Accumulating runs serves as an essential measure to assess a player's success in cricket. A batter's achievement of milestones not only shows his skills but also plays a role in boosting his overall batting average. Particularly in the fast-paced context of One Day International cricket, batting performances play a pivotal role, significantly influencing match outcomes.
Since the start of the ODI format in cricket, numerous players have played it. Among them, some have achieved remarkable success, while others have gradually faded away despite showing early promise. Some exceptionally talented players scored thefastest 2000 runs in ODIand made a promising start to their careers.
So, without wasting any time further, let's explore the top 5 batters who achieved this landmark.
Fastest 2000 Runs in ODI
The top 5 batters to score the quickest 2000 runs in this format are as follows:
| Batters | Team | Innings | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shubman Gill | India | 38 | 2023 |
| Hashim Amla | South Africa | 40 | 2011 |
| Zaheer Abbas | Pakistan | 45 | 1983 |
| Kevin Pietersen | England | 45 | 2007 |
| Babar Azam | Pakistan | 45 | 2018 |
Shubman Gill
India's dynamic opener, Shubman Gill, made history by surpassing Hashim Amla's record to become the quickest batsman to reach the 2000-run milestone in One Day Internationals.
This feat unfolded during India's World Cup 2023 encounter against New Zealand, with Gill's rapid achievement of the milestone playing a key role in India's pursuit of 273 runs in Dharamsala.
Gill made his ODI debut in 2019, and it took him 37 innings to achieve this milestone. He has played 44 matches for India and scored 2271 runs at an average of 61. His career includes 6 centuries and 13 fifties so far.
Hashim Amla
The legendary batter from South Africa, Hashim Amla, is no doubt one of the most fabulous cricketers that the cricketing world has ever witnessed. Amla achieved many records in his career, including the landmark of the fastest 2000 runs in ODI.
As one of the most prolific run-scorers in international cricket, he concluded his outstanding career by reaching the 2000 ODI runs mark in just 40 innings. Amla made his ODI debut in Chattogram against Bangladesh in March 2008.
His prowess in ODIs is undeniable, as evidenced by Amla's remarkable feat of being the fastest batter to reach milestones such as 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, and 7000 runs in ODIs. Amla scored a total of 8,113 ODI runs in 181 matches at an average close to 49.5, including 27 tons and 39 half-tons.
Zaheer Abbas
Known as the "Asian Bradman," Zaheer Abbas rose to prominence as a formidable batsman in his era. Cricket lovers worldwide fondly recall him as one of the greatest of all time, even today.
Zaheer Abbas initially held the title of being the fastest batter to cross 2000 runs, but Amla eventually surpassed his record. The stylish batsman achieved this feat in his 45th One Day International during a match against India in 1983.
Abbas marked his ODI debut against England in August 1974. Across 62 innings, he accumulated 2572 runs at an impressive average of 47.62, recording 7 centuries and 13 half-centuries during his career.
Kevin Pietersen
Kevin Pietersen, the veteran England cricketer, is also among the top 5 fastest players to reach 2000 runs in ODIs. The striking batter achieved this milestone in just 45 innings. Renowned for his aggressive style of play, Kevin Pietersen always relished dominating the opposition.
Pietersen marked his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in November 2004. During an ODI against West Indies in 2007, Pietersen equaled Zaheer Abbas' feat of being the fastest to score 2000 ODI runs.
Pietersen concluded his 50-over career with an impressive record. He accumulated 4,440 runs in 136 ODIs at an average of 40.73. He showcased his prowess with 9 centuries and 25 half-centuries in his career.
Babar Azam
Babar Azam stands out as one of the most reliable and top-performing batters in the present cricket landscape. His pivotal contributions have played a crucial role in Pakistan's victories in several memorable matches and tournaments. Despite facing a temporary dip in form, cricket fans continue to have unwavering confidence in his abilities.
He made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in 2015 and achieved the milestone of the fastest 2000 runs in ODI in just 45 innings. He secured the fifth spot among the fastest to reach this landmark. Remarkably, he currently holds records for being the fastest to reach both 3000 and 5000 runs in ODI cricket. Babar has made 117 appearances for Pakistan and scored 5729 runs at a remarkable average of 56.7.
Sum Up
After the international debut, many batters reached milestones and registered themselves in the annals of cricket history. One such landmark is the fastest 2000 runs in ODI format.
Shubman Gill tops the list, and he is the quickest batter to achieve this mark. He scored 2000 runs in just 37 innings. Before him, Hashim Amla held this record in 40 innings. The legendary player of Pakistan, Zaheer Abbas, secured the 3rd spot in this list. He reached 2000 runs in 45 innings.
Kevin Pietersen and Babar Azam are also among the top 5 batters in this regard. Both the batters took 45 innings to accomplish this landmark. Among the top 5 batters, 2 are from Pakistan. India, South Africa, and England have 1 player each on this list.
