women’s cricket has never been short of talent, all it needed was a platform. Today, that platform is bigger than ever, thanks to the legacy created by these icons.
Read More: Most Runs by Players in Cricket History (Tests+ODIs+T20Is)
The journey of women’s ODI cricket has been shaped by extraordinary talent, passion and resilience. These eight monumental run-scorers did more than just add up the numbers as they proved that women’s sports can take to the world’s biggest stages. As women’s cricket moves towards bigger global tournaments, and television presence increases. These run-scoring records will continue to evolve, but the legacy of these legends will always remain.
The record for scoring the most runs in women’s ODI cricket is held by Mithali Raj (India), who has scored 6720 runs in 203 matches and has an average of 51.29.
This record is held by Belinda Clarke (Australia), who scored 229 runs against Denmark* in 1997. This is a landmark that remains untouched even in 2025.
Suzie Bates (New Zealand) leads the way with 10 ODI centuries, more than any other batsman on the list of highest run-scorers.
Both Australia and England have a number of players in their teams, reflecting their strong domestic structure and the early development of women’s cricket.
A high batting average indicates consistency! The ability of a batsman to score regular runs and remain unbeaten under pressure. In ODI cricket, consistency often defines victory.
