Cricket
ODI Chase Kings: Top 10 Batsmen with the Most Runs Scored While Chasing
One-day internationals were built on the exhilaration of big totals and big chases. SportsBoom looks at players of an iconic calibre who have scored the highest amount in ODI run chases.
Virat Kohli of India celebrates after scoring a century//Getty Images
Prior to the rise of the T20 format, ODI cricket was the epitome of excitement compared to the tactical, slower-paced Tests.
In matches taking place over 50 overs, the pressure of run chases at this level made one-day internationals truly stand out.
Anyone who saw South Africa and Australia’s legendary ‘438 game’ knows the emotion that toppling a score can evoke.
Run-chasing is not just about big hitting, but rather about adapting to pressure, conditions and shifts in the required rates.
Icons like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli excelled at hunting down totals and SportsBoom has listed the greatest of them.
Why Chasing is the Ultimate Test in ODIs
Compared to Test cricket, where batsmen are rated by their physical fortitude and mental ability during long stints at the crease, ODI cricket is different.
In one-day internationals, the limited overs format means batters need to score quickly but also maximise their time in the middle to assist their teams.
Scoreboard pressure is also a major aspect of ODIs, especially when the run rate climbs and the balance between runs and wickets is factored in.
The Elite List: Most Runs Scored in ODI Chases
Some of the best cricketers in ODI history are known for their exceptional run-scoring ability while chasing down targets.
SportsBoom has looked at which batters excelled at keeping their team in the match, even with scoreboard pressure high.
The Elite List: Most Runs Scored in ODI Chases
| Player Name | Team(s) | Runs Scored While Chasing |
| Sachin Tendulkar | India | 8,720 |
| Virat Kohli | India | 8,064 |
| Rohit Sharma | India | 6,191 |
| Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka/Asia | 5,742 |
| Jacques Kallis | South Africa/ICC | 5,575 |
| Chris Gayle | West Indies/ICC | 5,559 |
| Brian Lara | West Indies/ICC | 5,425 |
| Kumar Sangakarra | Sri Lanka/ICC/Asia | 5,400 |
| Sourav Ganguly | India/Asia | 5,231 |
| Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | 5,150 |
Data accurate as of April 14, 2025 - statistics subject to change
Spotlight on the ODI Chase Masters
Sachin Tendulkar
One of the most iconic names in cricket, the Indian top-order legend cultivated an enduring legacy as one of the greatest batsmen in history.
In 50-over cricket, Sachin Tendulkar’s run-chasing earned him the nickname ‘Master Blaster’, thanks to his unflappable approach to targets of any scale.
Almost half of his 18,000-plus runs for India in 50-over cricket - the most runs while chasing in ODIs, came while batting second, underpinning his technical brilliance.
Tendulkar is celebrated for his deep understanding of match conditions, his ability to adapt quickly and his unfazed nature in pressure situations.
The moment that perhaps defined this approach came during the 2003 World Cup, while chasing down an imposing 273 against Pakistan.
The Indian maestro contributed an iron-clad 98 from 75 balls - anchoring the innings and leaving his team with under 100 runs to make in 132 balls.
Although India fell in the final against a rampant Australia, Tendulkar was named the Player of the Series and was the tournament’s top run-scorer.
Virat Kohli
The iconic top-order batsman is known as ‘Chase Master’, a testament to his status as arguably the greatest modern-day striker of the ball.
While his temper may have been perceived as a negative, Virat Kohli is almost unmatched in his hunger for runs and general must-win attitude.
At the time of his full retirement from international cricket in 2024, he boasted an average of above 65 to stand atop ODI second-innings batting records.
Around half of the Indian super-striker’s 50-plus centuries in the format came while chasing targets, showing his value in high-pressure situations.
His status as one of the best finishers in ODI cricket came via an unbeaten 133 off 86 against Sri Lanka in the 2012 Commonwealth Bank Series.
Virat Kohli’s chasing record in 50-over cricket has often been attributed to his quick decision-making, adaptability and clinical shot-playing.
Rohit Sharma
Compared to some of his peers in the modern game, Rohit Sharma is somewhat understated due to his more refined batting style and more careful shot selection.
However, his presence and impact as an opening batsman, coupled with his leadership, made him a standout among batsmen with the most runs when chasing.
Often taking on the opening bowlers, whether for his IPL franchise or India, he excelled at laying the foundation but also shifted gears as the situation demanded.
Sharma’s exemplary average exceeding 60 when chasing totals in ODIs showcased his capacity for big innings and lengthy periods rooted at the crease.
An example of his consistency and temperament is his innings of 122* against South Africa in the 2019 World Cup, leading his country to a six-wicket victory.
Sanath Jayasuriya
Fearless is a word often used in conjunction with the legendary Sri Lankan opener, whose cricket run chase statistics are the greatest of non-Indian names on the list.
Taking a more aggressive approach compared to the prevalent cautious style of the time, his risk-taking marked him as one of the early examples of a pinch hitter.
Sanath Jayasuriya’s leadership was also a crucial aspect of his run-chasing ethos, being able to take up the reins and set the tone for Sri Lanka or Asia in ODI games.
Jacques Kallis
While his ODI runs scored while chasing might not be as prolific, the burly South African was a cornerstone of the Proteas - particularly when batting second.
Jacques Kallis usually took a more measured approach to his innings, with a solid technique based around striking fours and constantly rotating the strike.
Compared to batsmen with flashier, big-hitting styles, the middle-order batter’s average of above 45 while chasing totals was largely based on pacing himself well.
ODI Chase Masters: Key Observations
It’s worth noting that Indian batsmen have claimed the top three positions on this ranking, which is reflected in the dominance of the country on the international stage.
Interestingly, the list of top ODI run-chasers also includes opening batsmen and middle-order stars, showing the variance in the respective roles batters need to play.
When considering Sachin Tendulkar or any other names mentioned, what’s clear is that longevity is a crucial factor when accumulating high run tallies batting second.
Conclusion
Looking at the legends who have mastered the art of run-chasing, their skill, temperament and tactics are all standout factors.
In terms of successful run chase ODI statistics, the legacy of these icons remains relevant even as cricket moves into the modern age.
Knowing which players historically excel under the pressure of a run chase can provide valuable context when analysing live match odds and predicting outcomes.
Bruce Douglas has more than 12 years of experience in local news media. He has worked at all levels of print and online publication, from crime and politics to photography, newspaper layout, proofreading, mentoring, sub-editing, and leading a newsroom. He played numerous sports at the school level and enjoys keeping up to date.