The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup is an event that showcases the brilliance of batsmen from around the globe. Throughout the history of the tournament, several cricketers have etched their names in the record books with exceptional run-scoring feats.
From Sachin Tendulkar’s awe-inspiring display in 2003 to Rohit Sharma’s record-breaking spree in 2019, we will explore the accomplishments of these remarkable batsmen.
Tendulkar’s exploits in 2003, where he topped the charts with a staggering 673 runs, demonstrated his ability to dominate bowlers with ease. Meanwhile, Matthew Hayden’s ferocious batting in 2007 propelled Australia to triumph, while Tillakaratne Dilshan’s stylish strokeplay lit up the 2011 World Cup.
In 2015, Martin Guptill made history with a mesmerizing knock, leaving a lasting impression on the tournament. Finally, we’ll delve into Rohit Sharma’s breathtaking campaign in 2019, as he captivated fans with five centuries, setting new standards of excellence.
These individuals not only enthralled cricket enthusiasts with their run-scoring prowess but also played vital roles in propelling their respective teams to the knockout stages or beyond. While some lifted the coveted trophy, others fell agonizingly close, but all of them left an indelible mark on the tournament’s history.
In this article, we will highlight the highest run-scorers in specific editions of the World Cup and delve into their remarkable performances on cricket’s grandest stage.
Sachin Tendulkar
The highest run-scorer in the 2003 Cricket World Cup was Sachin Tendulkar from India as well. He scored a remarkable 673 runs in the tournament, which included 11 matches. Tendulkar’s performance was truly outstanding, with an average of 61.18 and a strike rate of 89.25.
He scored a total of 1 century and 6 half-centuries in the tournament, including a crucial 98 against Pakistan in the group stage and a brilliant 97 against Sri Lanka in the Super Sixes stage. Despite Tendulkar’s heroics, India finished as runners-up in the tournament, losing to Australia in the final.
Matthew Hayden
The highest run-scorer in the 2007 Cricket World Cup was Matthew Hayden from Australia. He scored a total of 659 runs in the tournament, which included 11 matches. Hayden’s performance was exceptional, with an average of 73.22 and a strike rate of 101.85.
He scored 3 centuries and 1 half-century in the tournament. His highest score was an unbeaten 158 runs against West Indies in the group stage. Hayden played a crucial role in Australia’s successful campaign as they went on to win the tournament, defeating Sri Lanka in the final.
Tillakaratne Dilshan
The highest run-scorer in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup was Tillakaratne Dilshan from Sri Lanka. He scored a total of 500 runs in the tournament, which included 9 matches. Dilshan’s performance was impressive, with an average of 62.50 and a strike rate of 90.74.
He scored 2 centuries and 2 half-centuries in the tournament. His highest score was an unbeaten 161 runs against Zimbabwe in the group stage. Dilshan played a key role in Sri Lanka’s journey to the final, where they faced India. However, Sri Lanka fell short in the final, finishing as runners-up to India.
Martin Guptill
The highest run-scorer in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup was Martin Guptill from New Zealand. He scored a total of 547 runs in the tournament, which included 9 matches. Guptill’s performance was exceptional, with an average of 68.37 and a strike rate of 104.58.
He scored 2 centuries in the tournament, including a record-breaking knock of 237 not out against West Indies in the quarterfinals. This innings remains the highest individual score in World Cup history. Guptill played a crucial role in New Zealand’s journey to the final, where they faced Australia. Unfortunately, New Zealand finished as runners-up, losing to Australia in the final.
Rohit Sharma
The highest run-scorer in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup was Rohit Sharma from India. He scored a total of 648 runs in the tournament, which included 9 matches. Sharma’s performance was outstanding, with an average of 81.00 and a strike rate of 98.33. He scored 5 centuries in the tournament, becoming the first player to achieve this feat in a single World Cup edition.
Sharma’s highest score was 140 runs against Pakistan in the group stage. His remarkable batting display played a crucial role in India’s journey to the semifinals of the tournament. However, India was eliminated in the semifinals by New Zealand. Despite the team’s exit, Sharma’s individual performance was highly impressive.
