Personal records hold immense importance for a batsman in cricket. They serve as a yardstick to measure one's consistency, growth, and overall performance.
Personal milestones, such as centuries and half-centuries, boost a player's confidence and contribute significantly to team victories. Records also help players set targets, motivating them to improve their skills continually.
Additionally, personal records can lead to recognition, awards, and lucrative contracts, further motivating cricketers to excel.
Beyond individual accolades, personal records contribute to a batsman's legacy, earning them a place in cricketing history and the hearts of fans who cherish their remarkable achievements.
Here is a list of 5 batsmen who were the fastest to reach 5000 runs in their ODI careers. Cricket betting sites have all kinds of betting markets with them.
1) Babar Azam – 97 Innings
Pakistan captain Babar Azam has become the fastest player to reach 5,000 runs in ODI cricket. He achieved the feat in just 97 innings, breaking the previous record held by South Africa's Hashim Amla, who reached the 5000-run mark in 101 innings.
Azam's achievement is a testament to his incredible talent and consistency. He has been one of the most consistent batsmen in the world in recent years, and he is currently ranked as the No. 1 batsman in the ICC ODI rankings.
Overall, Babar has scored 5409 runs in 108 ODIs at an average of 58.2 and a strike rate of 89.1. His career also includes 19 hundreds and 28 fifties.
2) Hashim Amla – 101 Innings
In March 2023, Hashim Amla became the fastest player to reach 5,000 runs in ODI cricket. He achieved the feat in just 101 innings, surpassing the previous record held by Viv Richards, who reached the milestone in 114 innings.
Amla finished his ODI career with 8113 runs at an average of 49.5, including 27 centuries and 39 fifties. He is the second-highest run-scorer for South Africa in ODIs, behind only Jacques Kallis.
3) Vivian Richards – 114 Innings
Sir Vivian Richards, the cricketing legend from the West Indies, achieved a remarkable feat when he reached 5000 runs in ODIs in just 114 innings.
Known for his explosive batting style and sheer dominance on the field, Richards set a standard of consistency and excellence that few have matched. His ability to score runs at such a rapid pace was a testament to his extraordinary talent.
Richards remains an iconic figure in the world of cricket and overall, he scored 6721 runs in 187 innings at an average of 47 and a strike rate of 90.2. His career also includes 11 hundred and 45 fifties.
4) Virat Kohli – 114 Innings
Virat Kohli achieved a milestone that mirrored the greatness of Sir Vivian Richards when he reached 5000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs) in just 114 innings.
This incredible feat showcases Kohli's unwavering consistency and insatiable hunger for runs. His exceptional ability to master all conditions and adapt to various challenges makes him a cricketing phenomenon.
Kohli's record-breaking journey in ODIs has solidified his status as one of the finest batsmen in the game's history. Overall, Kohli has scored 130083 runs in 281 ODIs at an average of 57.4 and a strike rate of 93.8.
5) David Warner – 115 Innings
David Warner, the explosive Australian opener, etched his name in cricketing history by reaching 5,000 runs in ODIs in just 115 innings.
Known for his aggressive style of play, Warner's remarkable achievement underlines his prowess as a formidable batsman.
His ability to score runs consistently and provide explosive starts to his team has been instrumental in Australia's ODI success. Warner's record-breaking journey reflects his dedication and skill in the limited-overs format.
