Top 10 Players with the Most Runs in the First Innings of ODIs

In One Day Internationals (ODIs), batting first comes with pressure. The ability to set a big total and give your team an advantage needs composure, technique, and consistency. Over the years, a few players have stood out in this regard. This list features the Players with the most runs in the first innings of ODIs, showcasing the greatest match-setters the game has seen.

Let’s count down from 10 to 1 and revisit the remarkable achievements of these legendary batters who changed the course of matches with their first innings brilliance.

List of Top 10 Players with the Most Runs in the First Innings of ODIs

10. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli, India’s batting superstar, is the only active player on this list and has already made an enormous mark. Known for his passion, focus, and unmatched consistency, Kohli has scored 6117 runs in first innings ODIs. His ability to pace an innings, chase records, and handle pressure makes him one of the best in cricket history. He’s already registered 23 centuries and 33 fifties, all while maintaining a stellar average. Kohli is far from done and is likely to climb even higher.

The Players with the most runs in the first innings of ODIs list wouldn’t be complete without Kohli’s name, and his record is only growing stronger with time.

Matches (1st Innings)	Runs	Highest Score	100s/50s	Average
130	6117	166*	23/33	51.40

9. Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly was one of the most fearless openers in ODI history. His off-side play, aggressive mindset, and ability to take control of the innings made him a special player. Ganguly scored 6132 runs in the first innings, often setting India up for strong totals. His knock of 183 against Sri Lanka remains iconic. With 15 hundreds and 35 fifties, Ganguly’s legacy is etched in golden letters.

When discussing Players with the most runs in the first innings of ODIs, Ganguly’s contributions as a top-order batter and captain stand out.

Matches (1st Innings)	Runs	Highest Score	100s/50s	Average
152	6132	183	15/35	42.58

8. Tillakaratne Dilshan

Sri Lanka’s Tillakaratne Dilshan was an aggressive and creative opener. Famous for inventing the ‘Dilscoop’, he added flair to the format. Dilshan scored 6186 runs in 187 first innings, including 11 centuries and 32 fifties. His attacking playstyle often gave Sri Lanka a rapid start, changing the momentum early in the match.

Among the Players with the most runs in the first innings of ODIs, Dilshan stands out for his unorthodox methods and ability to entertain.

Matches (1st Innings)	Runs	Highest Score	100s/50s	Average
187	6186	161*	11/32	36.60

7. Rahul Dravid

Rahul Dravid brought balance and patience to India’s ODI side. His steady approach in the first innings helped his team lay a foundation. With 6202 runs in 165 first innings, including 9 centuries and 48 fifties, Dravid was often the glue that held the batting together. His intelligence and calmness under pressure were crucial in high-stakes matches.

As one of the Players with the most runs in the first innings of ODIs, Dravid proved that elegance and discipline win matches too.

Matches (1st Innings)	Runs	Highest Score	100s/50s	Average
165	6202	153	9/48	42.77

6. Inzamam-ul-Haq

Inzamam-ul-Haq was Pakistan’s most reliable batter in pressure situations. He scored 6943 runs in first innings ODIs, often rescuing the team from difficult situations. Inzamam wasn’t flashy but was incredibly effective. He recorded 6 centuries and 53 fifties, making him a pillar of Pakistan’s batting lineup.

His contribution among Players with the most runs in the first innings of ODIs highlights his consistency and strength in high-pressure scenarios.

Matches (1st Innings)	Runs	Highest Score	100s/50s	Average
199	6943	137*	6/53	38.57

5. Mahela Jayawardene

Mahela Jayawardene was the calm strategist of Sri Lanka. He had an eye for building innings and guiding his team to stability. With 7500 runs in 242 first innings, Jayawardene’s leadership and shot selection set him apart. He had 13 centuries and 49 half-centuries, often stepping up in critical matches.

Jayawardene deserves his place among the Players with the most runs in the first innings of ODIs for his game sense and consistency.

Matches (1st Innings)	Runs	Highest Score	100s/50s	Average
242	7500	144	13/49	32.33

4. Sanath Jayasuriya

Sanath Jayasuriya changed the way ODI cricket was played. He brought aggression right from the start and smashed bowling attacks in the powerplay. With 7688 runs in 223 first innings, 18 hundreds, and 38 fifties, Jayasuriya gave Sri Lanka the edge in many matches. His iconic 189 vs India is still remembered.

Among the Players with the most runs in the first innings of ODIs, Jayasuriya was the most explosive, redefining how openers approached the game.

Matches (1st Innings)	Runs	Highest Score	100s/50s	Average
223	7688	189	18/38	34.95

3. Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting was a legend for Australia, leading from the front with the bat. In the first innings, he often set the pace and built big scores. Ponting made 8630 runs in 212 first innings with 22 centuries and 50 half-centuries. His pull shots and leadership added to his aura.

Ponting’s legacy as one of the Players with the most runs in the first innings of ODIs shows how vital his batting was in Australia’s dominance.

Matches (1st Innings)	Runs	Highest Score	100s/50s	Average
212	8630	164	22/50	42.10

2. Kumar Sangakkara

Kumar Sangakkara blended elegance with effectiveness. He was Sri Lanka’s most consistent batter, making 8834 runs in 219 first innings. His ability to rotate strike and find gaps made him unstoppable. With 18 centuries and 60 fifties, he helped his team reach solid positions again and again.

Sangakkara’s name is always present when we talk about the Players with the most runs in the first innings of ODIs, thanks to his class and longevity.

Matches (1st Innings)	Runs	Highest Score	100s/50s	Average
219	8834	169	18/60	43.09

1. Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar sits at the top of the list with a staggering 9706 runs in first innings ODIs. His ability to dominate any bowling attack, across continents and formats, made him the heart of Indian cricket. With 32 centuries and 44 fifties, Tendulkar gave India a rock-solid platform time and time again.

The top name among the Players with the most runs in the first innings of ODIs, Tendulkar’s record stands tall as a symbol of excellence, dedication, and brilliance.

Matches (1st Innings)	Runs	Highest Score	100s/50s	Average
220	9706	200*	32/44	47.35

READ MORE:

• Top 10 Players with 2000 Runs Scoring a Pair in Test Cricket
• Top 5 Cricketers Who Scored 100 and 200 in the Same Test Match: Unbelievable Records

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